Management presented a strategy for establishing new blockbuster brands in migraine, RSV, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer and diabetes/obesity during an investor day.

During Q3, biopharma merger and acquisition value reached $15.4bn and drew in $37.6bn in potential deal value from alliances. Device company M&A values reached $550m, while in vitro diagnostic firms and research tools players completed M&A activity that totaled $1.9bn.

Big Pharma companies are remaining ‘disciplined’ about their M&A deals, with Merck & Co apparently shying away from a $40bn gamble on Seagen, but the need for replenished pipelines remains.

A drastic risk-off pullback in the public market can close an IPO window while private biotechs aspiring for either a public debut or an acquisition by big pharma may be stymied by their stale valuations.