BioSpace tallies showed biopharma layoffs slowed year over year in Q1 2026, but total affected employees rose. The reported jump was driven largely by Viatris planning to cut up to 10% of its global workforce over the next three years, alongside other reorganizations such as Evotec’s downsizing. While fewer companies were cutting headcount, the overall employee impact increased—pointing to a concentrated set of large employers driving the workforce swing rather than broad-based reductions. The report also highlighted improving capital access signals, including multiple biotechs going public, while acknowledging continued uncertainty in funding and restructuring decisions.