Navigating the Buzz Around the Industry: The Top 11 Mergers & Acquisitions of 2024

The worldwide pharmaceutical industry undergoes prominent changes every year, and companies invest significant amounts in mergers and acquisitions transactions. In 2024, mergers and acquisitions resulted in gigantic shifts within various industries as more and more companies merged to achieve future growth and innovation. 

This blog will guide you across the significant M&As held throughout 2024 by Pharma giants like GlaxoSmithKline, Sun Pharma, Novo Nordisk, and Bharat Serums. These deals aren't just transforming the market and changing the future of healthcare; they will influence growth, innovation, and market trends. 

Join Pharma Now as we explore the Top 11 Mergers and Acquisition transactions and what they mean for innovation and patient care.

Here are the Top 11 Mergers & Acquisitions in 2024

GSK - Aiolos Bio 

Acquisition value- $1billion

GSK, a pioneer in manufacturing therapies for a range of respiratory diseases, completed the acquisition of Aiolos Bio in February. Aiolos is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on addressing the unmet needs of patients with respiratory and inflammatory conditions. This acquisition was prominently focused on Aiolos, AIO-001, a potentially best-in-class, long-acting anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) monoclonal antibody ready to treat adult patients with asthma. AIO-001 would expand GSK’s respiratory biologic portfolio by up to 40%.

Veeda - Heads 

Acquisition value- Undisclosed

The Veeda Group acquired Health Data Specialists (Heads), a European contract research organisation (CRO) specialising in clinical trials, particularly hemato-oncology. This acquisition enhances Veeda's clinical trial capabilities across all phases (I–IV) and strengthens its roots in oncology research. The merger aims to advance drug development, improve patient recruitment, and expand the company's global presence, ensuring equitable access to trials worldwide. 

Novo Nordisk - Cardior Pharmaceuticals 

Acquisition value - 1.025 billion Euros

In March, Novo Nordisk announced the acquisition of Cardior Pharmaceuticals. Cardior is a firm focused on developing RNA-targeted therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases and engaged in a clinical trial of the RNA-based compound CDR132L to treat heart failure. It also positions Novo Nordisk to meet patients’ unmet needs, aligning with its strategy. With the help of creative approaches, the company plans to create a strong pipeline to improve people’s lives and expand the firm’s range of cardiovascular treatments. 

AbbVie - Landos Biopharma

Acquisition value - $137.5 million

AbbVie is a company that provides innovative medicines and solutions to patients with unserved needs. The firm has a remarkable impact in several key therapeutic areas like immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care. In March, AbbVie signed a definite agreement to acquire Landos Biopharm. Landos is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company determined to develop novel oral therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases.

Johnson & Johnson - Ambrx

Acquisition value - $2.0 billion

In March 2024, Ambrx Biopharma was acquired by Johnson&Johnson, which strengthened the company's portfolio in oncology treatments. Ambrx Biopharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a patent synthetic biology technology platform to design and develop next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This acquisition will advance Johnson&Johnson’s in designing, developing, and commercialising targeted oncology therapeutics.

Eli Lilly - Nexus Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition value - undisclosed

In April, Eli Lilly announced the acquisition of Nexus Pharmaceutical’s New Injectable Medicine Manufacturing Facility. This manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, will enhance Eli Lilly’s product manufacturing network and support the company's agenda to provide effective pharmacotherapy.

Sanofi - Inhibrx 

Acquisition value - $1.7billion

Inhibrx is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a vast range of novel biologics that target oncology and rare diseases. Sanofi settled the acquisition in May, boosting its portfolio in treatment for rare diseases. Sanofi has included Inhibrix's SAR447537 in their pipeline for rare diseases upon the acquisition.

Merck - EyeBio

Acquisition value - $1.3 billion 

In July, Eyebiotech Limited, a privately held ophthalmology-focused biotechnology company, was acquired by Merck through a subsidiary. Acquisition strengthens and enhances Merck’s suite with the addition of Restoret™, significantly expanding the company’s presence in ophthalmology. 

Alcon - BELKIN Vision

Acquisition value - $81 million

BELKIN Vision was merged with Alcon, one of the leading companies in ophthalmological services. This acquisition assists Alcon’s range of glaucoma therapies with BELKIN Vision’s innovative Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) technology. This novel technology will be added to Alcon’s established Vision Suite ecosystem. This inclusion aids Alcon’s commitment to providing its customers with comprehensive glaucoma management solutions and best-in-class service.

Sun Pharma - Biosintez

Acquisition value - $24 Million

Sun Pharma empowers its presence through local manufacturing capabilities in Russia by acquiring an 85.1% stake of JSC Biosintez. JSC Biosintez is a firm that operates a manufacturing facility in the Penza region and produces a vast range of dosage forms. This takeover approach supports Sun Pharma’s investing strategy in strategic emerging markets. This transaction also provides the organisation with local manufacturing capabilities across multiple dosage forms in Russia, aiding in better servicing the Russian pharmaceutical market.

Mankind - Bharat Serums

Acquisition value - $1.64 billion

Mankind Pharma acquired Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV); this will set Mankind at the forefront of establishing complex R&D platforms and fertility care. This takeover will also symbolise the firm as a leader in the Women’s Health and Immunoglobulin segment. 

Conclusion 

These mergers and acquisitions of 2024 have set the pharmaceutical industry on a new horizon and helped shape the pharmaceutical industry for the future through innovation and strategic collaborations. These include pioneering RNA-based cardiovascular therapies to advanced oncology and ophthalmology solutions. These deals also showcase the industry's global commitment to address patient unmet needs. 

The trend of M&A transactions indicates strategic growth, opportunities and the potential for transformative and exciting novel healthcare developments. Globally, as companies merge to develop and transform their portfolios and technologies entering global markets, they are also socially constructing new boundaries in therapeutics and bringing hope and a healthier future to patients worldwide.

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