AstraZeneca is shaking up its global R&D efforts [1], planning to slash some 300 research positions at a major complex in the U.K. The axe will fall at Alderley Park, the company's largest research hub with more than 3,500 workers. News of the cuts comes as AstraZeneca advances plans to concentrate its R&D work on programs with the biggest commercial expectations and patient benefits.
"We understand that people will be concerned and we recognize the anxiety that this will cause employees, their families and the local community," said Rodger McMillan, R&D site leader at Alderley Park. "We have communicated to our staff a series of business decisions that we believe are in the long-term interests of our organization and our site here in the northwest."
- check out the report [2] from the Manchester Evening News
ALSO: Meditrina Pharmaceuticals has completed a global licensing agreement to make, develop and commercialize products under AstraZeneca's IP and know-how regarding the use of aromatase inhibitors in combination with estrogen and progestin to treat endometriosis. Release [3]
Related Articles:
AstraZeneca - Top 5 layoffs of 2007. Report [1]
Big Pharma brings home the cash, slices payroll. Report [4]
AstraZeneca lays out road map for recovery. Report [5]
AstraZeneca touts biologics pipeline. Report [6]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/special-reports/2-astrazeneca
[2] http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1035295_astrazeneca_reveals_rd_cuts
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/meditrina-pharmaceuticals-inc-announces-exclusive-global-license-agreement-astrazen-0
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/big-pharma-brings-home-cash-slices-payroll/2007-07-24
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/astrazeneca-lays-out-road-map-for-recovery/2006-06-08
[6] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/az-touts-biologics-pipeline/2007-12-07