Pharmaceutical Executive Daily: Novartis Cuts 550 Jobs

Welcome to Pharmaceutical Executive Daily, your quick briefing on the top news shaping the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry.

In today’s Pharmaceutical Executive Daily, Novartis plans to eliminate 550 positions at a major Swiss site, the FDA authorizes the first gene therapy for adolescents and adults with spinal muscular atrophy, and industry experts weigh in on how next-generation CDMOs are evolving to meet rapid market change.

Novartis has confirmed plans to cut 550 jobs at its Stein, Switzerland manufacturing facility as part of a broader effort to streamline operations. The company cited shifts in product demand and a rebalancing of global manufacturing capacity as key drivers behind the restructuring initiative.

In regulatory news, the FDA has cleared Itvisma as the first gene therapy approved for adolescents and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Previously limited to pediatric use, the expanded indication marks a major milestone for SMA treatment and opens access to a broader patient population living with the rare neuromuscular disorder.

Meanwhile, a new industry analysis highlights how next-generation CDMOs are evolving amid rising biologics demand, modality diversification, and accelerated development timelines. From advanced automation to flexible capacity models, CDMOs are increasingly positioning themselves as strategic partners rather than traditional service vendors.

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