Global Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry Boosts Confidence for Investors as the Market Expands

In recent years, the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry has outperformed other sectors in terms of stock market indices. The appeal of orphan drugs and systems that reduce the cost of healthcare will continue to attract investors to fund the industry.

Analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Funding Patterns in the Global Pharma and Biotech Industry, reveals the volume of venture capital (VC) deals fell by 41.2% between 2010 and 2014, while private equity (PE) deal volume declined by 23.4%. However, investors will become established within the pharmaceutical and biotech industry to avail long-term returns.

“Corporate investors expect to play a significant role in intensifying competition and replenishing the depleting drug pipeline,” said Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Saneesh Edacherian. “The strong return of the initial public offering market in the U.S. is likely to further encourage Private Equity/Venture Capital investors, especially in the biotechnology sector.”

Key trends within the pharmaceutical and biotech industry include

•        The rise of market demand for drugs
•        Governments striving to contain drug prices
•        A decline in profitability of large pharmaceutical companies
•        Firms experiencing patent expiries and revenue losses
•        A decline of research & development by large pharmaceutical companies.

“Shrinking pipelines and increased cost pressures make mergers and acquisitions a lifeline for participants in the pharmaceuticals sector,” noted Edacherian. “Mergers and acquisitions are either approached as an exit option for investors, or as a strategy for leading pharmaceutical companies to expand their capabilities in the global market.”