AstraZeneca Cuts More Jobs; Signs $240M+ Agreement with Moderna

March 21, 2013 | Lots of news for AstraZeneca this morning. The company announced plans to cut 2300 sales and administrative jobs just days after announcing 1600 cuts to research positions. In a statement this morning, the big pharma said it plans to focus on  three main research areas: respiratory, inflammation & autoimmunity; cardiovascular & metabolic disease; and oncology. "We will continue to be active in Infection & Vaccines and in Neuroscience, though our investments will be more opportunity-driven," the company said. AstraZeneca also announced a major agreement with Moderna Therapeutics, starting with a $240 million upfront payment. The Cambridge, Mass.-based company focuses on mRNA research and plans to triple its workforce immediately (Xconomy).