Sumitomo's struggles prompt further cut to workforce

The impact of generic drug sales in Japan on long-listed brands and less-than-expected growth of strategic products has led Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma to extend its early retirement program.

The Japanese drugmaker initially offered the program to its employees in Japan, except for those affiliated with the manufacturing division, in August 2016. Now those working in that division too are being offered a goodbye package as part of the company’s stated attempts to ‘achieve an optimal number of personnel in line with our corporate earnings’.