Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
Biopharma funding shows disciplined recovery in 2026
- Biopharma funding continues to rebound in 2025, though investors remain selective and focused on high-quality assets, according to Fierce Biotech.
- Venture activity reflects a more disciplined market, with capital flowing to later-stage companies and differentiated pipelines rather than speculative bets.
FDA pushes for more over-the-counter drugs
- In an interview, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner indicated most medications should be over-the-counter unless they pose safety or monitoring risks, with regulatory changes expected this year.
- Some members of the pharmaceutical industry have pushed back on the proposed changes as many over-the-counter drugs are not covered by insurance and may be potentially less affordable for patients, according to CNBC.
Danaher to acquire Masimo in $9.9 billion deal
- Danaher will acquire Masimo for $9.9 billion to expand its presence in patient monitoring and hospital technologies.
- The deal strengthens Danaher’s diagnostics portfolio and marks a major medtech transaction, reports Fierce Biotech.
UK launches life sciences trade accelerator to expand exports to Southeast Asia
- According to Business Weekly, the British Chambers of Commerce, alongside government bodies and partners, has launched a six-month Singapore Life Sciences Trade Accelerator to help UK life sciences middle market access and scale in the Southeast Asian market.
- The pilot aims to boost export performance amid declining export orders, using Singapore as a gateway to broader Indo-Pacific markets and informing future global trade support initiatives for UK firms.
UK pharma companies looked overseas for innovation in 2025
- According to Pharmaceutical Technology, almost half of UK pharma executives indicated they offshored research and development in the prior year.
- The leaders cited collaboration opportunities and geographic proximity to new markets and customers as the primary drivers of offshoring.
For more insights in life sciences, check out RSM’s industry outlook.
