Genmab to axe 33 jobs in restructure

Danish biotechnology firm Genmab is to axe 33 jobs as it strives to improve its profitability.

Danish biotechnology firm Genmab is to axe 33 jobs as it strives to improve its profitability.

The Copenhagen-based firm said the move, together with the restructuring of its ofatumumab agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (announced in September), and the intention to find a development partner for zalutumumab, meant that it would have to adjust its headcount to align more closely with future workloads.

Genmab said the move would yield savings of approximately DKK30m (€4m) and contribute to the firm’s plan to reduce its operating expenses by 20% in 2011.

No development programmes will be discontinued as a result of this reorganisation, the firm said.

‘I truly regret the need to reorganise our workforce, especially given the tremendous efforts and loyalty displayed over the years by Genmab’s employees,’ said Jan van de Winkel, chief executive of Genmab.

‘We must, however, continue to focus on Genmab’s core competency of antibody creation, developm