Novo, BD, and Thermo Fisher Headline 2024 Healthcare Mergers and Acquisitions

In the year 2024, the healthcare sector experienced transformative mergers and acquisitions, with major players strengthening their portfolios and advancing their market positions. Notable deals such as Roche's USD 800 million acquisition of Carmot Therapeutics and Thermo Fisher's USD 3.1 billion acquisitions of Olink highlight the growing trend of acquisitions. These strategic moves are set to drive innovation and enhance the development of cutting-edge treatments across a wide range of therapeutic areas.

Let’s explore some of the most significant mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare sector from 2024.

Novo Holdings Acquires Catalent for USD 16.5 Billion to Boost Biopharma Manufacturing

Novo Holdings has completed its acquisition of Catalent for USD 16.5 billion in December 2024. The acquisition has strengthened Novo Holdings' position in biopharma manufacturing, leveraging the advanced drug delivery systems of Catalent. With the expertise of Catalent, the plan is to speed up the production of complex therapies, such as biologics and gene therapies, to cater to the rising global healthcare demands.

BD Strengthens Acute Care Solutions with Edwards Lifesciences Acquisition Worth USD 4.2 Billion

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) closed its acquisition of Edwards Lifesciences' critical care business for USD 4.2 billion. The deal was initially announced in June 2024 and completed in September 2024. It reinforces BD's capabilities in acute care monitoring systems, such as the company's state-of-the-art hemodynamic monitoring technology. The deal supports BD's mission of transforming the delivery of care in critical settings to support better patient outcomes and enhanced global healthcare solutions.

Thermo Fisher Acquires Olink for USD 3.1 Billion to Expand its Proteomics Portfolio

Thermo Fisher Scientific completed its acquisition of Olink in July 2024 for a whopping amount of USD 3.1 billion. The process of the acquisition was started at the end of 2023 and completed in 2024. This acquisition enhances Thermo Fisher's proteomics and biomarker discovery portfolio. The Olink Proximity Extension Assay technology enhances capabilities in advancing precision medicine and helps researchers uncover new biomarkers for disease detection and therapeutic development. This acquisition strengthens Thermo Fisher's leadership in scientific innovation.

AstraZeneca Expands Oncology Portfolio by Acquiring Fusion Pharmaceuticals in a Deal Worth USD 2.4 Billion

AstraZeneca completed a USD 2.4 billion acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals in June 2024. The deal gives AstraZeneca access to Fusion’s portfolio especially, FPI-2265, alpha-emitting therapeutics which is a potential treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This strengthens AstraZeneca's position in oncology and enhances the ability to provide groundbreaking treatments to patients reflecting its dedication to expanding its precision medicine capabilities.

Roche Acquires Carmot Therapeutics for USD 800 Million, Solidifying its Presence in Metabolic Disease Drug Development

In January 2024, Roche, a Swiss healthcare company acquired Carmot Therapeutics, a United States-based small molecule drug specialist, in a deal worth USD 800 million. The discussions centered around Carmot's drug discovery platform focused on metabolic diseases, such as diabetes. This positions Roche as a leader in next-generation diabetes therapy, as Carmot Therapeutics adds to its strong R&D pipeline. The acquisition showcases a strategic intention to combat the global burden of chronic metabolic diseases.

Alcon Completes the Acquisition of Belkin Vision in a Deal Worth USD 466 Million

In July 2024, Alcon, the global leader in eye care, acquired Belkin Vision for USD 466 million. The acquisition revolves around Belkin's laser technology for glaucoma treatment, which is one of the most advanced treatments that does not require invasive surgery. It aims will enhance Alcon's glaucoma portfolio as it strives to innovate and improve treatment outcomes for millions of patients suffering from vision-threatening conditions.

MedPharm and Tergus Pharma Merges to Enhance Topical and Transdermal Manufacturing

In July 2024, MedPharm and Tergus Pharma underwent a merger valued at USD 150 million, intended to enhance their drug formulation and manufacturing capabilities. The merger is operating under the name of MedPharm, and combines MedPharm's strength in formulation development with Tergus' strength in manufacturing, enabling faster delivery of innovative solutions to the pharmaceutical market and greatly benefiting patients suffering from skin-related conditions.

Collaboration between Tempus and Northwestern Medicine to Revolutionize Healthcare

In October 2024, Tempus, a leader in AI-driven precision medicine, announced a USD 120 million collaboration with Northwestern Medicine. The collaboration enables the integration of artificial intelligence into clinical workflows to enhance diagnostics and treatment strategies. By leveraging Tempus' AI expertise and Northwestern's healthcare infrastructure, the collaboration seeks to transform personalized medicine, making advanced diagnostics and treatment decisions more accessible and impactful for patients.

Insud Pharma Bolsters Women's Health by Acquiring Agile Therapeutics

Agile Therapeutics, a United States-based leader in women's health, was acquired by Insud Pharma, a global pharmaceutical company for around USD 45 million in August 2024. This acquisition expands Insud Pharma’s portfolio and strengthens its presence in the women's health market. The deal enables Agile to provide innovative solutions, aligned with the changing healthcare needs of women through Insud's strong pipeline and distribution network. It aims to expand its presence in the women's healthcare sector, especially with products like Agile's contraceptive patch Twirla.

As we step into 2025, the healthcare industry is poised for transformative growth, with companies focusing on innovation to provide patient-centric solutions across the globe. Major players in the healthcare industry are actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions to enhance their product portfolios and strengthen their market presence. Leading the charge, Bristol Myers Squibb has announced a USD 4 billion acquisition of RayzeBio to add to expand their radiopharmaceutical pipeline. Similarly, Roche is set to acquire Poseida Therapeutics for USD 1.5 billion to advance CAR-T cell therapies. Such strategic moves are setting the momentum for the upcoming year, offering impactful advancements in patient care.