The biopharma workforce reductions continue into the new year as a neurology-focused biotech announces its closure following clinical disappointment.
The year 2026 marks the fifth annual edition of the industry’s layoff monitoring resource. Despite hopes for a decline in workforce reductions, the data from 2025 indicated a year-over-year increase, necessitating continued vigilance in tracking sector-wide restructurings.
January Highlight: The dissolution of Nido Biosciences
The first recorded case for 2026 involves Nido Biosciences, a neuro-biotech firm that has decided to cease operations.
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Reason for closure: The decision follows disappointing results from a midstage study involving the company’s lead candidate for neurological disease treatment.
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Impact: A company spokesperson confirmed that Nido is closing its doors. While only “a handful of employees” remain to be impacted, the shutdown highlights the high-risk nature of neurological research and development.
Industry context
This tracker serves as a vital resource for monitoring the steady stream of job cuts across both Big Pharma and emerging biotech entities. To maintain data integrity, layoff rounds that are part of previously announced large-scale reorganizations are excluded from the monthly total counts, focusing instead on new and distinct workforce reductions.