Here a layoff, there a layoff. The parade of job cuts continues apace as Sanofi-Aventis is planning to shed about 700 jobs in Europe as part of an ongoing shuffling of regional operations, according to La Tribune. Units in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom are being eyed for reorganization.

After the shifts, the drugmaker will operate 10 European subsidiaries, compared with more than 30 currently. “Officially, the management wants to increase efficiency but it is mainly to save cost structure,” a Sanofi-Aventis union member tells the paper. “Ultimately, we fear that Sanofi does not turn its back on Europe”, says another. Some functions will be outsourced; payroll will go to Romania.

Meanwhile, back in the US, Eisai plans to cut 20 percent of its workforce, or 600 jobs, by April Fool’s Day. Seriously. There are no plans to close any of its main offices or facilities. Last week, the drugmaker announced it will trim 900 positions over the next five years (read here), including 200 jobs in Europe and 100 salespeople in Japan. The move comes as the Aricept med for Alzheimer’s faces generic competition.

“This restructuring is essential to our remaining competitive in this rapidly changing environment,” said Eisai US ceo and president Lonnel Coats says in a statement in which he adds that oncology and neuroscience work will be emphasized. “It will enable us to continually make the necessary investments in our science, our people and ultimately our human health care mission, while ensuring an adequate return to our shareholders.”