Editas Medicine Undergoes Major Restructuring, Laying Off 65% of Staff Including CMO Amid Failed Search for RENI-CEL Partner

Layoffs:
Editas Medicine is laying off approximately 65% of its staff, which equates to about 180 positions, over the next six months124.

CMO Departure:
The layoffs include the departure of the company's Chief Medical Officer135.

RENI-CEL Discontinuation:
The company is discontinuing the development of its lead drug candidate, RENI-CEL, a gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, due to the failure to find a partner45.

Pivot in Strategy:
The layoffs are part of a broader pivot in the company's strategy, focusing on other research and development areas25.

Timeline:
The layoffs are expected to be completed over the next six months, starting from December 202424.

Sources:

1. https://sdbn.org/san-diego-biotech-news/2024/12/13/editas-lays-off-65-of-staff-including-cmo-after-fruitless-search-for-reni-cel-partner/

2. https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1vXF2Pfa

3. https://biotechjobs.io/2024/12/13/editas-lays-off-65-of-staff-including-cmo-after-fruitless-search-for-reni-cel-partner/

4. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/editas-layoffs-reni-cel-discontinue-pivot-in-vio/735465/

5. https://pharmaphorum.com/news/editas-sheds-two-thirds-its-staff-including-its-cmo