Report: AstraZeneca to shed 700 U.S. jobs

WILMINGTON, Dela. — AstraZeneca is set to eliminate some 700 positions in the U.S. by the early months of 2017, according to reports. The company told USA Today the cuts would take effect Feb. 10, with its Fairfax, Delaware headquarters seeing about 120 of the expected cuts, with other impacted roles spanning those that are field-based in both sales and non-sales. 

 

“These changes are specific to the US Commercial Business and do not apply to other parts of the business, including Newark, or other US-based global employees,” the company told USA Today. “"AstraZeneca is committed to treating every employee with dignity and respect throughout this process. Employees who are impacted will be provided with internal and external assistance and support."

 

AstraZeneca said the changes were part of the company’s efforts “transform its commercial business as part of the company's return to growth strategy.” AstraZeneca was not the only company to announced cuts to its workforce Thursday, with Endo announcing a new business strategy for its U.S. branded business that will see it eliminating its entire 375-person pain products sales force. 

 

Delaware Sen. Tom Carper weighed in on the news, saying, “While I am heartened by AstraZeneca’s commitment to keep its North American headquarters in Delaware and that Delaware will be spared the majority of these layoffs, too many of our neighbors and their families will bear the brunt of this news. … For years, AstraZeneca has been a good corporate citizen and major employer in our state. While this is a tough time for the company, I am hopeful it will gain solid footing and be able to grow and thrive with the new drugs in its pipeline.”