The biopharma industry outlook on 2026: Optimism and tension

A spike in M&A activity and stock prices have pulled biotech out of a yearslong downturn. But regulatory tumult and fierce competition from China could short-circuit the sector's resurgence.

By Ben Fidler • Jan. 29, 2026

Sanofi expects vaccine sales growth to dip amid ‘challenging environment’

On a conference call, executives cited “confusion” and declining vaccination rates in the U.S. while discussing a quarterly sales decline and anticipated slower growth in 2026.  

By Delilah Alvarado • Jan. 29, 2026

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Looming patent expiries this decade and intensifying competition from China are forcing drugmakers to adapt, while new opportunities open up in oncology and in neuroscience.

By BioPharma Dive staff

AstraZeneca strengthens China ties with planned $15B investment

AstraZeneca’s investment will “span the value chain” of drug research and development and comes amid a prolonged surge in dealmaking activity involving large pharmaceutical companies and their counterparts in China.

By Kristin Jensen • Jan. 29, 2026

Roche, trailing in obesity, showcases new data for GLP-1 shot

A drug Roche acquired in a multibillion-dollar deal could be as effective as Zepbound, but may struggle to stand out in a crowded field, analysts said.

By Jonathan Gardner • Jan. 27, 2026

From detection to prevention: How sponsored testing can transform patient outcomes

Diagnostic testing has long laid the groundwork for medical decision-making.  

Jan. 26, 2026

Sanofi to seek approval of touted eczema drug despite mixed results

Fresh data from multiple studies suggest the drug, which Sanofi has billed as a future blockbuster, could be cleared in the U.S. but has murky sales prospects.

By Jonathan Gardner • Jan. 23, 2026

Congress eyes tackling healthcare consolidation

“I think there’s common ground here,” one Republican congressman said Wednesday during a House Budget Committee hearing. Squaring up against healthcare monopolies would be a major pivot for the GOP.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Jan. 23, 2026

Bristol Myers buys into Janux’s ‘masked’ T cell engagers

Worth up to $850 million, the partnership provides “further validation” for Janux at a time of heightened investor scrutiny regarding the potential of its top drug, one analyst wrote. 

By Delilah Alvarado • Jan. 22, 2026

FDA lays out new path to speed development of multiple myeloma drugs

In certain cases, regulators will now be open to clearing therapies based on their ability to eliminate tumor cells, a change that could accelerate cell therapies and other new medicines. 

By Jonathan Gardner • Jan. 22, 2026

J&J eyes $100B in sales amid gains for cancer, immune drugs

Amid patent expirations, litigation and tariff costs, J&J says it expects more growth ahead, fueled in part by its blood cancer medicines and a closely watched psoriasis pill.

By Kristin Jensen • Jan. 21, 2026

Valneva to withdraw Chikungunya vaccine from US amid safety woes

The decision comes months after the FDA had suspended the vaccine’s license. One analyst speculated the company might shelve the product altogether. 

By Delilah Alvarado • Jan. 20, 2026

GSK to buy Rapt in $2.2B deal for food allergy drug

The deal is the first for new CEO Luke Miels as the British drugmaker looks to overcome pressure on its HIV and vaccines businesses.

By Kristin Jensen • Jan. 20, 2026

Tecvayli tops standard drugs in early multiple myeloma, J&J says

The results build on evidence U.S. regulators found so compelling last year they proactively awarded J&J a new kind of drug review voucher. 

By Jonathan Gardner • Jan. 15, 2026

JPM26: Paying cash for obesity drugs, renewed IPO optimism and pharma’s cell therapy view

Drugmaker CEOs see online sales channels as a budding opportunity, while some biotech investors told BioPharma Dive to expect a rebound in new stock offerings. 

By BioPharma Dive staff • Jan. 14, 2026

Lilly, chasing Novo, expects second-quarter FDA decision on obesity pill

Speaking at the J.P. Morgan conference, CEO David Ricks said he anticipates a “rapid review” for orforglipron that's currently speeding along “at pace.” 

By Jonathan Gardner • Jan. 14, 2026

JPM26: Biotech’s M&A lift, the ‘new’ Biogen and Merck’s $70B target

Venture investors are adopting a more aggressive mindset heading into 2026, while Merck, Moderna and Summit are all approaching crucial trial readouts.

By BioPharma Dive staff • Jan. 13, 2026

What Sanofi’s multiple sclerosis troubles could mean for the space

Regulatory and clinical roadblocks have set back its oral BTK inhibitor tolebrutinib, but the drug class still has many opportunities to make an impact.

By Kelly Bilodeau • Jan. 13, 2026

AbbVie pledges $100B to US production in drug pricing deal with Trump

As with the many other “most-favored-nation” deals between the White House and large pharmas, the agreement is short on details as well as its potential financial impact.

By Ben Fidler • Jan. 13, 2026

JPM26: US biotech’s ‘Sputnik moment,’ Pfizer’s obesity ambitions and Bristol Myers’ big year

Four recent deals fueled more angst about China’s biotech progress, while Pfizer, Bristol Myers and Sarepta all worked to appease jittery investors. 

By BioPharma Dive staff • Jan. 12, 2026

5 questions facing biopharma in 2026

The biopharmaceutical sector finally regained its footing in 2025. Here are five issues that could determine whether the renewed optimism will carry over into the new year.

By BioPharma Dive staff • Jan. 12, 2026

Lilly snaps up Ventyx for $1.2B in pursuit of oral immune drugs

The buyout is a bet by Lilly on an increasingly popular drug target known as NLRP3 inflammasomes, which are implicated in an array of conditions.

By Jonathan Gardner • Updated Jan. 8, 2026

CDC, following Trump’s orders, weakens US stance on childhood vaccinations

In a drastic decision made outside of its typical review process, the agency declared it would recommend 11 childhood shots going forward, down from 17.

By Delilah Alvarado • Updated Jan. 6, 2026

Surfing the AI wave: How pharma can harness agents in ERP

AI is reshaping pharma faster than any tech wave before. Learn where to start and how to scale.

By Thomas Van Dorpe • Jan. 5, 2026

Novo Nordisk’s weight loss pill approved by FDA

The clearance brings an oral form of Novo’s Wegovy to market ahead of Lilly’s rival medication and kicks off the next phase of an escalating battle for control of the obesity drug market. 

By Jonathan Gardner • Dec. 23, 2025

Biopharma CEO optimism is wavering in the US

The overall leadership outlook was positive in a recent survey but varied between executives in the U.S. and those overseas.

By Kelly Bilodeau • Dec. 23, 2025