Agios cuts over 35% of R&D staff as FDA decision on sickle cell drug is delayed

Agios announced it will eliminate more than 100 R&D positions, representing over a third of its research staff, after the FDA postponed a decision on its sickle cell disease candidate.

The company said the restructuring will cost about $11 million this year, with the savings expected to materialize in 2027. It currently employs 539 full‑time workers across the organization.

Analysts noted the move reflects a shift toward a commercial‑focused model centered on the mitapivat franchise, which includes approved products for PK deficiency and thalassemia and generated $55.4 million in Q3 revenue, up 24% from the prior quarter.

Agios’ CEO said the right‑sized operating model is intended to drive profitability, targeting a profit (excluding irregular costs) by 2028.