Sanofi's Oncology Biz Struggles Bring Layoffs

Feb. 12, 2015

Sanofi is shrinking its oncology business and folding it into the Genzyme unit, a move which involves eliminating 100 R&D jobs in Massachusetts.

Sanofi had been hopeful that the cancer research unit, created six years ago, would renew its oncology business line, but core business has not increased.

The cancer unit was created shortly after former CEO Chris Viehbacher was hired in 2008, and as a crucial step in the drug maker's transformation. Viehbacher was fired last October, the board citing its displeasure with his "uncommunicative management style.

The Sanofi Genzyme unit R&D will now focus on rare diseases and neuro-immunology.

Read the WSJ article