We hoped industry layoffs would relent in 2024. That's not what happened.
Overall, biopharma layoffs rose 3% last year compared to 2023, according to an analysis of yearly data.
So, here we are, launching our fourth edition of Fierce Biotech's layoff tracker. As always, if you know of a layoff occurring at a biotech, please reach out to the Fierce Biotech editorial team and let us know.
January—15 companies
Jan. 22 - Biogen: The neuro-focused biotech is making an undisclosed number of cuts to its research team as it prioritizes its preclinical pipeline and shifts resources to external opportunities. Story
Jan. 16 - Notch Therapeutics: Struggling to secure both investors and research partners, Canadian cell therapy firm Notch is making significant layoffs to save cash. Story
Jan. 13 - Apellis Pharmaceuticals: As it prioritizes commercializing geographic atrophy treatment Syfovre in the U.S., Apellis is cutting about 40 non-U.S. employees. Release
Jan 10 - Barinthus Bio: In a shift to focus on immunology and inflammation indications, the biotech is halting further development of VTP-300 for chronic hepatitis B viral infection and laying off 65% of staffers across both its U.K. and U.S. sites. Release
Jan. 10 - Passage Bio: The Philadelphia-based genetic medicines company is planning to lay off about 55% of its staff as it pivots from an in-house to outsourced analytical testing model. Story
Jan. 10 - Y-mAbs Therapeutics: As part of a realignment of its business units, the radiopharma is reducing its workforce by up to 13% and moving some roles from Denmark to the U.S. Release
Jan. 10 - Repare Therapeutics: Repare is making more cuts. After announcing a 25% head count reduction last summer the biotech is making deeper cuts "later this quarter," it told Fierce Biotech, that will be in addition to last year's layoffs. It is not making the figures public. Story
Jan. 10 - Intellia Therapeutics: Exactly one year after slashing 15% of its workforce and pausing some research work Intellia is once again axing staffers, this time laying off 27% and further trimming its pipeline as it looks to 2027 for its first commercial launch. Story
Jan. 10 - Shoreline Biosciences: The cell therapy biotech plans to let go of an undisclosed number of employees tied to a project with Gilead Sciences’ Kite Pharma. Story
Jan. 9 - IGM Biosciences: After recently pivoting to focus on autoimmune diseases, the biotech is discontinuing development of two assets and laying off 73% of staffers. Release
Jan. 9 - Velia Therapeutics: The microprotein biotech is winding down operations, a move that will impact an undisclosed number of staffers. Story
Jan. 8 - Scribe Therapeutics: As it preps its genetic medicines for the clinic, cardiometabolic-focused Scribe is slimming its workforce by 20%. Story
Jan. 8 - Galapagos: The company is splitting in two, parting with 40% of its employees, or about 300 employees. Story
Jan. 7 - Cassava Sciences: After reporting a phase 3 Alzheimer's fail in November, Cassava is implementing a 33% workforce reduction, representing 10 employees. Release
Jan. 7 - CytomX Therapeutics: The California biotech is shrinking its head count by 40% and reassessing the future of Amgen-partnered T-cell engager CX-904 as a way to save cash and focus on its lead antibody-drug conjugate. Story