United States, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The biopharmaceutical industry is undergoing significant layoffs as companies restructure to enhance efficiency and manage costs amid changing market conditions. Notable layoffs include Novo Nordisk laying off 9,000 employees globally, and Pharming announcing a 20% workforce reduction. Other firms such as Moderna and Sarepta Therapeutics also report substantial cuts. This trend reflects ongoing challenges in the sector and signals a critical shift towards focusing on core products as companies navigate a demanding economic landscape.
Countrywide – Major layoffs are hitting the biopharma sector as companies across the industry restructure their operations in response to changing market conditions. With the aim of enhancing efficiency and focusing on core products, many firms are announcing significant workforce reductions. The impact of these job cuts is expected to reshape the landscape of the biopharmaceutical industry as it navigates a challenging economic environment.
Novo Nordisk has laid off 9,000 employees globally, including 263 at its U.S. headquarters in Plainsboro, New Jersey. The company aims to generate $1.25 billion in annual savings, which is likely to impact manufacturing operations, particularly concerning its obesity drug, semaglutide. In another significant layoff, Pharming announced a 20% reduction in headcount, affecting about 81 employees, primarily in non-commercial and non-medical positions, with one-time costs expected to reach $7 million. However, annual savings are projected to be around $10 million.
Mythic Therapeutics has also announced employee cuts as it shifts focus to its lead program MYTX-011, although the exact number of layoffs remains unspecified. CSL Vifor is set to lay off 55 employees effective December 1, as part of a broader restructuring initiative, while Bolt Biotherapeutics plans to cut around 20 employees, representing 50% of its workforce, due to delays in drug trials. The one-time costs from this layoff are estimated between $1.5 million to $2 million.
Several other companies are also engaging in workforce reductions. Takeda is letting go of 137 employees as it ceases investment in cell therapies, while GSK downsized its San Francisco office by laying off 8 employees. Additionally, IO Biotech is cutting approximately 50% of its staff due to FDA feedback indicating insufficient data for a cancer vaccine application. KALA BIO reduced its workforce by 51%, resulting in 19 layoffs, following disappointing mid-stage drug trial results.
In a bid to streamline operations, Sutro laid off one-third of its workforce, while Biogen discontinued its adeno-associated virus-based gene therapy work, affecting around 20 employees. Rising Pharmaceuticals is shutting down two facilities resulting in layoffs for 86 to 95 employees, while Seres Therapeutics is cutting 25% of its workforce, approximately 26 employees. Arvinas is introducing a cost optimization program that may affect around 45 employees.
More substantial layoffs are on the horizon, as Bristol Myers Squibb plans to cut 282 employees in New Jersey, adding to previous cuts affecting over 2,500 this year, part of a $3.5 billion savings initiative. CSL aims for a 15% workforce reduction, approximately 4,350 staff globally. Merck is expected to lay off around 6,000 employees as part of a $3 billion cost-cutting initiative linked to the launch of 20 new products. Novartis recently disclosed layoffs impacting 58 employees in New Jersey amid ongoing restructuring.
Moderna announced a 10% cut in its global headcount, affecting around 550 employees as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures. Adaptimmune Therapeutics plans to cut 62% of its workforce following the sale of cell therapy assets. Most notably, Sarepta Therapeutics laid off approximately 500 employees, which is 36% of its workforce, due to adverse incidents surrounding its gene therapy. Other companies, such as Precision BioSciences, X4 Pharmaceuticals, and Bicycle Therapeutics, have indicated significant layoffs as part of their strategies for operational optimization and cost management.
This wave of layoffs signals an ongoing trend within the biopharma sector as companies face pressures to maintain competitiveness and streamline their operations. With the focus shifting to key programs and the management of financial resources, the future of many organizations within this landscape remains uncertain.
FAQ
What major layoffs have recently occurred in the biopharma sector?
Major layoffs have hit the biopharma sector as companies restructure. Novo Nordisk laid off 9,000 employees globally, including 263 in the U.S. Pharming cut about 81 employees. Other companies like Mytic Therapeutics, CSL Vifor, and Takeda also announced significant layoffs.
What reasons are companies giving for these layoffs?
Companies cite various reasons including restructuring for efficiency, focusing on core products, adverse trial results, and shifting market conditions as primary reasons for the layoffs.
How many employees does Moderna plan to lay off?
Moderna announced a 10% reduction in headcount globally, impacting around 550 employees.
Key Features of Biopharma Layoffs
| Company | Employees Laid Off | Reason for Layoff |
|---|---|---|
| Novo Nordisk | 9,000 | Restructuring for savings |
| Pharming | 81 | Focus on non-commercial staff |
| Sarepta Therapeutics | 500 | Adverse incidents with gene therapy |
| Moderna | 550 | Ongoing cost-cutting measures |
| Takeda | 137 | Cease investment in cell therapies |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- BioSpace: Layoff Tracker
- Wikipedia: Pharmaceutical Industry
- BioSpace: Layoffs from Major Pharmas
- Google Search: Biopharma Layoffs
- BioSpace: Largest Biopharma Layoffs Q1 2025
- Google Scholar: Biopharmaceutical Layoffs
- BioSpace: July Layoffs Skyrocket
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Biopharmaceutical Industry Layoffs
- BioSpace: Biopharma Layoffs Stories
- Google News: Biopharma Layoffs
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