Merck’s big plans for its R&D efforts on both coasts mean it will close an operation in Pennsylvania, costing some jobs there and in New Jersey while adding jobs elsewhere.
The Kenilworth, NJ-based drugmaker today confirmed a report by the In The Pipeline blog about its plans. In an email, the company said Merck Research Laboratories intends to boost its investment in ”exploratory biology,” specifically in Cambridge, MA, and the San Francisco Bay area.
“Unfortunately, these changes will result in workforce reductions at our Kenilworth and Rahway, N.J. sites and our North Wales, Pa. screening facility as we shift resources and personnel,” the company said.
Merck isn’t providing any specific numbers on what the move will mean for jobs at each operation, but it anticipates that it’ll affect less than 10% of discovery, preclinical and early development personnel, including through both separations and employee moves.
The expansion includes new labs in Cambridge that it expects to open late this year. There will also be an interim facility in South San Francisco opening late this year, with about 100 scientists expected to be recruited there. Merck’s looking for a long-term site in that area.
By Eric Palmer
Source: Fierce Pharma
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