Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai Inc. said Thursday that it
would cut about 25% of its U.S. workforce as part of a plan to
restructure its operations in the country.
"The actions we are taking will ensure Eisai stays competitive
in a rapidly changing business environment," Chief Executive Yuji
Matsue said in a news release, adding that the company is "fully
committed to the U.S. market."
Eisai said it had no plans to close any of its main offices or
facilities. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Woodcliffe, N.J.,
and it has additional locations in North Carolina and
Pennsylvania.
The Tokyo-based drug company focuses on drugs for neurology,
oncology and metabolic diseases. In June 2013, Eisai teamed with
U.S.-based pharmaceutical company Arena to develop the weight-loss
drug Belviq. Last week, fellow diet drug maker Vivus Inc. announced
U.S. job cuts of its own.
Eisai's U.S. operations include research and development,
manufacturing, sales and marketing, and administrative functions.
The company said it expected the new structure to be in place by
May 1.
In 2014, Eisai reported $600.4 million in sales. The Americas
segment contributed 26.5% to the top line.
Write to Lisa Beilfuss at lisa.beilfuss@wsj.com
Access Investor Kit for Eisai Co., Ltd.
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=JP3160400002
Access Investor Kit for Eisai Co., Ltd.
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=US2825793092
Access Investor Kit for VIVUS, Inc.
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=US9285511005
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires