400 jobs to go as Novo Nordisk overhauls R&D operations
pharmafile | September 18, 2018 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Sales and Marketing | Novo Nordisk, pharma
Novo Nordisk has revealed its intention to restructure its research & development operations “to accelerate the expansion and diversification of its pipeline across serious chronic diseases”. This move, of course, does not come without restructuring, and will result in the loss of 400 employees.
The company confirmed that these roles would be cut from its operations in China and Denmark.
To streamline and accelerate its R&D efforts, Novo Nordisk aims to set up four biotech-like Transformational Research Units this year, based in Denmark, the US and the UK. These units will complement the company’s central R&D functions, exploring novel treatment modalities and platform technologies to drive innovation in fields like translational cardio-metabolic research and stem cell research.
Additionally, Novo will invest more heavily in machine learning and artificial intelligence, while efficiency will be boosted through integration of laboratory infrastructure and IT systems.
“Delivering on our ambition of achieving even higher levels of innovation across a broader and more diverse range of chronic diseases requires that we have the optimal future skill base and allocate resources to our priority areas,” said Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Chief Science Officer at Novo Nordisk. “Unfortunately, this implies that a number of valued colleagues will lose their jobs in order to ensure that we have sufficient new research capabilities needed to support our long-term growth ambitions.
“Thanks to our exciting internal assets and external partnerships, we are well-positioned to continue our leadership position by providing innovation that improves the health of people living with serious chronic diseases,” he added.
Matt Fellows
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