Sanofi appoints Manuela Buxo to lead its booming Specialty Care division

Sanofi has named Manuela Buxo as the new head of its Specialty Care Global Business Unit. She will take over from Brian Foard, who is departing the company on 28 February 2026. The leadership change comes as the unit continues to expand key treatments like Dupixent.

Brian Foard joined Sanofi in 2017 and held multiple senior roles, most recently leading Specialty Care. Under his leadership, the division strengthened its global position with major drug launches, including Dupixent. Since its 2017 introduction, Dupixent has grown into a blockbuster treatment, reaching over $13 billion in global sales by 2025. It dominates the atopic eczema market with a 40-50% share and expanded into asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, and paediatric dermatitis. Approvals followed for conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome (USA, 2022), eosinophilic oesophagitis (EU/USA, 2022–2024), and COPD (USA/EU, 2024).

Olivier Charmeil, Sanofi's interim CEO, thanked Foard for his contributions and expressed confidence in Buxo's ability to maintain progress. Buxo currently leads Sanofi's Global Immunology Alliance Franchise and has been instrumental in Dupixent's worldwide growth. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, she brings deep operational knowledge of the Specialty Care division.

Her appointment takes effect on 1 March 2026. In her new role, Buxo will oversee the business unit and join Sanofi's Executive Committee. The company has emphasised its commitment to continuity and advancing Specialty Care priorities during the transition.

Buxo's leadership will begin as Sanofi aims to sustain growth in its Specialty Care portfolio. Dupixent remains a cornerstone of the division, with ongoing expansions into new therapeutic areas. The company has reaffirmed its focus on seamless operations during the handover.