Deals Outlook 2026: What’s ahead for pharma and life sciences

Tune in as Glenn Hunzinger and Roel van den Akker share their outlook for pharmaceutical and life sciences dealmaking in 2026. They discuss improving market conditions, innovation driven growth, and how upcoming loss of exclusivity is shaping deal strategy.

Discussion highlights:

• Strong innovation, healthy balance sheets, and improving capital markets support a positive outlook for 2026
• M&A is expected to remain precision-led and asset-focused, centered on differentiated science and key therapeutic areas
• Accelerating loss of exclusivity (2026–2029) is increasing reliance on external innovation
• Mid-sized deals have dominated, but clearer policy and better financing may enable larger strategic transactions
• As innovation globalizes, companies are sourcing assets more deliberately worldwide, with the US remaining a core life sciences hub

Speakers:
Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwC
Roel van den Akker, US Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Deals Leader, PwC

Linked Materials:

• https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/pharma-life-sciences-deals-outlook.html
• https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/medtech-deals-outlook.html
• https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/health-services-deals-outlook.html

For more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.