Peptide manufacturing bases have also been optimized: Top pharmaceutical companies have laid off over 1,800 employees.

Pharma Intelligence Group’s data monitoring shows that in May 2026, German biotech giant BioNTech SE plans to further streamline and consolidate its manufacturing sites in regions with excess capacity. The drivers behind this adjustment include shifts in market supply-demand dynamics, post-merger integration activities, production support capabilities of collaboration partners, and the expiration of related cooperation agreements. At that time, BioNTech planned to shut down four manufacturing sites—located in Idar-Oberstein, Marburg, Tübingen (the former CureVac headquarters campus), and Singapore—with the restructuring potentially affecting up to approximately 1,860 positions. The three German sites—Idar-Oberstein, Marburg, and Tübingen—are scheduled to complete their shutdown and exit by the end of 2027; the Singapore facility is expected to cease operations in Q1 2027. The company is exploring asset divestiture options—including partial transfers or full sales—for all affected sites, aiming to mitigate the multifaceted impacts of the shutdowns. As a supporting measure to this restructuring, BioNTech will transfer all its COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing operations to long-term partner Pfizer—a move aligned with the industry-wide contraction in post-pandemic vaccine demand. Workforce optimization and streamlining of the production footprint constitute core components of the group’s cost-optimization strategy, targeting annual sustainable cost savings of approximately €500 million by 2029. This adjustment will enable BioNTech to reallocate capital and human resources toward its diversified oncology pipeline development—its core strategic growth pillar. BioNTech CFO Ramón Zapata previously stated: “We remain committed to disciplined capital allocation to support our goal of transforming into a leading biopharmaceutical company with multiple commercialized oncology products by 2030. This integration of our manufacturing network represents a targeted operational adjustment to the post-pandemic market environment, enabling us to concentrate resources on developing novel mRNA immunotherapies for cancer patients.” BioNTech confirmed that, throughout the phased shutdown transition period, the supply fulfillment of all existing commercial products—and the production of clinical trial materials—will remain uninterrupted. The company continues active dialogue and consultation with local governments, employee representatives, and regional research collaborators to implement transitional employment support mechanisms for affected staff. Concurrently with the restructuring announcement, BioNTech launched a share repurchase program of up to $1 billion to optimize its capital structure and return surplus liquidity to shareholders. In Q1 2026, BioNTech reported total revenue of €118.1 million, a 35% year-on-year decline—primarily driven by persistently weakening global demand for COVID-19 vaccines; the group posted a net loss of €531.9 million for the quarter.

12 top pharmaceutical companies have laid off 11,000 employees; six China country presidents underwent rapid succession: In 2026, there is no "safe zone" for multinational corporations.

01. Over 12 top-tier pharmaceutical companies globally have announced layoffs exceeding 11,000 positions. Starting in 2026, twelve leading global pharmaceutical companies announced layoff plans affecting more than 11,000 employees. Specifically: Takeda leads in layoff numbers, with 4,500 positions impacted—the highest among all. Following closely are Viatris (3,200) and BioNTech (1,860). Companies with relatively smaller-scale layoffs include Astellas (55), Merck & Co. (154), and Pfizer (102); notably, Novartis announced two separate rounds of layoffs. Layoff objectives vary across companies: Viatris and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) pursued layoffs primarily for cost reduction. In contrast, Pfizer, BioNTech, and Astellas focused more on optimizing business structures. Novartis and Takeda implemented layoffs and restructurings mainly to address patent cliffs and bet on new growth trajectories. Merck & Co.’s layoffs stemmed from a sharp global decline in demand for its Gardasil series of vaccines. GSK’s layoffs aim to optimize its R&D structure, while Gilead’s were part of post-acquisition integration steps. Viatris and BMS layoffs center squarely on cost optimization. On February 26, Viatris unveiled a three-year global strategic restructuring plan, with a core component being a 10% workforce reduction to improve efficiency and reduce costs. As of 2025, Viatris employed approximately 32,000 people globally—meaning this round could affect roughly 3,200 positions. On April 20, BMS announced layoffs of 206 employees in New Jersey, with implementation extending through the end of 2026. BMS is pursuing a multi-phase cost-cutting strategy: Phase I (2024) targets $1.5 billion in savings and over 2,000 layoffs; Phase II (2025) adds another $2 billion in cuts; and Phase III (Q1 2026) involves large-scale layoffs. Pfizer, BioNTech, and Astellas layoffs have shifted from broad-based cost cutting toward structural business optimization. In April, Pfizer announced it would cut 102 jobs—about 12% of the workforce—at its manufacturing plant in Ringaskiddy, County Cork, Ireland—a direct response to post-pandemic overcapacity. On May 5, BioNTech announced the closure of three German manufacturing sites—in Idar-Oberstein, Marburg, and Tübingen—as well as its Singapore facility, impacting 1,860 positions. This reflects its strategic pivot away from pandemic-era operations toward prioritizing oncology drug R&D. On April 14, Astellas announced the closure of its stem-cell therapy R&D site in Seattle, USA, eliminating 55 positions; the site is slated for final shutdown by April 2028. This move reflects Astellas’ structural realignment of its stem-cell business—going forward, the company plans to integrate cell and gene therapy with oncology R&D resources. Takeda and Novartis implemented layoffs and restructurings primarily due to performance pressures arising from patent cliffs and their current “transformation phase.” Takeda is undergoing a global transformation; over the past two years, its “streamlining” efforts have impacted approximately 4,000 positions. On May 13, Takeda released its FY2025 full-year financial results and simultaneously announced a 4,500-person layoff plan (“Positions Impacted: Approx. 4,500 roles in FY2026”).

BioNTech to shutter sites in Germany, Singapore as no buyers emerge

Sep 28, 2026

BioNTech will close manufacturing sites in Germany and Singapore after failing to find buyers, resulting in up to 1,860 job cuts. This restructuring follows the transfer of COVID-19 vaccine production to partner Pfizer.

reuters

2026-08-04

BioNTech lowers 2026 sales outlook as COVID vaccine demand softens

2026-09-28

BioNTech to shutter sites in Germany, Singapore as no buyers emerge

BioNTech to shutter sites in Germany, Singapore as no buyers emerge

FAQ