Osaka, Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical plans to consolidate its R&D site operations and cut its workforce by 2,800 to integrate legacy Nycomed operations, strengthen its presence in more than 70 countries, adapt to changing market conditions and maintain a focus on growth through innovation and culture.

The company will align Nycomed’s former operation structures and processes with the Takeda global headquarters in Japan and the newly defined organizations of the Chief Commercial Officer, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and Chief Medical & Scientific Officer, headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, and its expanded affiliate network worldwide.

“The combination of Takeda and Nycomed, which we acquired Sept. 30, 2011, brought together Takeda’s strong presence in the Japanese and U.S. markets with the legacy Nycomed business infrastructure in Europe and high-growth emerging markets,” said Yasuchika Hasegawa, president and CEO of Takeda Pharmaceutical. “While our combined operations in more than 70 countries are more complementary than overlapping, there are a number of areas where we will need to make changes to ensure efficient and flexible operations moving forward.”

Takeda will shift from a product portfolio centered on mature, high-selling products to a more diverse portfolio focused on new products. The combined company has an active commercial presence in metabolic diseases, gastroenterology, oncology, cardiovascular health, CNS diseases, inflammatory and immune disorders, respiratory diseases and pain management.

To meet its goals, Takeda plans consolidation of a number of sites and functions, including the potential merger or liquidation of subsidiaries mainly in Europe, and a reduction of workforce in both Europe and the U.S., primarily within Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America. Takeda plans to cut approximately 2,800 positions (2,100 mainly in Europe and 700 in the U.S.) over the next five years, across R&D, commercial, operations and G&A functions.