The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
West-Nederland; Zuid-Holland; Agglomeratie Leiden en Bollenstreek
Location of affected unit(s)
Leiden
Sector
Manufacturing (20 - 21) Manufacture of chemicals and pharmaceuticals 21 - Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations 21.20 - Manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations
365 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
21 October 2025
Employment effect (start)
21 October 2025
Foreseen end date
31 December 2025
Description
Galapagos, a Belgian-Dutch biotechnology company active in pharmaceutical preparations, announced 365 job cuts at its Leiden site in the Netherlands. The company is closing its cell therapy division after failing to find a buyer for the unit and will consolidate remaining activities at its headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium.
The restructuring follows several years of setbacks, including unsuccessful drug development programmes and leadership changes. Approximately 35 employees will remain in the Netherlands. The job losses mainly affect research and development staff, though details on dismissal methods were not disclosed. Industry association HollandBio expressed regret over Galapagos’ departure, which adds to other recent biotech job losses in the Leiden Bioscience Park.
Eurofound (2025), Galapagos, Internal restructuring in Netherlands, factsheet number 203520, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203520.
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