1. Scrip
  2. >>Business

Nektar And PureTech Merger Talks Terminated

Discussions Could Have Caused 'Extended Period Of Uncertainty'

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The UK’s PureTech and US biotech Nektar have ended discussions about a potential merger which analysts did not see coming, but a deal could still happen and other companies may also make a move.

Carousel
Nektar and Puretech jump off the biotech M&A merry-go-round for now • Source: Shutterstock

A mere four days after announcing a potential link-up, troubled US group Nektar Therapeutics and UK healthcare holding company PureTech have called off merger talks which had taken seasoned observers of biotech M&A activity by surprise.

PureTech said on 11 October it had mutually agreed with Nektar "to terminate discussions regarding a possible business combination." Those...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Deals

Sanofi Doubles Down On Respiratory Vaccines With Vicebio Buy

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The French major is paying $1.15bn For the UK biotech and its bivalent candidate, VXB-241.

Chief Strategist O’Hara On Novavax’s Partnership-Focused Approach

 
• By Mandy Jackson

A deal last year with Sanofi relieved Novavax of commercial costs for the COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid, allowing the company to focus on R&D and finding partners for its other vaccines.

After Gilead Deal, Hookipa Hangs Up Its Hat

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The Austrian firm is delisting from the NASDAQ and closing down.

Sino Biopharm Scoops LaNova In Chinese Pharma’s Biggest Biotech Buyout So Far

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

Sino Biopharm will pay almost $1bn to acquire what target LaNova’s CEO described as an “exploding” pipeline, which includes six clinical-stage candidates in the oncology area.

More from Business

Stock Watch: Q2 Sales Growth Sparks Diverging Reactions To J&J And Novartis

 
• By Andy Smith

With drug sector indexes underperforming the broad market in the first half of 2025, investors may have been anticipating tariff-related and other headwinds. But impending loss of exclusivity on key products may be provoking more anxiety at this point.

Sanofi Doubles Down On Respiratory Vaccines With Vicebio Buy

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The French major is paying $1.15bn For the UK biotech and its bivalent candidate, VXB-241.

Quick Listen: Scrip’s Five Must-Know Things

 
• By Ian Haydock

In this week's episode: J&J delivers in Q2 despite Stelara drop; Sarepta cuts jobs as Elevidys slumps; AI is inevitable but needs to be applied appropriately; China’s mid-cap companies thrive; and a look behind Glenmark’s landmark trispecific deal.