GSK plans to shut its vaccine factory in Dresden, Germany, in summer 2027, putting 641 jobs at risk, according to German trade union Industriegewerkschaft Bergbau, Chemie, Energie (IGBCE). The facility produces flu and hepatitis shots, including traditional egg-based influenza vaccines. IGBCE said employees learned of the plan on Thursday and that both the union and the plant’s works council oppose the closure. The union plans to fight the decision, warning that Saxony could lose highly skilled industrial jobs and Germany could be deprived of important pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise. GSK is also advancing an mRNA-based seasonal influenza vaccine candidate to a late-stage trial this month after mid-stage data showed stronger immune responses than currently approved standard- and high-dose shots among younger and older adults. Separately, Volkswagen announced last week a restructuring plan that could result in 50,000 additional job cuts worldwide and the closure of major German factories, including three in Saxony.