Merck to slash more than 100 R&D jobs from French site

While Merck announced it was spending a few hundred million on an early-stage biotech this morning, we have now learned that it is also shuttering an R&D site in Riom in the heart of France.

The U.S. Big Pharma is shutting down the research and manufacturing site, which has seen its use lessen over the years. It has a focus on antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and vaccine work.   

“The number of toxicology studies entrusted to the research center has considerably decreased in recent years,” according to a report by French newspaper La Montagne and later confirmed to FierceBiotech, “whose volume no longer makes it possible to ensure optimal use of the center’s capacity.”

The research center currently has 106 employees who will be let go, with another 100 going from its manufacturing side. Merck added that it may look to sell the site off.