Sanofi begins 'full pipeline reprioritization' with layoffs in tow, R&D chief tells staff

Five months after setting out a controversial new vision for the company, Sanofi's executives have begun informing employees who will be losing their jobs as a result, Fierce Biotech has learned.

About 230 words into what appeared to be an inspiring email to staff setting out Sanofi's ambitions—to build “an immunoscience powerhouse, set to accelerate launches and transform the practice of medicine”—the French pharma's head of R&D Houman Ashrafian, Ph.D., turned to the business at hand: “a simplified R&D structure,” futureproofing and layoffs.