GSK plans to close its vaccine manufacturing site in Dresden, Germany, by summer 2028 and consolidate egg-based influenza-vaccine production at its Ste-Foy, Canada, facility, according to reports by Deutsches Ärzteblatt and Fierce Pharma.
The Dresden plant employs nearly 650 people. The German chemical and energy union IGBCE said 641 jobs are at risk, Fierce Pharma reported.
GSK cited declining global demand for traditional egg-based influenza vaccines and excess production capacity as reasons for the planned consolidation, according to both reports. The company produces egg-based influenza vaccines at its sites in Dresden and Ste-Foy. GSK selected the Canadian facility because it can meet anticipated future demand, Fierce Pharma reported.
Deutsches Ärzteblatt reported that the Dresden plant also produces hepatitis vaccines and has a production capacity of about 2 million vaccine doses per week, based on previous company information. The site traces its origins to the Sächsisches Serumwerk, founded in 1911.
GSK said it would work with the Dresden works council and employees and provide support measures intended to reduce the impact on the workforce, according to Deutsches Ärzteblatt. The company also said patients would continue to have access to vaccines.
IGBCE said it would oppose the closure and called on GSK to suspend its plans, disclose the basis for its decision and negotiate alternatives with the works council and union. The union said the planned closure would bring the number of pharmaceutical-industry jobs lost in Saxony to 4,250.
Saxony Economic Affairs Minister Dirk Panter said the state government would seek discussions with GSK management and employees. European Parliament member Oliver Schenk called for government and company representatives to examine possible options for the site.
Fierce Pharma reported that GSK’s influenza-vaccine business declined 25% last year amid competitive pressure in the United States. The report also linked the decision to a broader cost-savings program announced by GSK.
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