NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) - Novartis is breaking up the Genome & Proteome Sciences program within the Cambridge, Mass.-based Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research in order to restructure and “refocus” its programs and resources, a spokesman for the company confirmed today.
The company plans to continue ongoing projects that the department was pursuing, said Jeffrey Lockwood, NIBR’s director of external communications, but noted that most of the staff and programs will be absorbed by other units.
Lockwood said the decision to end the Genome & Proteome program – one of several so-called “expertise platforms” at NBIR -- came after “a regular review,” and said the move is not due to dissatisfaction with the content or cost of the program.
“The commitment to that area will continue,” Lockwood said of proteomics, genomics, and informatics research. “It is just going to be integrated into another group.”
Lockwood also confirmed that program head Mark Boguski, who joined NIBR in 2005, will be leaving the company to “pursue other opportunities” at the end of March.