Survey: sweet spots and vulnerabilities for dealmaking in the COVID era

Heading into the second half of the year with cautious optimism, drug developers see opportunities for dealmaking created by COVID-19, as well as challenges. If their predictions are right, infectious deals could surpass cancer transactions.

BioCentury and investment bank PJT Partners queried 40 biotechs, from July 27 to 31, about their expectations for dealmaking as the COVID-19 era stretches on. The responses reflect an even split between private (48%) and public (53%) companies, and likewise between those with lead assets in preclinical development, clinical development and on the market. Nearly two thirds of respondents were U.S. companies (63%), with participation also from companies in Europe (18%) and other parts of the world. ...