Market Intelligence

Big pharma players have embraced a tricky operating environment in 2022 so far, treading a tightrope with political and financial challenges impacting their decision making and threatening to blow them off balance. However, what is not in doubt is the healthy growth experienced by those companies based around mainland Europe and the UK.

In the top April alliance by deal value, Jazz Pharmaceuticals acquired exclusive global development and commercialization rights to Werewolf Therapeutics' WTX-613. Preclinical WTX-613 is an engineered IFN⍺2b cytokine pro-drug that is activated specifically within the tumor microenvironment where it can stimulate IFNα receptors on cancer-fighting immune effector cells. Jazz expects to submit an IND application to the FDA for WTX-613 in 2023. Jazz paid $15M up front and Werewolf is eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to $1.26bn, plus royalties.

During Q1, biopharma merger and acquisition value reached $9.9bn and drew in $51.2bn in potential deal value from alliances. Device company M&A values reached $4.6bn, while in vitro diagnostic firms and research tools players completed M&A activity that totaled $52.5m.

A selection of articles you might have missed from April 2022, including exclusive interviews, an in depth look at the impact of COVID-19 on clinical trial trends, and the latest Rising Leaders series. 

Four $1bn+ alliances were penned in March. Topping the list was a potential $6bn+ deal between Sanofi and IGM Biosciences involving IgM antibody agonists against three oncology targets and three immunology/inflammation targets. The partners aim to use IGM’s IgM antibody technology to develop therapeutics that combine the multi-valency of IgM antibodies possessing 10 binding sites compared to conventional IgG antibodies having only two target binding sites. For each oncology program, IGM will lead R&D activities (and assume related costs) through approval of the first BLA by the FDA or EMA. After that, Sanofi will lead all subsequent development and commercialization activities and gets exclusive global rights. For each immunology/inflammation program, IGM will lead R&D activities through the completion of the Phase I clinical trial for up to two constructs directed to each immunology/inflammation target, after which Sanofi will be responsible for all future development and commercialization.

Company strategies at improving diversity, equity and inclusion both within their organizations and in the clinical trials they conduct have differed, but building trust is a common theme.

In Vivo's Deal-Making column is a survey of recent health care transactions listed by relevant industry segment – In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals – and then categorized by type – Acquisition, Alliance, or Financing. This month’s column covers deals announced in March 2022. Data provided by Biomedtracker. 

A selection of articles you might have missed from March 2022, including exclusive interviews and an in-depth look at the targeted protein degradation field.

Many health care businesses have condemned the war in Ukraine while prioritizing the safety of local employees and pledging support and humanitarian aid. They must also consider their own operational issues during and after the conflict.

Pharma in India draws on celebrity endorsement to spotlight specific disease conditions, with social media adding new dimensions to these efforts. But do these campaigns, now facing increasing disclosure scrutiny more widely, deliver a return on investment?

NORD’s director of membership talks about how companies focused on rare diseases can partner with often under-resourced non-profits on diversity initiatives.

Five $1bn+ alliances were penned in February. Topping the list was a potential $2bn deal between Code Biotherapeutics and Takeda to leverage Code Bio’s proprietary targeted 3DNA non-viral genetic medicine delivery platform to design and develop gene therapies for a liver-directed rare disease program, plus central nervous system-directed rare disease programs. Takeda has the right to exercise options for an exclusive license for four resulting programs.