At the CED Life Sciences Conference this week, Sanofi CEO Chris Viehbacher said that researchers who work for big pharma tend to be the least innovative, reports Pharmalot's Ed Silverman. The best scientists, Viehbacher said, work for small biotechs — that's why Sanofi is reducing its internal research capacity and partnering with outside companies, biotechs, and universities to get R&D done. "The reality is the best people who have great ideas in science don’t want to work for a big company. They want to create their own company," Viehbacher added. "So, in other words, if you want to work with the best people, you’re going to have go outside your own company and work with those people."
Silverman says Viehbacher is trying to justify Sanofi's recent job cuts by saying that the company's scientists aren't the best. "We wonder how this will boost morale among Sanofi scientists. Probably not by much," Silverman adds. "But those who are truly insightful will find a way to start their own operation or sign on with a biotech somewhere, proving his point, yes?”