Aura Biosciences to cut 20% of staff, deprioritize bladder program; Q2 loss $45.6M
Aura Biosciences reported a second-quarter 2026 net loss of $45.6 million, up from $27.0 million a year earlier, and announced a restructuring that includes a workforce reduction of approximately 20% and a minimal shift of resources away from its bladder cancer program. The company estimates restructuring costs of $2.9 million to $3.2 million and says its cash runway now extends into the first half of 2029, but its chief financial and business officer is departing, which adds leadership change to a wider loss.
Key points
- Q2 2026 net loss was $45.6 million, versus $27.0 million in Q2 2025; R&D expenses rose to $30.7 million and G&A to $17.3 million, including $10.3 million of stock-based compensation.
- Workforce reduction of approximately 20%; estimated restructuring costs of $2.9 million to $3.2 million, with most expected to be paid in Q3 2026.
- Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $323.8 million as of June 30, 2026, which the company says funds operations into 1H 2029.
- Anthony Gibney, Chief Financial and Business Officer, departs effective September 1, 2026; Susan Abu-Absi began as Chief Operating Officer on August 10, 2026.
The filing
Written by AI on Nov 9, 2026, 8:38 AM ET, from this filing only. Written later: this filing was briefed after the fact, when past filings were added to the site, so the brief may be read with hindsight; the filing itself is the record of what was known on August 11, 2026.
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