Johnson & Johnson again scraps Belgian jobs: Pharma company wants to close research department in Merksem (Merksem)

In the ‘Clinical Pharmacology Unit’ (CPU), Johnson & Johnson – formerly Janssen Pharmaceutics – tests new medicines on healthy volunteers, the so -called ‘phase 1 clinical studies’. In the coming years, however, the American multinational will have less need for such studies, the trade unions were told on a special works council on Tuesday. « With the products currently in the pipeline, Johnson & Johnson has to focus more on investigations among sick people. That is why they are considering closing the CPU, » says ACV secretary Peter Goris.

The decision about the closure has been in the air for a while, says Goris. « We have been asking questions about the CPU for two months, because there were signals that things were not going well. We always got the answer that they were investigating it. »

Read too. Restructuring at Janssen Pharmaceutica clocks on 124 jobs: « Too little voluntary departure possible »

26 permanent employees work at the CPU, often supplemented with interim work forces. The trade union now requires more information about their fate. « Johnson & Johnson is looking for a different position within the company for them, but the question is whether there is a place for these profiles. Moreover, the other sites are in Beerse, Geel and Olen. That is not an obvious relocation for people who now work in Merksem, » says Goris.

The other sites are in Beerse, Geel and Olen. That is not an obvious relocation for people who now work in Merksem

Peter Goris

ACV Secretary

In a written response, Johnson & Johnson blames the decision on a changing market situation. « Johnson & Johnson tackles the most difficult health challenges in the world through science and technology -driven innovation. In order to continue to fulfill the needs of patients in the future, we must adjust our activities in the midst of a complex and rapidly changing external environment. »The company confirms that it will help the affected employees to explore new job options within Johnson & Johnson.

Coronavaccin

The research department of Johnson & Johnson has been in the Merksemse Hospital since 2003. In 2020, the company also tested for the development of its coronavaccin. Last year, the works on a new hospital wing also started, which would occupy the CPU the fourth floor. Hospital group ZAS was informed about the intention of closing the CPU, confirms spokesperson Tom van de Vreken. But it is too early to make statements about the possible impact on building plans. « We closely follow what this means for ZAS Palfijn and ZAS, and deal with this with Johnson & Johnson. »

Last year Johnson & Johnson announced a major restructuring in Belgium. In addition, 124 jobs were finally lost. One of the reasons for that slimming was the expiry of the patent on the anti -inflammatory Stelara, an important profit maker for the company.