Oncology deals return to center stage as miopharma M&A remains strong in 2024

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In the first few weeks of 2024, oncology remained a central focus area for M&A deals. Two major acquisitions, Johnson & Johnson’s purchase of Ambrx Biopharma and Merck & Co.’s acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics, both focus on the segment. The trend is long-standing and was also apparent in 2023, as E&Y has noted. Merck was also active in 2023, bagging Prometheus for $11B.

2024 pharma M&A trends: Strategic expansions beyond oncology

But a number of therapeutic areas are also in the mix. Sanofi kicked off the yera by scooping up rare disease biotech Inhibrx for $1.7 billion. The crown jewel is Inhibrx’s INBRX-101, a potential treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, an inherited disorder that can cause lung and liver disease. Phase 1 data is positive.

In the generics space, Sun Pharma finally finalized its long-sought deal for generic specialist Taro…

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Click chemistry breakthroughs drive Shasqi and J&J cancer alliance

In June 2023, the click chemistry-focused startup Shasqi revealed a research pact with Johnson & Johnson Enterprise Innovation. More recently, the company announced that it had expanded the research alliance, furthering work on its intratumorally injected biopolymer, known as SQL70. The collaboration will also apply its clinically validated Click Activated Protodrugs Against Cancer (CAPAC) technology to the development of new cancer therapies through preclinical testing.

Inside the click chemistry Shasqi J&J alliance

Shasqi is working with an interventional oncology unit at J&J, which is aiming to take a holistic approach to cancer care that spans therapeutics and therapeutic approaches to meet unmet needs. “That completely matches with our view of the world,” said Dr. José M. Mejía Oneto, the founder and CEO of Shasqi.

The partnership with J&J will bolster research on Shasqi’s intratumorally injected biopolymer SQL70 but also support the …

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