AstraZeneca will reduce its U.S. sales force by approximately 1,150 leadership positions and sales representatives as “part of the company’s ongoing strategy to operate its business more efficiently to best serve patients” in the U.S., according to a company statement. The layoffs comprise nearly one-quarter of the company’s U.S. sales organization, and were not included in previously announced efficiencies to the U.S. business. The move will cost between $50 and $100 million, to be charged in 4Q11.

“These are difficult decisions that impact valued employees,” said Rich Fante, President, AstraZeneca U.S. “The changes we are making, however, will help us deliver better results for our business and, most importantly, continue delivering on our mission of patient health.”

Employees will have the option to self-identify to potentially leave the company. All decisions will be finalized by early February 2012. This change to the U.S. sales force is incremental to the ongoing second phase of the company’s restructuring program, which was announced in January 2010.