Loss of jobs at Novartis preceding expiry of Diovan patent protection

In connection with the loss of patent protection for Diovan/valsartan in Sept. 2012, GEN wrote of Novartis:

The U.S. restructuring [of Novartis] will include the loss of some 1,630 positions in the field and another 330 at its headquarters. “We recognize that the next two years will be challenging in the pharmaceuticals division, and we are proactively making these changes to further focus our pipeline on the best opportunities and align our market position on our growth brands,” comments David Epstein, division head of Novartis Pharmaceuticals. “These are difficult but necessary decisions that will free up resources to invest in the future of our business which we view as well suited to bring new valuable therapies to patients and payors.”