Generic pressure forces GSK site closure
Closure has been proposed as the imminent loss of patent protection for Lamictal (lamotrigine) and Valtrex (valaciclovir), which account for 60 per cent of the total volume manufactured on site, will make the facility unsustainable.
The 620 people employed at the site, which had 3,000 staff 10 years ago, had hoped that GSK would produce new drugs from the facility but the company believes it is uneconomical to convert the plant to make the next generation of vaccines and biopharmaceuticals.
Joe Foley, Dartford Site Director, said: “GSK regrets the impacts this proposal would have on employees and the local community, with whom we have built strong links over many years. As always, we will treat employees fairly and will provide appropriate support to help our staff through this difficult period.
“The proposal is no reflection on the professionalism and commitment of Dartford employees, but that of the fiercely competitive environment in which the pharmaceutical industry operates.”
GSK had planned to manufacture some new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) at Dartford but these, along with the drugs currently made at the site, will be moved to other facilities around the world.
A similar move was taken to close GSK’ Crawley, UK facility in July, with the company blaming “declining volumes, regulatory delays and patent expiries". The site is due to close in 2011, with 493 employees at risk of losing their jobs.
