Sanofi CEO concerned about VC drought and NIH funding for 'new ideas'

When the AP asked him about the biggest hurdles facing his company and business, Sanofi CEO Chris Viehbacher was not at a loss for words. And the head of the French drug giant emphasized the need for continued NIH funding of early research and giving the FDA the support it needs to conduct business. "It's never been the case that science has been so promising in terms of what it can do for increased health," he told the AP. "People are really starting to understand causes of disease, understanding the genomics behind this...But at the same time, it has never been more difficult to fund a new idea." Viehbacher also joined the chorus of life sciences executives who are concerned about the health of venture capital investments in their industry. Item