Letters: January 2024

Update from Pfizer

The December issue of Chemistry World  included a brief update on Pfizer’s proposals for change at our UK research site in Kent (’Pfizer to cut 500 formulation jobs in Sandwich, UK’). We are proud of our heritage of breakthrough science in the UK and in Sandwich specifically, where many significant scientific breakthroughs have been achieved down the years. We will retain a scientific presence in the UK including at our Discovery Park location in Sandwich. We want to take this opportunity to provide some more information, as follows.

We previously announced an enterprise-wide cost realignment programme. Various areas of Pfizer’s global enterprise are making changes to operate more efficiently and effectively. These changes will be implemented on a rolling basis and will differ area to area. One of the consequences of this programme is a plan to consolidate our pharmaceutical sciences small molecule (PSSM) R&D laboratory and manufacturing operations to two primary sites in Groton, Connecticut, US, and Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, resulting in a proposal to discontinue these PSSM capabilities at Sandwich, Kent, impacting approximately 500 roles. These proposals are now in consultation with the affected colleagues, with all job-related decisions being made with transparency and respect.

Under the proposals, other functions at our Sandwich site will continue with a different size. This includes worldwide medical and safety, global regulatory and clinical development and operations functions, and although these functions may propose some changes, they intend to retain a footprint at Sandwich. We recognise that our proposals are disappointing, but Pfizer remains committed to contributing fully to the future of life sciences innovation in the UK as an important part of our mission to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.

Pfizer UK R&D UK Ltd