Editas Medicine Layoffs Amid Reni-cel Partner Search Failure and Strategic Shift to In Vivo Gene Therapy

Editas Medicine is undergoing significant layoffs, reducing its workforce by roughly two-thirds, or about 180 employees, as part of a strategic shift towards in vivo gene therapy[2]. This decision is a consequence of failing to find a partner for its sickle cell disease therapy, reni-cel, leading to the discontinuation of its development[1]. The layoffs include the departure of Chief Medical Officer Baisong Mei and two board members, illustrating a significant organizational restructuring. This marks a major pivot in the company's strategy as it pivots to focus on in vivo CRISPR-edited medicines, aiming to extend its cash reserves and leverage new breakthroughs in CRISPR delivery directly into stem cells[2][1].