Biogen’s Tau-Targeting Alzheimer’s Drug Shows Promise in Phase 2 Trial; Takeda to Cut 4,500 Jobs by 2026

Biogen has reported mixed but promising results from a mid-stage clinical trial evaluating diranersen, an experimental treatment for Alzheimer’s disease that targets the toxic tau protein. Like amyloid, tau accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and is believed to contribute to cognitive decline.

In the Phase 2 study, diranersen reduced tau levels in both the spinal fluid and brains of patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Notably, these reductions were associated with a slowing of cognitive decline—a milestone that has eluded previous drugmakers using antibody-based approaches. While other companies have successfully lowered tau levels, linking these reductions to meaningful clinical benefits has proven difficult.

Diranersen employs a different mechanism than antibody treatments, but it requires administration via spinal injection, which may present challenges for patient compliance and convenience.

Takeda to Cut 4,500 Jobs by Fiscal 2026 Amid Restructuring

Takeda Pharmaceutical has announced plans to eliminate approximately 4,500 jobs by fiscal year 2026 as part of a sweeping restructuring initiative aimed at centralizing corporate functions and reducing costs. The company anticipates annual savings exceeding $1.27 billion by fiscal 2028, though specific timelines and affected roles remain undisclosed.

This move is part of Takeda’s ongoing transformation following its $62 billion acquisition of Shire in 2019, which expanded its global presence but also increased debt and operational complexity. The restructuring comes as Takeda prepares for higher selling, general, and administrative expenses, as well as increased R&D costs tied to upcoming product launches, including treatments for narcolepsy, blood disorders, and psoriasis. The company expects much of these additional costs to be offset by the savings generated from the restructuring.