Sio Gene, Genocea, Solid Biosciences, Saniona and Black Diamond join First Wave, Zosano, Vallon, Finch, Magenta, ProQR and Imara on the growing list of biopharma firms reducing headcount to make their cash last until valuations return to a level that may support new fundraising. 

The big pharma has a gene therapy R&D site in New York from its Prevail Therapeutics buy; the RNA-focused Boston site also will conduct drug delivery research benefitting programs at both locations.

Totals for aggregate deals and in the M&A, alliance and divestment categories were similar among the 10 busiest deal makers from 2020 to 2021, but COVID-19 may have driven a more hectic deal-making pace overall in 2020.

The company is pinning hopes on its Usher syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa programs, but the disconnect between Phase I/II success and Phase II/III failure dented analysts’ enthusiasm.