Uncertainty reigned early this year with the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his threats to impose tariffs and slash prescription drug prices. But as players in the biopharma industry have gotten a better handle on the impact of these measures and the overall investment landscape, valuations have become more predictable and dealmakers have focused on larger, lower-risk acquisitions. The recent trends bode well for the business development landscape in 2026 and beyond.

In this week’s episode of “The Top Line,” Arda Ural, EY Americas life sciences sector leader, joins Fierce Pharma’s Kevin Dunleavy to discuss the dealmaking landscape in the biopharma industry. They dig into the Federal Trade Commission’s scrutiny of M&A transactions, revitalized therapeutic areas, artificial intelligence investment and the emergence of China as an innovation powerhouse.

To learn more about the topics in this episode: 
2025 M&A up in value and deal count after year of 'conservatism and recovery': Leerink Partners
After a 'reset' year for M&A, expect bigger deals in 2025: reports

Uncertainty reigned early this year with the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his threats to impose tariffs and slash prescription drug prices. But as players in the biopharma industry have gotten a better handle on the impact of these measures and the overall investment landscape, valuations have become more predictable and dealmakers have focused on larger, lower-risk acquisitions. The recent trends bode well for the business development landscape in 2026 and beyond.
In this week&rsquo;s episode of &ldquo;The Top Line,&rdquo; Arda Ural, EY Americas life sciences sector leader, joins Fierce Pharma&rsquo;s Kevin Dunleavy to discuss the dealmaking landscape in the biopharma industry. They dig into the Federal Trade Commission&rsquo;s scrutiny of M&amp;A transactions, revitalized therapeutic areas, artificial intelligence investment and the emergence of China as an innovation powerhouse.
To learn more about the topics in this episode:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/2025-ma-value-and-count-after-year-conservatism-and-recovery-leerink-partners">2025 M&amp;A up in value and deal count after year of 'conservatism and recovery': Leerink Partners</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/after-reset-year-ma-expect-bigger-deals-2025-ey-report">After a 'reset' year for M&amp;A, expect bigger deals in 2025: reports</a></li>
</ul>

Biopharma and medtech explained. Every week, journalists from Fierce Biotech, Fierce Medtech, and Fierce Pharma recount the latest industry trends and why they matter. We'll analyze the week's biggest business news, from mergers and marketing to drug R&D and device development. Available every Friday morning. 

Biopharma and medtech explained. Every week, journalists from Fierce Biotech, Fierce Medtech, and Fierce Pharma recount the latest industry trends and why they matter. We'll analyze the week's biggest business news, from mergers and marketing to drug R&amp;D and device development. Available every Friday morning.&nbsp;

The Top Line

Biopharma and medtech explained. Every week, journalists from Fierce Biotech, Fierce Medtech and Fierce Pharma recount the latest industry trends and why they matter. We’ll analyze the week’s biggest business news—from mergers and marketing to drug R&D and device development. Available every Friday morning.

 

Biopharma and medtech explained. Every week, journalists from Fierce Biotech, Fierce Medtech and Fierce Pharma recount the latest industry trends and why they matter. We&rsquo;ll analyze the week&rsquo;s biggest business news&mdash;from mergers and marketing to drug R&amp;D and device development. Available every Friday morning.
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