Transgene SA, biopharmaceutical company based in Strasbourg, France and specializing in immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases, has informed the representatives of the works council of the company's intention to modify its vertical integration model and to implemenrestructuring. Transgene intends to focus resources on its core business of research and development by advancing its clinical portfolio, reorganizing its research model, and outsourcing manufacturing and pharmaceutical development activities.

Transgene no longer plans to keep its stand-alone pharmaceutical development and bio-manufacturing capabilities, and its restructuring will terminate those activities, which is expected to result in the loss of 120 positions, mostly in manufacturing and pharmaceutical development and also in support functions. In accordance with its principal shareholder, Institut Mérieux, Transgene said it will seek to find positions for affected employees in other Institut Mérieux companies. As part of the Employment Safeguard Plan (Plan de Sauvegarde de l'Emploi, a mandatory process under French labor law), Transgene ha received a proposal from ABL, Inc., a US. subsidiary of Institut Mérieux, under which ABL would offer, in Illkirch (France), positions to a significant number of Transgene's employees involved in manufacturing and related activities.

Negotiations have been launched with employee representatives in order to discuss and finalize the plan, in accordance with French law.

Source: Transgene