Our top read story of the year is no surprise as it captures the defining trend of 2022 for biotech: layoffs.
It was a tough year for companies, which had benefited from plenty of funding and optimism in previous years. What could slow them down?
It turns out a general market downturn did not leave a bloated and oversaturated biotech industry unscathed. We saw company after company cut staff and trim pipelines. We published the Fierce Biotech Layoff Tracker in March, capturing all of the cuts that had happened in the year. Since then, we’ve updated nearly daily.
Many of our top 10 stories featured companies that made waves throughout the pandemic and detailed how they are charting a course after being catapulted into the public consciousness. COVID-19 vaccine makers Moderna and Novavax make an appearance. To be fair, Moderna made more than an appearance; it took three of the top 10 slots.
These were the stories that resonated most with readers over the year. We'll share our own 2022 favorites Dec. 27.
Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you in 2023.
1. Fierce Biotech Layoff Tracker
2. Novavax targets May approval for COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.
3. Could a simple dietary supplement treat Alzheimer's?
4. Moderna trains its mRNA tech on the common cold and a triple whammy against 3 respiratory diseases
5. Moderna hits the gas as it begins dosing of 2nd HIV vaccine
6. The top 10 M&A targets in biotech for 2022
7. 'Stay alive': Wave of layoffs crashes into biotech startup inferno
8. Moderna doses 2nd arm of phase 2 booster study combining Spikevax with omicron-busting shot
9. SURMOUNT-able: Lilly's tirzepatide clears high bar set by Novo's Wegovy in obesity
10. Biotech leaders call on industry to cut ties with Russia amid Ukraine invasion