In a recent and somewhat shocking revelation, Takeda, a pharmaceutical company based in Japan, has confirmed that it will be selling a significant portion of its factory located in Orth an der Donau, a region in the Gänserndorf district. The decision deeply impacts around 190 out of the total 330 employees working at the site. The company’s primary focus in Orth has been gene therapy products, an area which is included in the sale. However, the support functions necessary for operation and a quality control laboratory will remain a part of the organization.
The company stated that this decision aligns with Takeda’s global strategy to discontinue its research and preclinical activities in the field of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy, a fundamental competency of the Orth site. The company plans to scale down the development and production activities at the site during the sale process. Takeda has assured its commitment to support the affected employees in various ways, such as offering advice and help in identifying other opportunities within the company.
The company revealed its intention to sell the development and production site in Orth to its employees in April 2023. The company further mentions that the sale process is not yet concluded, and hence no information about potential buyers can be disclosed at this point.
Takeda reassures that the planned changes in Orth will not affect its other Austrian locations in Vienna and Linz. Currently, the company employs more than 4,500 people in Austria.
Takeda’s Views on Gene Therapy
According to the information on Takeda’s homepage, Orth an der Donau site is dedicated to the process development and production of gene therapy products. With a long history in research, process development, and production, the Orth site has developed a comprehensive expertise. It is the only site in the global Takeda network equipped for the GMP production of gene therapy products. Orth is moving towards a new future with innovative treatment options for patients all over the world. The location encompasses all steps, starting from vector to product, with a broad analytical in-house portfolio. Furthermore, Orth possesses a large quality control laboratory, which is of central importance in Takeda’s global network and carries out tests for over 30 commercial biologics and plasma-based products worldwide. The site’s employees enjoy the nearby Donauauen National Park during their breaks, giving the location a unique atmosphere. In addition to the company-wide benefits, Takeda Orth also provides a free shuttle bus service for its employees commuting between the Vienna and Orth locations.
