Wed Jul 16 20:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Sarepta Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company, has laid off approximately 500 employees (over a third of its workforce) and restructured its research programs, including pausing certain gene therapy developments for limb-girdle muscular dystrophies. This decision comes after safety concerns and the deaths of two patients led to restrictions on their Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy. The company aims to save $400 million annually, reduce operating expenses, and maintain access to existing loan agreements. Concurrently, three top executives, excluding the CEO, received promotions and salary increases.

**News Article:**

**Sarepta Therapeutics Announces Mass Layoffs and Research Cuts Following Gene Therapy Concerns**

**BOSTON, MA -** Sarepta Therapeutics (SRPT) announced Wednesday that it is laying off over a third of its workforce, approximately 500 employees, as part of a major cost-cutting and restructuring initiative. The move follows the deaths of two teenagers, which led to restrictions on the usage of the company’s gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The company also revealed it will be pausing research and development on several gene therapies targeting limb-girdle muscular dystrophies. Sarepta projects these measures will result in annual savings of $400 million, lower operating expenses, and improved cash flow, allowing them to maintain compliance with existing loan agreements.

The announcement was accompanied by an SEC filing indicating that three top executives, including the company’s No. 2 executive Ian Estepan, have received promotions and salary increases. The employment status of CEO Doug Ingram remains unchanged.

Sarepta’s restructuring highlights the challenges and risks inherent in the development and commercialization of gene therapies. The company’s future direction and the impact of these changes on patients awaiting new treatments will be closely watched by the biotech industry.

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