Exclusive: Arena BioWorks abruptly shuts down

The ambitious biomedical institute drew top talent but its ability to churn out startups depended on more funding.

Log In    Subscribe EXCLUSIVE   Arena BioWorks, the ambitious biomedical institute backed by billionaires, abruptly shuts down By Allison DeAngelis and Jason Mast Rick Berke / STAT Arena BioWorks, the buzzy research institute that launched nearly two years ago with $500 million to support a decade of scientific R&D, is abruptly shutting down, the institute confirmed to STAT.    Approximately 50 staff members, including co-founder Stuart Schreiber and CEO Harvey Berger, will be laid off, according to Schreiber. Arena will no longer conduct scientific research but the company's scientific discoveries to date will be handed over to its scientists for further development. READ MORE Sign up for Biotech Scorecard Unfiltered, uncompromising analysis on the biotech world. Learn more. In Case You Missed It How Moderna, the company that helped save the world, unraveled By Jason Mast Jennifer Doudna spinoff aims to turn patients' immune cells into CAR-T fighters with single shot By Jason Mast and Allison DeAngelis Sarepta Therapeutics' dismal quarter marred by drug failures and a long list of excuses By Adam Feuerstein Miriam Merad's 20-year quest to understand one cell is starting to rewrite the rules of cancer immunotherapy By Angus Chen Don't miss out on another STAT investigation Unlock the world of health and medicine with a subscription to STAT+ Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us