Key points from article :
In a move signalling major restructuring, Unity Biotechnology is laying off its entire workforce as it explores strategic alternatives, which may include a merger, asset sale, or even shutting down operations. The announcement follows underwhelming 36-week results from its phase 2b Aspire trial, which tested its experimental eye drug UBX1325 against Regeneron’s market-leading Eylea in patients with diabetic macular edema. While UBX1325 was nearly as effective (“noninferior”) to Eylea at most time points, Unity acknowledged the drug might be better developed by a company with existing ophthalmology capabilities. CEO Anirvan Ghosh, Ph.D., and other top executives will remain temporarily as consultants to oversee the transition.
Meanwhile, Mammoth Biosciences is also undergoing strategic realignment, cutting 24 jobs despite what it described as a strong financial position. Co-founder and CEO Trevor Martin said the changes are aimed at better aligning the company with its goals of advancing internal programs and research into gene-editing therapies. Mammoth recently nominated its first clinical candidate—an ultracompact CRISPR-based treatment for severe triglyceride-related diseases—which is being developed in partnership with Regeneron following a $100 million deal.
These developments reflect broader challenges in the biotech sector as companies reassess pipelines and funding strategies in a competitive and capital-constrained environment.
