Another wave of layoffs is hitting the pharmaceutical sector in New Jersey, with Eisai disclosing planned workforce reductions.

In a filing with the state Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the Japanese drugmaker expects to cut 57 positions between March 31 and May 30 at its corporate headquarters in Nutley.

According to a company spokesperson, the layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort of Eisai’s U.S.-based operations. The move will also impact 64 workers outside of New Jersey. Altogether, the downsizing represents a 6.83% reduction in Eisai’s domestic workforce and will affect commercial, medical and corporate service functions, the company said.

The media representative declined to say which other company sites will experience layoffs. Eisai also has facilities in Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

In a statement, the company said it “remains fully committed to the U.S. market and will continue to serve the needs of patients and their families, particularly in addressing unmet medical needs in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological conditions.”

It also said the goal of the restructuring is to streamline operations to become more efficient and focused on ensuring sustainable growth for the future.

Eisai went on to describe the decision to eliminate positions as “difficult” and that it will “work to ensure a smooth transition for those affected.”

The company added, “We are deeply grateful to our valued employees for their dedication and contributions to Eisai’s business and are keenly aware of the impact this restructuring will have on them and their families.”

Turning a corner

The changes comes as Eisai anticipates a potential growth surge for its Biogen-partnered Alzheimer’s disease medication Leqembi, Fierce Pharma noted.

After being approved in 2023 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first anti-amyloid antibody for Alzheimer’s, the drug’s growth has remained sluggish in the U.S. However, the company recently reported that the pace picked up a bit during the final stretch of 2024.

And just last month, the FDA approved the Supplemental Biologics License Application for once every four weeks Leqembi intravenous maintenance dosing.

During Eisai’s third quarter – which ran from October 2024 to December 2024 – the drug’s sales reached $89 million, a 33% increase from the prior period. In the U.S., Leqembi grew 30% quarter over quarter to nearly $51 million.

Overall, Eisai said it expects Leqembi to pull in $279 million for the year.

Several other pharma giants in New Jersey have conducted layoffs over the past few months, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Bayer and Johnson & Johnson.