Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.'s statement that it is considering making an approach to Shire PLC may force the hand of other big pharma companies. Several firms, including Pfizer Inc. and AbbVie Inc., are viewed as in the market for larger transactions as they face increased pressure on their current growth prospects, and Shire's position at the lower end of the large biopharma set makes it a more digestible, but still transformative target for the biggest companies in the sector.
Takeda's Interest Likely To Flush Out Further Shire Suitors
As Takeda discloses that it is considering making a bid to acquire Shire, other big pharma companies look likely to assess their own interest in the firm. Pfizer and AbbVie are among those that may lay their cards on the table.

More from Deals
Sanofi sold a 50% stake in consumer health unit Opella for €10bn, backing its shift to prescription drugs and funding a €5bn buyback.
Attorneys Andrew Goodman and Alan Minsk, as well as Naya CEO Daniel Teper, discussed the ramifications of US FDA staff cuts on M&A activity with Scrip senior writer Joseph Haas.
The San Diego biotech’s lead product candidate is an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapy slated to enter Phase III development in the third quarter.
Emma Walmsley tells Scrip that the "biotech market is under a certain degree of pressure," so reasonably priced deals are available.
More from Business
As biopharma derisks its business with China ‘rebalancing’ strategies, Syngene could convert majority of such pilots into full program contracts amid a challenging FY2025. The CRDMO also expects business discussions pertaining to a newly acquired US biologics site to mature into commercial opportunities.
Biogen expects little impact from existing tariffs and any that may apply if the US exemption of pharma products is lifted, since 75% of its manufacturing is in the US and 55% of sales are ex-US.
MariTide could give Amgen a big boost if successful in obesity, but the drug just entered Phase III. Even so, Q1 revenue rose 9% to $8.15bn and more growth is expected in 2025.