Chutes & Ladders: Cluzel to lead Sanofi research

The shakeup at Sanofi-Aventis triggered by the decision of Jean-François Dehecq to step down as CEO will lead to the appointment of Marc Cluzel as head of research, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Gérard Le Fur is slated to take the CEO post as Dehecq remains chairman for three years. As number two in the research department, Cluzel has overseen much of the development of the obesity drug Acomplia, which is awaiting final action by the FDA. Sanofi now has 18 programs in late-stage development.

- here's the report on the personnel moves from The Wall Street Journal (sub req)

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