Scrip Perspectives

INFOGRAPHIC: Deal volume for both M&A and alliances fell in 2023, but average valuations rose appreciably. Antibody-drug conjugates for cancer drove high-value acquisitions and partnerships.

A rundown of the ten most valuable drug launches expected in 2024 from both big pharma and some first-to-market companies.   

While not expected to be quite so busy as previous years, 2024 will still see many pivotal clinical trial readouts that should create a splash. Here are ten (plus a few extras) that have caught Scrip’s eye for one reason or another, eg, for being the first readout for a novel drug class, having the potential to take a product in a new lucrative direction, for maybe being able to succeed where a rival has already failed or even for having been a long time coming.    

In this second instalment on key trends playing out in India, Scrip talks to industry leaders on the marked shift in GMP norms that could potentially resize Indian manufacturing, large player interest in the CDMO space and M&A activity, where PE firms may be the “most aggressive” buyers.

The arrival of an indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, a shot at GLP-1s and Parkinson’s disease, strides into adjacencies and an “easy revenue stream” formula for products set to lose exclusivity are some of the striking developments seen playing out in India. Industry leaders, including Cipla’s CEO, share their views with Scrip on some of the key trends in the first instalment of this two-part roundup.

Biotech founders and executives in China are having to embrace continuing uncertainty around funding as the light at the end of the tunnel still appears a way off, but partnerships and alternative financing routes are providing some relief. 

M&A activity in 2023 began with March’s $43bn mega-deal for Seagen, but only one eight-figure takeout has occurred since. Still, the values are higher overall than seen in 2022 and might indicate a gradual return to larger deals.  

In a tough R&D environment, delivery technology-based new drug development activities by Korean firms are poised to remain robust in 2024.

The biopharma new year begins as the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference ends so here in no particular order, Scrip takes a look at five of the biggest stories of 2023, once again a year of highs and lows for the industry.

Companies from China single-handedly sponsored a total of eight Phase III clinical studies that included US sites in 2023 compared to six in 2022 - but the figure was still below the record of 11 in 2021.