Welcome to Fierce Biotech's fifth annual layoff tracker, a resource designed to keep pace with the sector's steady stream of workforce reductions.
In 2025, industry layoffs continued to rise year over year, prompting the need for another edition of this article.
As always, please reach out to the Fierce Biotech editorial team with any news of a biopharma workforce reduction. We are committed to protecting the anonymity of all tips, but we do conduct further reviews to verify all information we receive.
Editor's note about the numbers: Layoff rounds that are part of a company's larger, already-announced reorganization are not included in the monthly total count.
January—9 companies
Jan. 20 - Takeda: After a series of headcount reductions in recent years, Takeda has disclosed a new round of cuts expected to affect 243 field-based employees in 47 states and the District of Columbia tied to the looming patent cliff for antidepressant Trintellix (vortioxetine). The Japanese pharma is shifting resources to prepare for multiple potential medicine launches in the U.S., which could lead to 400 new commercial field roles. Story
Jan. 16 - Vedanta Biosciences: The Massachusetts biotech is “significantly” reducing its headcount to channel resources toward its lead live bacteria cocktail program, a spokesperson confirmed with Fierce. The move follows a 20% workforce reduction last summer after a separate treatment for Enterobacteriaceae failed to reduce disease severity in a phase 2 study. Story
Jan. 13 - Merck KGaA's EMD Serono: Merck KGaA's North American division has laid off an undisclosed amount of employees from its research team at a site in Durham, North Carolina. The move follows last year’s acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics and is part of a decision to streamline research operations, a spokesperson confirmed with Fierce.
Jan. 13 - Sonoma Biotherapeutics: The regulatory T cell-focused biotech confirmed to Fierce that the company is reducing its workforce. While Sonoma wouldn't confirm how many employees will be affected, the biotech said roles across the organization and at "all levels and functions" would be impacted, including those based in South San Francisco, Seattle and remotely. The decision was made to "right-size the organization and align resources with SonomaBio’s highest priorities," such as a phase 1 study of its lead rheumatoid arthritis asset.
Jan. 12 - Lyra Therapeutics: The Massachusetts-based biotech has “decided to suspend further development” of its chronic rhinosinusitis treatment. All 28 of Lyra’s remaining employees will be impacted by a “workforce reduction,” which is one of a number of “cost-saving actions to preserve capital.” Story
Jan. 8 - InflaRx: The German inflammatory and immunology-focused biotech will reduce its headcount by about 30% and chart "substantial spending reductions" as it looks to channel resources toward its new lead asset, izicopan. It's unclear exactly how many employees will be affected; online sources put the company's total headcount at 74 about a year ago. Story
Jan. 8 - Rampart Bioscience: After raising $125 million near the end of 2023, the genetic medicine biotech has appeared to wind down, Endpoints News reported after speaking with two former staffers. The U.S. biotech's website is no longer available. As of publication, Rampart's CEO Louis Breton has not responded to Fierce Biotech's request for comment. Source
Jan. 8 - Tessera Therapeutics: The Flagship-founded company is planning to lay off 90 employees across a number of states starting March 8. The Massachusetts-based biotech isn’t expecting to close any of its facilities in connection with the layoffs. Story
Jan. 2 - Nido Biosciences: After its lead neurological disease candidate disappointed in a midstage study, the neurobiotech is closing its doors. “Just a handful of employees” will be impacted, a Nido spokesperson told Fierce. Story