

332: Pfizer's new R&D head, a VC deep-dive, and a new FDA commissioner?
Nov 21, 2024
Bruce Booth, a partner at Atlas Venture, shares expert insights on biotech trends and innovation. He discusses his annual review report, emphasizing how China's growing influence shapes the industry. The potential implications of a new FDA commissioner under a Trump administration are explored, highlighting challenges in drug approvals. Booth also reflects on investor sentiment amid political changes and the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical leadership, making predictions for the future of biotech and healthcare.
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Declining Drug Sales
- Average peak sales for pharma drugs have dropped significantly over the past decade.
- This is likely due to increased competition and smaller target patient groups from precision medicine.
Pipeline Sales Forecasts
- Deloitte's analysis of top pharma companies' late-stage pipelines reveals declining peak sales forecasts.
- This decline is attributed to increased competition and smaller addressable markets due to precision medicine.
Private M&A
- Private biotech M&A activity is robust, making it a lucrative exit strategy for investors.
- Private M&A offers better returns than going public due to less dilution from fundraising.