IPOs In Review: Biopharma Offerings Bounced Back In 2017 As Returns Rose

With an average return of 33.2% in 2017, the number of biopharma IPOs that launched last year rose to 42 after falling to 30 in 2016 compared with 62 in 2015. Following a rough fourth quarter for biopharma stocks, will the IPO momentum continue in 2018?

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Biopharmaceutical companies launched 42 initial public offerings in the US in 2017 versus 30 in 2016 as stock values rose. But biotechnology in general endured a rough fourth quarter, raising the question of whether returns will be high enough to support as many or more IPOs in 2018.

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