Pfizer Inc. plans to move an antibacterials research unit from Groton to Shanghai, China.
However, some local scientists involved in the research will stay in Connecticut for up to two years as the company builds the Shanghai facility, the Day of New London reports.
Analysts told the Day the action is the first wholesale move of a major U.S. pharmaceutical research unit to China.
Pfizer had already said its antibacterials unit would leave Groton as part of a downsizing plan. The company's plans to leave its New London office are still on track to be finished by the end of the year, when the transition to the Electric Boat site is completed.
