Pharmalot has been piecing together the likely fallout from Pfizer's move to restructure its R&D system. Sources are telling Pharmalot that layoffs will be "substantial," though there's no direct word on just what kind of numbers are to be expected.

Pfizer is eliminating heart disease, obesity and other research areas and is discussing spinning off some of the units--with employees. Meanwhile, employees in the R&D section are being scored; assigned a number based on "performance, skill and attitude."

The picture should clarify by the end of this year, though, when Pfizer plans to have the new R&D structure all set up and in operation. A spokesperson for Pfizer had nothing new to offer by way of explanation.

- check out the report from Pharmalot

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