Bayer's BlueRock Therapeutics Restructures, Focusing on Priority Cell Therapies

BlueRock Therapeutics, a subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant Bayer, has announced significant restructuring efforts aimed at streamlining its operations and concentrating resources on key cell therapy programs. The company is implementing layoffs and closing research facilities as part of a strategic realignment of its pipeline and organizational structure.

Layoffs and Facility Closure

BlueRock is laying off 50 employees across its various locations and shutting down its research laboratories in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Despite the closure of the Cambridge labs, the company will maintain its headquarters in the city. Research activities will now be consolidated at the company's New York and Toronto sites.

A spokesperson for BlueRock explained that the decision to restructure was made to "focus our resources on [our] priority programs." This move marks the second round of significant layoffs for the company, following a 12% workforce reduction in 2023 that also affected approximately 50 employees.

Focus on Priority Cell Therapies

The restructuring efforts are aimed at channeling resources into BlueRock's most promising cell therapy candidates. Two key programs highlighted by the company are:

1. Bemdaneprocel: A pluripotent stem cell-derived therapy for Parkinson's disease that entered phase 3 clinical trials earlier this year. Bayer has touted this as the first registrational phase 3 study for an allogeneic cell therapy in this neurodegenerative condition.

2. OpCT-001: An induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) therapy that recently entered clinical trials for the treatment of primary photoreceptor diseases in ophthalmology.

BlueRock's spokesperson emphasized that "The successful advancement of these programs is important for the continued growth and success of our company."

Ongoing Research and Development

Despite the restructuring, BlueRock affirmed its commitment to advancing its preclinical platforms. The company will continue developing its cell editing and immune evasion technologies, including:

• DA02: A dopaminergic neuron progenitor for Parkinson's disease
• Myeloid platform: Focused on neurodegenerative disorders
• iPSC-derived programs: Targeting vision loss

These ongoing efforts underscore BlueRock's dedication to maintaining a diverse pipeline of cell therapies, even as it narrows its focus on lead candidates.