Biopharma takeout spend ticks up

After a dire first quarter for biopharma deals, investors will be hoping that a recent flurry of M&A activity – albeit largely on buyers’ terms – could signal the start of better times for the space.

A look at the second-quarter numbers, compiled by Evaluate Pharma, shows that a respectable $25bn was committed in the period, with the Pfizer-Biohaven deal counting for a big chunk of that figure. In terms of deal count, however, the quarter saw one of the lowest tallies in recent memory.

The final chart below shows that the second quarter has been quietest three-month period in three of the last five years, so perhaps a pick up is on the way. There are other reasons for optimism among those hoping for a resurgence in acquisitions, to reinvigorate investor interest in the sector.