GlaxoSmithKline plans to eliminate as many as 850 jobs in R&D in the U.S. and Britain, which represents 6% of the company's total R&D staff. According to a company statement, the cuts were necessary "to ensure that we can invest in key areas of future growth and evolve our business to compete effectively in what is a rapidly changing and challenging environment for pharmaceutical companies."
   
Earlier this year, the company had announced plans to cut 350 R&D positions. According to Claire Brough, a spokeswoman for the Brentford, U.K. office. The exact number of job cuts will be determined after consultations with employees and unions.
   
Andrew Witty, GSK's chief executive officer has pledged to increase the company's investment in outside research. According to Mr. Witty, half of GSK's drugs in development eventually could come from partnerships with outside firms. To support his plan, Mr. Witty has set up a board that includes venture capitalists to review R&D projects and decide which to fund. He has eliminated some areas of research in order to focus the company on eight disease areas. GSK has Centres of Excellence for Drug Discovery (CEDDs) dedicated to each disease area. These changes impact at least three CEDDs.