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 United States.

These changes will account for roughly 24% of the company’s sales organization in the United States. The impact of the changes will vary by geography and selling teams.

“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.