Takeda to Cut 137 Staffers After Exiting Cell Therapy Research

Takeda is exiting the cell therapy field as part of a strategic portfolio reprioritization, leading to the elimination of 137 roles at its R&D site in Massachusetts1 3 4 6.

The layoffs are scheduled to begin in early July 2024 and conclude before year-end, according to Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) reports2.

Takeda cited a need to focus on core therapeutic areas and innovation in biologics and small molecules rather than pursuing cell therapy projects4 6.

These layoffs are not part of a companywide staff reduction but are targeted to specific functions impacted by the cell therapy exit and related pipeline restructuring2.

Some affected employees may have opportunities to remain with Takeda in different roles, and the company has pledged transition support and assistance in job placement2.

Takeda seeks to find external partners to advance any remaining cell therapy assets, signaling a complete withdrawal from internal cell therapy development4 7.

The move reflects a broader pharmaceutical industry trend of large companies scaling back investments in cell therapies due to commercial and clinical challenges6.