NeoRx Corp. of Seattle announced Monday layoffs and arestructuring aimed at paring expenses by one-third.

About 45 people, or 40 percent of the company's 115 staff willbe cut, according to a statement. NeoRx (NASDAQ:NERX) said itwould record a $600,000 charge in the first quarter that endedMonday to cover severance and related costs.

NeoRx said the reorganization allows it to continue work aimedat obtaining U.S. marketing approval of its OncoTrac cancerimaging agents, one of which has been pending before the Foodand Drug Administration since November 1987. "It will (also)generate new biopharmaceutical products through a rekindledeffort in research and development," the company said.

NeoRx in November retained Lehman Brothers to assist in asearch for a strategic partner or a buyer for part or all of thecompany. NeoRx said Monday that it was discussing licensingrights to its first products "with several large companies."

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