The proposed cuts correspond to about 30% of the Gothenburg-based company’s workforce and are subject to consultations with employee representative organizations. According to IRLAB, continued investment in generating new development projects is not currently expected to create enough shareholder value. The measures are expected to reduce the annual cost base by about SEK 8 million, with a significant impact from the third quarter of 2027.

Using its AI-based research platform ISP (Integrative Screening Process), IRLAB has built one of the world’s broadest project portfolios in Parkinson’s disease, and several of its projects are currently the subject of partnership discussions. In recent months, some potential partners have ended these talks, while other dialogues are ongoing and several new interested parties have come forward. The company still sees a strong possibility of commercially attractive agreements for several of its drug candidates.

Going forward, IRLAB will focus on commercializing its portfolio through partnerships, licensing agreements, or divestments. The remaining R&D resources will go to strictly prioritized activities aimed at advancing the drug candidates and making them more attractive to partners, while the company intends to preserve the value of ISP. To lead the commercial push, IRLAB is recruiting an experienced business development executive for the newly created role of Chief Business Officer.

“We believe that the greatest opportunity to create shareholder value now lies in translating these scientific achievements into commercially successful partnerships. Our ongoing discussions confirm continued interest in our portfolio, although it is taking longer than previously anticipated to reach agreements,” says Janne Backman, Chairman of the Board, IRLAB Therapeutics.

“This is difficult news for colleagues who have contributed to building the broad project portfolio we have today. We will carry out this process with the utmost respect and care for those affected. At the same time, this change is necessary to realize the commercial value of our drug candidates and our unique research platform, ISP,” says Kristina Torfgård, CEO, IRLAB Therapeutics.