Novartis reported that it will be closing its R&D site in Horsham, UK and will close research operations  by the end of June. “This is a result of a global review of our R&D locations and where best to co-locate research teams to support collaboration. It is part of the company's ongoing efforts to align resources to serve patients and customers better in a challenging healthcare marketplace,” said Novartis in a statement. ” This will be difficult news for our employees, and supplier partners, based at the site and we will work closely with everyone over the next few months to provide them with suitable support.”

Novartis said it does not yet know the future of the site but said it is “committed to exploring a range of options, working closely with our partners to identify potential new owners.” These options could include the use of part of the site for a science or business park.

The closure does not affect the rest of Novartis current UK business in developing, manufacturing, and marketing prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vaccines and eye care products for patients who need them as well as animal-health products, said the company.

Novartis will continue to employ over 2500 people in the UK. The company will retain a footprint in the UK with manufacturing sites at Grimsby (chemical operations), Liverpool (vaccines) and Dundee (animal health), commercial offices in Surrey, and a team at Sittingbourne, Kent, developing near patient diagnostic testing products.

Source: Novartis