Dualitas Therapeutics, Inc.

Sanofi announced Thursday that Houman Ashrafian will become head of R&D effective September 11, filling a position vacated by John Reed earlier this year. Houman joins the drugmaker from equity and venture capital investment platform SV Health Investors, where he is managing partner, having previously co-founded biotechs including Alchemab Therpeutics, Dualitas, Enara Bio, Mestag Therpeutics, Sitryx and Trex Bio.Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi, remarked that Ashrafian "brings a wealth of expertise as a scientist and in bringing high value transformational medicines from discovery to market." Prior to SV Health Investors, Ashrafian served as head of UCB's clinical science group with a main focus on precision medicine strategies and early clinical activities across the R&D portfolio.Sanofi noted that Ashrafian will be responsible for bolstering the company's strategy to develop first or best-in-class medicines and growing the momentum of its pipeline. Ashrafian commented "it is a great moment to join Sanofi," adding that the company's "strategy will continue to crystallise value through what I see as a single unified R&D organisation with hubs in France/EU & US and sites across the world."The drugmaker also said Thursday that Madeleine Roach will take up the newly-created role of become head of business operations, effective October 1, with Emmanuel Frenehard appointed chief digital officer, effective immediately. Meanwhile, Bill Sibold, head of the specialty care unit will leave to pursue an external opportunity, with Brian Foard taking over on an interim basis. Sanofi indicated that an internal and external search has already started to identify Sibold's successor.Hudson noted that "these new appointments, a healthy mix of internal promotions and a newcomer to Sanofi, bring three highly qualified global leaders with new insights and world-class expertise in their field."More to come.