Sanofi has appointed Dr Yong-Jun Liu as head of research, global research and development, which he will commence from 1 April.
In his new role, Dr Liu will be responsible for all of the Paris-based pharmaceutical company’s research and will be tasked with delivering innovative and high-value medicines.
Reporting to Dr Elias Zerhouni, president of global research and development at Sanofi, Dr Liu will work with the senior leadership team to build up the firm’s research and development division to perform on both internal and external platforms.
Dr Zerhouni said: “Yong-Jun will play a pivotal role in shaping a visionary R&D strategy for Sanofi and rejuvenating the company’s early-stage pipeline.
“His world-class experience in immunology, oncology and translational medicine will be vital assets as Sanofi sets its sights on scientific excellence and innovation across its therapeutic areas.”
Dr Liu has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and at leading medical research centres, including Schering-Plough and the University of Texas’ Cancer Immunology Research Institute.
He joined the Baylor Research Institute as vice president and chief scientific officer as well as director of its Institute for Immunology Research in 2011. In January 2014, Dr Liu was appointed head of research at MedImmune, his most recent position.
Dr Olivier Brandicourt, Sanofi’s chief executive officer, said: “I have great confidence that Yong-Jun will position Sanofi on the leading edge of scientific breakthroughs and drug discovery in the years ahead.”