BRIEF — Bayer making cuts at Berkeley manufacturing hub, say reports

Some 227 jobs are to go at Bayer’s manufacturing facility in Berkeley, California.

The site is responsible for producing all three of the German firm's rFVIII hemophilia therapies, including the recently-approved Jivi (BAY94-9027, antihemophilic factor [recombinant] PEGylated-aucl), for patients in nearly 80 countries around the world.

Bayer has said that the jobs are being cut as part of the company being competitive in its manufacturing processes for these products, as it moves into commercial production.

A statement from the company reads: "Bayer’s longstanding commitment to the hemophilia community drives our continued investment in discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients living with this life-long disorder.

"Berkeley has been Bayer’s biotechnology manufacturing hub for more than 40 years, serving hemophilia patients in nearly 80 countries around the world. This site is responsible for producing all three of Bayer’s rFVIII therapies, including the product Jivi, recently approved in the USA and Japan. We are deeply proud of the innovation that these medicines bring to our patients.

"The manufacturing processes for these products must also be robust and efficient to ensure product safety, reliable supply, and to remain competitive in support of new therapies that position the long term viability of the site. Our transition into commercial production with three products has resulted in the need for organizational changes to enable these efficiencies, and today we notified 230 employees that their positions are being eliminated as part of this reorganization.

"This decision will not impact product availability as we remain committed to providing a portfolio of treatment options to serve the individual needs of the hemophilia community.

"We have the utmost appreciation for the employees affected by this reorganization, and will ensure that we manage their transition in the most respectful and thoughtful manner that we can."