Dutch biotechnology company Crucell N.V. (Euronext, NASDAQ: CRXL; Swiss Exchange: CRX) announced today that it will concentrate its research and development (R&D) activities at its Leiden headquarters in The Netherlands. Vaccine manufacturing, regulatory activities, clinical development and vaccine marketing will be concentrated in Crucell's Swiss operations in Bern.

The decision to concentrate R&D in Leiden has been made to increase efficiency in R&D spending and will result in a reduction in the number of staff employed. Due to the suspension in July 2006 of Aerugen®, the vaccine candidate for the prevention of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis patients, there are fewer projects requiring development support at Bern. This restructuring will result in the reduction of approximately 60 positions, mainly in Bern.