Global pharmaceutical Lundbeck has plans to optimize its commercial structure in order to launch new medicines, through increased alignment across countries and improved competencies and investments in areas such as market access.   

This initiative follows Lundbeck's establishment of a flexible commercial organization in Europe last year. Earlier initiatives include the Decisions Now program and the optimizations of Lundbeck's R&D activities.

Lundbeck will divide its commercial operations into six regions: Europe, U.S., Canada, Asia, Latin America and Middle East & Global Distribution. Lundbeck plans to simplify the commercial structure in Europe by organizing its more than 30 affiliates in 10 business units.

The proposed establishment of such business units in Europe will enable Lundbeck to improve competencies in areas such as market access, marketing and medical affairs. Activities will be aligned across countries, duplication of activities can be eliminated and the general complexity of the business can be minimized.

"We want the best possible set-up to ensure the transition of our product portfolio through successful launches of new medicines. With this plan we will have the focus, the structure and the competencies in place to achieve that," said Ole Chrintz, senior vice president, international markets and Europe at Lundbeck.

The restructure could lead to a reduction of 50 to 55 positions in Europe.