Pharma execs gathering for the JPMorgan healthcare conference expect a robust M&A wave as patent expirations threaten about 12% of industry revenue, with roughly $40bn in sales losing protection this year and about $180bn more going off patent in 2027–28. Big moves are already underway (Merck eyeing Revolution Medicines; Lilly buying Ventyx), and improved pricing-policy clarity under the current administration has lifted deal enthusiasm, pushing the S&P Biotech index to multi-year highs and fueling speculation of even larger consolidations amid a potentially friendlier antitrust environment.
Merck is in negotiations to acquire biotech firm Revolution Medicines, with the deal not yet finalized and other bidders potentially involved, causing Revolution's shares to rise.
Merck is in negotiations to acquire Revolution Medicines, a cancer drug developer, for up to $32 billion, signaling a significant move in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry.
Ocular Therapeutix is at a critical juncture as it seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of a more durable eye treatment, with its recent turnaround story still needing to prove tangible results amid ongoing industry challenges.
Eli Lilly is in advanced negotiations to acquire Ventyx Biosciences for over $1 billion, which would expand Lilly's portfolio to include treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases and other conditions, with an announcement expected soon.
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals' gene-silencing drug candidate ARO-INHBE, in combination with Eli Lilly's Zepbound, showed promising early results in reducing weight and harmful visceral fat in obese patients with diabetes, potentially intensifying competition in weight loss drug development.
The article summarizes the major health and science stories of 2025, highlighting political impacts on research, biotech industry shifts, debunking vaccine myths, advancements in cancer and longevity research, and notable figures in the field, all amidst a backdrop of industry upheavals and innovative discoveries.
Sanofi is acquiring U.S. biotech Dynavax for $2.2 billion to expand its adult vaccine portfolio, including hepatitis B and shingles vaccines, aiming to diversify and boost revenue growth amid regulatory and market pressures. The deal, expected to close in early 2026, also includes an experimental shingles vaccine with potential long-term sales, while Sanofi faces setbacks with an FDA rejection of its multiple sclerosis drug.
Biotech venture capitalist Bruce Booth predicts a significant increase in IPOs for drug companies in 2026, following two years of low activity, signaling a potential sector recovery.
The biotech sector is reaching a turning point as development-stage companies are maturing, with drugs gaining approvals and generating revenue, leading to increased profitability and attracting more generalist investor interest, supported by optimistic financial forecasts through 2030.
Verge Genomics' only clinical-stage ALS drug has failed, prompting the company to shift its focus to a partnership model for its AI-driven discovery platform.
The article highlights the outstanding CEOs of 2025 in the biotech and pharma industries, emphasizing a record year for mergers and acquisitions, with nearly $240 billion in deals, and recognizing various leaders including dealmakers, underdogs, and mavericks.
The stock market saw a positive day with the Dow Jones rising 0.4%, led by Boeing and Nvidia, while Palantir also performed well. Major indexes gained, and specific stocks like Coinbase and Credo surged on earnings reports, though some biotech and transportation stocks declined. Market sentiment was cautious but optimistic, with notable movements in cryptocurrencies and ETFs.
The FDA's top drug regulator, Dr. Pazdur, has submitted his resignation after 26 years, raising concerns about leadership stability and the future of drug regulation, amid ongoing debates over the agency's programs and political influence.
Researchers from King's College London have developed a keratin-based toothpaste that can rebuild and protect tooth enamel, offering a sustainable and natural alternative to traditional dental treatments, with potential availability within a few years.
