November 29, 2005 12:41 PM

Merck to slash workforce, but Boston spared the axe
Posted by Douglas Eisenhartat 12:41 PM

Not so great news from the world's third largest pharmaceutical company, Merck, as it faces lawsuits over Vioxx and other problems:

The layoff of about 7,000 workers accounts for 11 percent of Merck's 63,000 employees. About half the jobs lost will be in the United States. The company also said it would close or sell five of 31 manufacturing plants by the end of 2008.

If there is any good news, it is that the Boston research facility will not be affected:

Last year, Merck opened the Edward M. Scolnick Research Center in the Longwood Medical Area with great fanfare. The research high-rise, built on land leased from Emmanuel College, employs 210. Scala said the facility isn't likely to be threatened by the cutbacks because it is new and has advanced equipment.