Tessera Therapeutics, a genetic medicine firm backed by Flagship Pioneering, has disclosed plans to lay off 90 employees across several U.S. states. According to a regulatory filing, the staff reduction is scheduled to commence on March 8, 2026.
Context and company status:
-
Operational footprint: The Massachusetts-based biotech confirmed that the layoffs will not result in the closure of any of its existing facilities or laboratories.
-
Financial backing: This restructuring follows a significant partnership established in late 2025 with Regeneron, which included a $150 million investment in cash and equity. The collaboration focuses on TSRA-196, a one-time genetic treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
-
Pipeline milestones: The company is currently transitioning toward near-term clinical trials. It recently showcased promising preclinical results for its sickle cell disease and T-cell therapy programs at major medical conferences.
-
Core technology: Tessera utilizes a proprietary lipid nanoparticle platform designed for the in vivo delivery of RNA to specific cell types, a process the company refers to as “gene writing.”
The workforce adjustment appears to coincide with a strategic shift as the organization prepares for its upcoming first-in-human clinical evaluations and manages its joint development costs with global partners.
Source: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/flagship-founded-tessera-plans-lay-90-employees-march