S.D. Drug Firm Moving Headquarters to Irvine

Gensia Sicor Inc. said it will move its headquarters from San Diego to Irvine at the end of the year to be near its expanding anti-cancer drug development operations.

The company, which makes intravenous drugs, said about 25 employees in its San Diego headquarters will either be given jobs in Irvine or will be let go. The other 135 employees in San Diego will remain with Gensia operations there.

Gensia already has manufacturing, laboratory and warehouse facilities, with about 350 employees, in Irvine. The company said it has invested in “significant upgrades” there, including a new plant to make anti-cancer drugs. The plant is expected to begin operating in the fourth quarter.

The company plans to take a charge of $1.5 million to $2.5 million in the third quarter to cover relocation and severance costs. Hough said the final amount of the charge won’t be known until all affected employees accept or reject transfer offers.

Only the financial, accounting and legal staff will move to Irvine, and no new offices will be built here, said Gensia spokeswoman Martha Hough. Some laboratory, research and design, and sales and marketing operations will remain in San Diego, she said.

Gensia President and Chief Executive David Hale said in a statement that the move “will allow Gensia Sicor to more effectively integrate its operations” and will cut costs.

Gensia, then Gensia Inc., bought Italy’s Sicor SpA in February and changed its name to Gensia Sicor.