Ultragenyx layoffs and AI

Not according to Ultragenyx. It named no AI reason for its November 2026 cut, citing a new stage focused on selling its approved treatments, with a smaller, more targeted research and development footprint. No credible outlet or named analyst linked the cut to AI, so it is not in the register of AI-linked job cuts. Its earlier cut, in February 2026, was not linked to AI either.

Ultragenyx is cutting about 20% of its workforce, leaving about 1,000 employees, and is ending its Wilson disease gene therapy UX701 and winding down its Angelman syndrome studies. It was announced in November 2026. About 20% of staff, by Ultragenyx's own figure.

Ultragenyx cited a new stage focused on selling its approved treatments, with a smaller, more targeted research and development footprint. In its own words: "Ultragenyx is entering a new stage focused on commercial execution and a smaller, more targeted R&D footprint." ... "Reducing headcount by approximately 20%, resulting in a revised workforce of approximately 1,000 employees" (Ultragenyx, in its third-quarter 2026 results release, filed with the SEC).