Drug giant Pfizer Inc. is closing three locations in northern New York as it restructures research and development operations following its recent purchase of drug and vaccine maker Wyeth.

The shutdown of R&D operations in Rouses Point, Chazy (CHAY'-zee) and Plattsburgh will eliminate nearly 600 jobs.

Pfizer spokesman Chris Loder says the Rouses Point and Plattsburgh operations will close sometime next year, with Chazy to follow sometime in 2011.

The Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce is organizing a Pfizer Transition Coordinating Council to help employees and find new businesses for the idled facilities.

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Pfizer is also closing research operations in Princeton, N.J., two sites in North Carolina, and one in the United Kingdom.

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Information from: Press-Republican, http://www.pressrepublican.com