Takeda Pharmaceutical has announced the complete discontinuation of its cell therapy research and development efforts, including layoffs of 137 employees in Massachusetts. The decision follows a strategic portfolio reprioritization amidst declining profits and patent expirations. While Takeda had previously invested heavily in cell therapy technologies with acquisitions and in-house manufacturing capabilities, it now plans to seek external partners to advance select preclinical assets. The company intends to redirect resources towards biologics, small molecules, and antibody drug conjugates to accelerate delivery of transformative therapies.