Biopharma Layoffs Continue to Surge in First Half of 2025

Biopharma layoffs remain persistent in 2025, with 130 companies cutting 13,470 employees in the first half of the year—a 31% increase in employees let go compared to the same period in 202415.

The first half of 2025 saw 128 layoff rounds, up 32% year-over-year compared to 97 layoff rounds at the midway point in 20243.

May 2025 set a record with 29 reported rounds of layoffs, the highest monthly number in at least four years3.

Major companies executing significant layoffs include Teva Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, and Bristol Myers Squibb15.

Despite some decline in biotech company closures from Q1 to Q2 of 2025, the overall number of layoffs remained stable across both quarters, indicating ongoing industry challenges3.

Macroeconomic uncertainty and prolonged bear market conditions are cited as driving forces behind the continuing layoffs in the biopharma sector3.

Sources:

1. https://www.pharmalive.com/the-5-largest-biopharma-layoffs-of-h1-2025/

3. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/biopharma-layoffs-first-half-year-jump-32-yoy

5. https://www.biospace.com/job-trends/the-5-largest-biopharma-layoffs-of-h1-2025