Lundbeck's move to a partner-model for its international operations will impact over 600 jobs.
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Lundbeck A/S announced plans to restructure its commercial operations with the intention of utilizing a partner-model for global markets. As a result, Lundbeck will be creating a number of new partnerships with existing companies in various markets to maintain its global presence. Another direct result of this decision will be the dissolution of a significant number of positions in these markets for Lundbeck employees.

Is Lundbeck reducing its global headcount?

According to a press release from Lundbeck, there are 602 employees working in the countries impacted by the partnership program. Leadership at Lundbeck explained that move is being made to re-focusing the companies resources.

“This step is essential to building the commercial infrastructure that will sustain our long-term strategy and deepen our commitment to serving patients,” said Charl van Zyl in a press release. “By reducing complexity and shifting resources to the markets and brands with the greatest growth potential, we are focusing capital to accelerate progress on our strategic priorities––most notably our growing late-stage pipeline in neuro-rare and neuro-specialty diseases.”

Later, he continued, “I would like to thank all our employees in the countries in scope, whose outstanding work has allowed us to build strong foundations in the region. We are fully committed to supporting colleagues through this change, and I am confident they will continue to carry forward the professionalism and dedication to improving the lives of patients they have demonstrated at Lundbeck.”

The company plans to complete its transition to the new model by December, 2025. The new model-based program will include 27 markets in Europe and beyond. The following companies were announced as partners:

• Swixx Group
• Zueling Pharma
• NewBridge Pharmaceuticals

In the press release, Swixx Group CEO Jean-Michel Lespinasse said, “We are honored to be selected by Lundbeck as a key multi-regional partner. The alliance recognizes both our capabilities and track record whilst leveraging (and augmenting) our deep presence in emerging markets. We are committed to keeping faith with Lundbeck’s trust––to ensure uninterrupted access to Lundbeck’s portfolio and to serve patients across the contracted territories.”

John Graham, CEO of Zuellig Pharma, added, “As a trusted partner for distribution and commercialization in Asia, we are committed to enhancing access to Lundbeck’s portfolio of leading brands for patients who need them most. We will work closely with Lundbeck throughout this transition, tapping on our deep local expertise to ensure continuity of care and improve access to innovative brain health solutions for the region.”

“We are very proud to be the strategic partner for Lundbeck in the Middle East and North Africa. Our strong regional footprint and local expertise will ensure continued access for patients to Lundbeck’s portfolio of products. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to improving brain health and continuing to address unmet needs in neuro-psychiatry diseases in the MENA region,” said Joe Henein, President & CEO, NewBridge Pharmaceuticals.

Lundbeck states that while this move will have initial costs, those will only be one-off payments, and it does not expect this move to have an impact on 2025 or the mid-term targets. The decision to switch to partner-models in the international markets was made based upon the results of an analysis that showed the company spreading its resources too thin. The new model will free up capital and allow Lundbeck to refocus its efforts on developing neuro-rare and neuro-specialty disease franchises.

Sources

1. Lundbeck sharpens commercial focus in line with strategy, initiates partnering in 27 markets by end-2025. Lundbeck. September 9, 2025. https://news.cision.com/h--lundbeck-a-s/r/lundbeck-sharpens-commercial-focus-in-line-with-strategy--initiates-partnering-in-27-markets-by-end-,c4232112