Report: Parexel layoffs include up to 200 ex-GlaxoSmithKline staffers

When GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) reported last December that it was ripping into its R&D operations in Research Triangle Park, NC, and laying off 900 staffers, the pharma giant softened the blow by noting that some 450 of the workers would be transferring to Parexel, a major CRO with close ties to Glaxo. But today many of those jobs appear to be in danger after all.

WRAL TechWire is reporting that Parexel moved to lay off as many as 200 of those workers this week. The staffers are apparently still based in a GSK facility.

Parexel, for its part, noted a month ago that it is laying off 850 staffers in a reorganization, but hasn't specified exactly where the cuts are going to fall. The big CRO, which built a close relationship with GSK as many industry leaders struck outsourcing deals over the past 5 years, declined to confirm or deny the cuts.

"In general, we do not discuss any employee-related matters to ensure privacy for our employees and confidentiality for our clients," wrote Diana Martin in an e-mail to FierceBiotech.

A spokesperson for GSK also declined comment, noting that "we cannot confirm the number of employees being let go by Parexel." 

GlaxoSmithKline followed up the cuts late last year with a fresh round of 180 layoffs announced in March. The pharma giant has been concentrating its R&D efforts around Philadelphia and Stevenage in the U.K.

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