Catalent said this week that it reduced its headcount by approximately 300 employees as part of a restructuring effort. The company confirmed the workforce reduction in its 10-Q quarterly report, filed on Feb. 14. This also coincides with preparations for an acquisition as Novo Holdings agreed to buy the leading pharmaceutical CDMO for $16.5 billion…
AbbVie is expanding its Singapore biologics plant
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) recently announced that it will spend $223 million to expand its Singapore biologics manufacturing facility. Construction will commence immediately, with the facilities coming online in 2026. The added facilities will create 100 new jobs at the plant, boosting total employment to more than 500 positions in manufacturing, quality assurance, supply chain, engineering…
Eicos Sciences’ FDA-approved Aurlumyn promises to drastically reduce frostbite amputations
Imagine scaling a mountain only to later lose digits or an entire hand to the unforgiving ravages of frostbite. For climbers, explorers, adventurous backcountry skiers, and even those caught in unexpected winter storms, severe cold exposure carries a devastating risk — amputation. Today, thanks to a potentially landmark FDA approval, the prospect of losing one’s…
AstraZeneca invests $300 million to establish new cell therapy manufacturing facility in Maryland
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that AstraZeneca would invest $300 million to construct a new manufacturing facility in Rockville, a city with roughly 70,000 inhabitants that is about 17 miles from Washington, D.C. The facility will focus on cell therapies for cancer treatment. The 84,000 square-foot facility, slated for completion in 2026, will enable global…
Sanofi offers a year of salary to employees facing cancer, critical illnesses
French pharma giant Sanofi launched a new global program aimed at providing financial, social and emotional assistance to employees diagnosed with cancer or other critical illnesses. Dubbed “Cancer & Work: Acting Together,” the program guarantees continued salary and benefits for up to one year for affected staff regardless of role or location. It also incorporates…
A guide to implementing operational excellence in drug development
When it comes to drug development and manufacturing, operational excellence (OpEx) is critical for success at all levels. It can help establish a culture of continuous improvement and innovation while supporting data quality, compliance, customer satisfaction, and more. It can even impact external perceptions of the company and confidence in the strength of the business.…
BD lays off 100 at biotech reagent plant in California
BD recently informed California’s Employment Development Department that it will relocate its Biosciences division’s reagent manufacturing and R&D operations in San Jose. The Life Sciences tech giant is laying off roughly 100 workers due to the relocation to other BD sites, according to its WARN letter dated Dec. 12, 2023. The layoffs have been taking…
Oncology deals return to center stage as biopharma M&A remains strong in 2024
In the first few weeks of 2024, oncology remained a central focus area for M&A deals. Two major acquisitions, Johnson & Johnson’s purchase of Ambrx Biopharma and Merck & Co.’s acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics, both focus on the segment. The trend is long-standing and was also apparent in 2023, as E&Y has noted. Merck was…
Lantheus announces a new CEO
Radiopharmaceutical-focused Lantheus Holdings (NASDAQ: LNTH) announced today that current board chair and industry veteran Brian Markison will become the company’s CEO, effective March 1. Markison succeeds Mary Anne Heino, who is retiring from Lantheus’ corner office after leading the company for nine years. Heino will serve as board chair after March 1. Board member Julie…
Bayer plans significant job cuts as it restructures
Bayer recently announced that it is embarking on a comprehensive restructuring plan with significant staff reductions. The Germany-based pharma giant’s management aims to enhance operational performance through a new model called “Dynamic Shared Ownership” (DSO). This strategic change aims to reduce hierarchies, eliminate bureaucracy, streamline structures, and accelerate decision-making processes. The new model, however, will…