GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) is cutting another 850 jobs related to research and development, including an unspecified number at its campus in the Triangle.
The cuts announced Tuesday represent some 6 percent of the R&D team of approximately 15,000 workers at the international drug giant.
GSK cut some 350 R&D-related positions earlier this summer.
“Following a recent review of business operations, we have started consultation on proposals which could impact 850 roles within R&D in the UK and the US,” the company said in an e-mailed statement to media outlets. “It has been difficult to arrive at these proposals, but we believe these changes are necessary as part of GSK’s longer-term strategy to ensure that we can invest in key areas of future growth and evolve our business to compete effectively in what is a rapidly changing and challenging environment for pharmaceutical companies.”
Andrew Witty, who took over as GSK’s chief executive officer earlier this year, is reorganizing the company and leading a $1 billion cost-cutting program.
Two weeks ago, GSK formed a new cancer research team based on Witty’s desires for improved R&D. The group – called a center of excellence for drug discovery – will include researchers from several “small discovery unit” or DPUs.
Witty wants to foster more drug discovery within the international giant, which has more than 6,000 employees across the Triangle.
GSK employs hundreds of R&D-related scientists and researchers in RTP.
The company also operates a manufacturing plant in Zebulon, where scores of positions have been cut this year.
