BioMarin cuts 117 jobs in California as it consolidates its footprint

BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN) is cutting 117 jobs at its Novato, California, site, just months after trimming staff in New Jersey following an acquisition.

The layoffs take effect on December 4, according to a California WARN notice. The company said the move reflects a decision to consolidate its Novato operations into "a smaller, more focused site."

BioMarin operates several facilities in Novato. Its Galli Drive plant produces the active pharmaceutical ingredients for Aldurazyme, Naglazyme, Palynziq and Voxzogo, and is the only manufacturing site for those four products. It is also one of just two plants making Vimizim, according to the company's 2025 annual report.

A spokesperson said Novato would remain the group's primary drug substance manufacturing site for Aldurazyme and Naglazyme, while activities related to other products and facilities would be transferred, divested or decommissioned. The company is "committed to treating affected employees with respect throughout this transition," the spokesperson added, including through severance benefits and support.

The job cuts come two weeks after BioMarin said it would not develop Voxzogo for children with Noonan syndrome, a genetic disorder that can affect height, facial features and the heart. The company said the consolidation is "not related to any recent pipeline updates," including the Voxzogo programme, and is instead part of an ongoing review of its global footprint.

Voxzogo, a dwarfism treatment, is BioMarin's main growth driver. Second-quarter sales of $253mn beat expectations and prompted the company to raise its full-year guidance.

In May, BioMarin announced 58 layoffs at the former headquarters of Amicus Therapeutics (FOLD) in Princeton, New Jersey, shortly after completing its $4.8bn acquisition of the rare disease biotech. Beyond Novato, the company also has a production facility in Shanbally, County Cork, Ireland, and relies on contract manufacturers.