Schering-Plough plans to cut 20% of its U.S. sales force by October 1 as part of a previously announced restructuring plan aimed at saving $1.5 billion by late 2012. The company said it will eliminate 1,000 sales positions from its U.S. Primary Care field force, which markets prescription drugs to physicians, and make organizational changes within the operation. According to the company, 4,000 positions will remain.
   
The restructuring program, announced in April, was designed in part to eliminate costs associated with the company's $14.5 billion acquisition of Organon BioSciences.   

Genzyme Corp. opened its new Science Center in Framingham, MA. The facility serves as a central site for early stage research to discover new treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's, cancer, and heart disease. The Science Center has received a Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. It's one of 10 labs to receive this rating.
   
"Genzyme exists to innovate, and the Science Center reflects this purpose," stated Henri A. Termeer, Genzyme's chairman and chief executive officer. "The work done at this facility will ensure that we can continue to bring forward therapies to significantly improve patients' lives and will help support the company's long-term growth. I am so proud of our scientists who discover and make possible life-saving medicines."
   
Researchers at the Science Center focus on areas including genetic diseases, cancer, immune diseases, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, endocrinology and neurological disorders, and utilize a range of technologies, such as proteins, antibodies, cell therapy and gene therapy.

John J. Dupree has joined Girindus as senior director, business development. Mr. Dupree has more than 34 years of sales, business management, and corporate accounts management experience. He spent his entire career with Eastman Chemical Co. as a senior corporate account executive until joining Girindus.
   
“John Dupree is a known leader in the custom chemistry market and has had an impressive career with Eastman Chemical. He brings with him significant knowledge and experience in numerous areas of the chemical business. We look forward to the expertise and passion John brings to Girindus,” commented Mark Laskovics, president and chief operating officer of Girindus America, Inc. “I am excited to join the impressive Girindus Team and working with Girindus’ customers, developing the growing Oligonucleotide medicines market,” said Mr. Dupree.

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