Boehringer Ingelheim to conclude virology research programme; part of renewed strategic focus on areas of high medical need

BURLINGTON, ON, Sept. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Boehringer Ingelheim announced today that it will conclude its virology research programme, following a comprehensive review of its research areas and priorities.

"To ensure our sustained growth, competitiveness and independence, Boehringer Ingelheim has been focusing on areas of high medical need in which we have convincing research targets as well as outstanding capabilities," said Dr. Michel Pairet, Corporate Senior Vice President responsible for Research and Development at Boehringer Ingelheim.

"In virology, compared to other therapeutic areas in which Boehringer Ingelheim is conducting research, the demands for medical innovation are shifting significantly due to the availability of new medications and also the emphasis on prevention through vaccination, a field in which Boehringer Ingelheim is not active. With the renewed focus on the diseases of high unmet medical need, and considering the scientific possibilities, we decided to conclude virology research at Boehringer Ingelheim" added Dr. Pairet.

The winding down of virology research activities will result in the closure of a research facility in Laval, Quebec, Canada during the first quarter of 2013, and will impact approximately 170 employees.

"This decision is not a reflection on the work done by our employees at the Laval facility, which has been consistently of the highest quality. We are proud of their many achievements," said Dr. Theodore Witek, President and CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. "Consistent with our corporate values, we are treating all affected employees with fairness and respect in recognition of their contributions and service."

Boehringer Ingelheim remains committed to improving access to medicines and health care in developing countries, including for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Through changing the focus on therapeutic areas in which Boehringer Ingelheim is active this allows the company to be well positioned to continue bringing innovative products, from our own research and development, to patients around the world.

Boehringer Ingelheim

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 44,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine. The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. is home to more than 700 employees across the country.

For more information about Boehringer Ingelheim, please visit: www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

For more information about Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. please visit: www.boehringer-ingelheim.ca

SOURCE: Boehringer Ingelheim

Isabelle Pelletier
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
514-395-0375 x226
[email protected]

Sara McClelland
Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.
905-599-2364
[email protected]

Jennifer Mota
Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.
905-631-4739
[email protected]