Agios to cut over 202 R&D positions as it awaits FDA decision on sickle cell drug

Agios Pharmaceuticals said it will eliminate more than 100 research and development positions by the end of 2026, cutting its R&D workforce by roughly 35% from 2025 levels.

The company entered the year with 539 employees in the United States and Switzerland and held $907 million in cash and marketable securities at the end of September. Its anemia drug mitapivat, marketed as Pyrukynd and Aqvesme, generated $55.4 million in net revenue in Q3.

Agios is awaiting an FDA decision on a new indication for mitapivat in sickle cell disease after a Phase 3 trial last year missed one of two primary endpoints. The agency has now postponed its ruling by three months while reviewing additional safety data submitted by the firm.

The announced workforce reduction is intended to lower operating expenses and preserve the company’s financial position ahead of a potential launch of the sickle cell indication.