Belén Garijo, previously head of Merck's pharmaceuticals division, will become Sanofi's next CEO, the company announced. This leadership change follows Sanofi's recent struggles with drug development and regulatory hurdles. Garijo's appointment signals a push for increased rigour in R&D processes and portfolio management.

Analysts expect her background in large-scale drug commercialization to help Sanofi streamline operations and accelerate pipeline projects. The move comes amid intense competition in the biotech sector and mounting pressure on Big Pharma to deliver breakthrough therapies. Garijo's immediate focus will be on restoring investor confidence and navigating complex regulatory landscapes in key markets like the US and Europe.