Novartis chief to lead UN antibioterror unit

The United Nations has announced plans to establish a dedicated department to confront the threat of bioterrorism with the appointment of Switzerland-based drug major Novartis' chief executive to head the project.

Daniel Vasella, who has been in charge of Novartis since the group's formation in 1996 via merger, will not be required to give up his private sector position. The new bioterrorism group currently operates as part of other UN security-related departments. The new entity aims to employ security experts from all parts of the globe.

UN sources told UK magazine The Business that the new bioterrorism section "will be operational by the end of the year." Novartis declined to comment on the news.