Astellas Pharma announced on April 14 that it will close the Seattle office of its subsidiary Universal Cells, a decision impacting 50 employees. Some staff may be relocated to other Astellas research sites in South San Francisco, California, and Westborough, Massachusetts.
The closure is expected to take place in several phases beginning July 1, 2026, and concluding by April 1, 2028. Employees who accept internal transfers or new roles within Astellas before their separation date will not be included in the layoffs.
In a statement provided to BioSpace via email, an Astellas spokesperson said the company is consolidating its cell and gene therapy as well as oncology research activities from Seattle into its other U.S. locations. "Research work conducted at the Seattle site will transition over the next two years, with site closure completion anticipated by the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2027," the spokesperson said.
The company described this move as part of efforts to ensure long-term sustainability for its research and development operations. The spokesperson said these changes are intended "to become more efficient in its research footprint, strengthen scientific collaboration, concentrate critical capabilities and ensure its research platforms remain 'competitive, scalable, and positioned for long-term impact.'"
BioSpace has requested clarification from Astellas about another Universal Cells location reportedly planned for Tsukuba, Japan. In late 2024, Astellas eliminated 24 positions at Universal’s Seattle office but moved half of those roles to Japan.
Astellas acquired Universal Cells in 2018 for $102.5 million to access universal donor cell technology aimed at reducing stem cell rejection risks. Universal Cells was founded in January 2013 and partnered with Adaptimmune in developing allogeneic T cell therapies starting in 2015. According to its website, current partners include Blue Rock Therapeutics, UHN and Xyphos.
