Christopher Viehbacher, CEO of sanofi-aventis, has taken over from Jeffrey Kindler to become chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

On assuming the position, the new chairman said that the pharma industry needs to work with other healthcare stakeholders to encourage the prevention and better management of chronic disease.

He added: “Chronic disease gives rise to 75% 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 recognise the strategic importance of our industry in terms of better health for patients, economic growth and jobs.”

PhRMA President and CEO John J. Castellani thanked Jeffrey Kindler for his leadership during a “challenging period” for the sector, which included the implementation of health care reform.

“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 US,” said 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.”