Christopher Viehbacher, chief executive officer of sanofi-aventis, became chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America upon the resignation of Jeffrey B. Kindler of Pfizer.
In assuming the chairmanship of PhRMA, Viehbacher outlined priorities for the industry.
“As an industry, we will continue putting patients first by delivering innovative, difference making medicines that address unmet medical needs,” said Viehbacher. “Given the increased prevalence and costs of chronic disease, our industry needs to work with other healthcare stakeholders to encourage the prevention and better management of chronic disease.”
“Chronic disease gives rise to 75 percent of our national health care spend. I look forward to working with my PhRMA colleagues and with others across the health system to advance policies that recognize the strategic importance of our industry in terms of better health for patients, economic growth and jobs,” said Viehbacher.
“Under Chris Viehbacher’s leadership, we will continue to work for sound policies that bring the benefits of medical innovation to patients, reward investment in R&D, help create jobs and promote economic growth in the U.S.,” said PhRMA President and CEO John J. Castellani. “Chris has been a vocal champion for better prevention and treatment of chronic disease – the true driver of rising health care costs. We look forward to working with him on this and many other challenges in the year ahead.”
“We also thank Jeff Kindler for his steady guidance and vision during a challenging period for our sector. Jeff helped navigate us through the passage and implementation of health care reform, in the process strengthening Medicare Part D and expanding coverage to millions of Americans in need. We wish him the very best going forward.”
