- Catalent is laying off 350 employees in its gene therapy manufacturing division in Baltimore due to an unexpected shift in customer demand.
- The layoffs primarily affect the Harmans, Maryland campus and the University of Maryland BioPark facility, which focuses on clinical and commercial gene therapy production.
Catalent, a global CDMO, has announced the reduction of 350 positions in its gene therapy manufacturing division in Baltimore, citing an unexpected shift in demand from a major customer. The company stated that the layoffs were necessary to adjust its workforce in response to the changing demand.
The majority of the layoffs are at Catalent’s Harmans, Maryland campus, which includes two facilities supporting phase 3 through commercial production of gene therapies. Additional reductions occurred at a 128,000-square-foot site 13 miles north at the University of Maryland BioPark in Baltimore, where upstream and downstream process development of viral vectors for clinical applications is conducted.
A spokesperson for Catalent said: “It is never easy to see talented colleagues leave Catalent, and we remain committed to providing them transition support as they manage this change. Our gene therapy business continues to see strong growth, and we look forward to working on behalf of customers to deliver novel therapies for patients with genetic diseases/disorders.”
The company did not confirm the identity of the customer, but it’s reported that it may be Sarepta Therapeutics, which has faced challenges following patient deaths associated with its Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy, Elevidys. Sarepta recently announced it was to “adjust manufacturing commitments based on latest demand”.
