The biotech and pharma sectors continue to undergo significant restructuring in July 2025, marked by major layoffs at established companies and startups alike. Below is a concise summary of the most notable changes across the industry this month.
Prothena (Brisbane, CA)
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91 employees laid off in Brisbane, with a total reduction of 63% across the company.
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The cuts follow the discontinuation of their anti-amyloid antibody after a failed Phase III trial and broader cost-cutting efforts.
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Reduction aimed at substantially decreasing operating expenses and prioritizing strategic options for future business directions.
Gilead Sciences (Oceanside, Foster City, CA)
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36 employees cut in Oceanside (clinical manufacturing, process development) effective August 15.
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149 employees previously let go in Foster City, CA, affecting scientific and technical services.
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The reduction is tied to a move consolidating biologic manufacturing teams and adjusting R&D operations.
Jasper Therapeutics (California-based)
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Approximately 30 people (around half the staff) will be let go after issues with a clinical trial.
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The company is refocusing on key trials and extending its financial runway.
4D Molecular Therapeutics (California-based)
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25% staff reduction primarily affecting early R&D roles.
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Restructuring prioritizes resources for late-stage trials and extends cash flow into 2028.
Oncternal Therapeutics (San Diego, CA)
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Winding down operations entirely, retaining only a single executive to close out the business.
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A significant downsizing was previously carried out in September and November 2024, culminating in a full shutdown.
Layoffs Elsewhere in the U.S.
GSK (Cambridge, MA)
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150 employees let go due to the transition of vaccine manufacturing from Cambridge to Pennsylvania.
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Additional “very limited” global R&D layoffs.
Sarepta Therapeutics (MA, OH, NC)
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About 500 employees leaving, with the majority in Massachusetts (Andover, Bedford, Cambridge), plus 80 in Ohio and 21 in North Carolina.
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Layoffs associated with business losses related to Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapy and a focus on high-value pipeline projects.
BioNTech (Gaithersburg, MD)
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32 employees affected in July, after 63 cut in June at a different Gaithersburg site.
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Ending cell therapy manufacturing activities at Maryland facilities.
Sail Biomedicines (Cambridge, MA)
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36 employees laid off—the second round in 2025—as part of a renewed focus on core immunology research programs.
Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics (Madison, WI)
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30 positions cut to streamline resource use amid challenging capital markets for early-stage therapeutic companies.
California remains a central hub for biotech workforce reductions, particularly in the Bay Area and San Diego. Companies cite re-prioritization, consolidation, and financial adaption as major reasons for recent layoffs. Nationally, the pattern is similar, with cost control, pipeline failures, and shifts in strategic priorities driving staffing changes. Affected workers should pay attention to legal guidelines regarding severance, final pay, and notice requirements.
If you were affected by a recent biotech layoff or have questions about your rights, you’re not alone. California workplace law offers strong protections, and Jose can help you navigate the process and protect your interests.
Disclaimer:
This post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Garay Law represents employees throughout California’s major tech cities, including San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland, Irvine, Mountain View, Menlo Park, Santa Clara, Cupertino, and Palo Alto. If you have questions about your layoff, suspected wrongful termination, retaliation, severance negotiations, leave laws (FMLA/CFRA), discrimination, or any other employment law concern in Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, or Southern California, please contact me for a confidential case review tailored to your unique situation.