As detailed in the February 15 issue of IBO, the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies have initiated major restructuring efforts targeting their R&D operations. This month, Merck announced details of its plan for an R&D restructuring, following the purchase of Schering-Plough (see IBO 3/31/10).

On July 8, Merck announced the closure of eight R&D sites: Montreal, Canada; Boxmeer (Nobilon), Oss and Schaijk, the Netherlands; Odense, Denmark; Waltrop, Germany; Newhouse, Scotland; and Cambridge (Kendall Square), US. Following the closures, which are expected to be completed in two years, Merck will have 16 major R&D facilities.

The closures include former Schering-Plough and Organon sites. Schering-Plough purchased Organon in 2007. Among the Organon sites affected is the Oss research facility in the Netherlands, which employs 2,175 staff, including over 1,000 researchers, according to Radio Netherlands Worldwide. The women’s health research conducted at the site will be transferred to the US. The Newhouse facility in Scotland is another Organon research site that will close, affecting 250 employees.

Merck will also close eight manufacturing sites, bringing the number of its manufacturing facilities to 77.