Lundbeck to lose 600 jobs

Danish drug maker Lundbeck has said it will cut 600 jobs as it reorganises its European operations – a move that will cost it up to DKK500 million. The company, which specialises in drugs for the central nervous system, says it is preparing for several potential product launches and that it must cut jobs ‘to mitigate increased pressure from healthcare reforms, generic competition and uncertainty regarding pricing and reimbursement in Europe’. Ulf Wiinberg, Lundbeck chief executive, said: ‘To ensure a successful transition of our product portfolio in Europe, we need a more flexible commercial infrastructure and to maintain cost control.’

One of those potential product launches is nalmefene, to be marketed as Selincro for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The drug candidate returned good Phase III results in March and is awaiting an EU decision on marketing approval.