Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
FTC launches health care task force to boost antitrust enforcement
- The Federal Trade Commission has created a dedicated task force focused on health care to strengthen antitrust enforcement and investigate potentially anti‑competitive practices, per MedTech Dive.
- The group will coordinate across FTC units to examine issues like industry consolidation, pricing, and other competition and consumer-protection concerns, with the goal of increasing oversight across the broader health care sector.
Large drugmakers cut jobs ahead of major patent losses
- Major pharmaceutical manufacturers collectively reduced more than 22,000 jobs in 2025, according to Fierce Pharma, as the industry braces for a looming $300 billion patent cliff.
- Companies are trimming costs, restructuring operations and adjusting portfolios in anticipation of significant revenue pressure once multiple top‑selling therapies lose exclusivity.
Merck to acquire Terns Pharma
- Merck will acquire Terns Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion, aiming to expand its cancer drug pipeline, according to Reuters.
- The buyout centers on Terns’ experimental HPK1 inhibitor, which Merck sees as a strategic addition to bolster its long‑term oncology portfolio ahead of the looming patent cliff.
China engages global pharma leaders to attract more foreign investment
- China’s commerce minister met with multiple international pharmaceutical executives to encourage expanded foreign investment in the country’s health care and life sciences sectors, per Reuters.
- The discussions focused on regulatory transparency, market access and improving the business environment as China seeks to stabilize foreign participation amid broader economic pressures.
Indiana’s life sciences industry is bigger than its reputation
- According to BioSpace, Indiana now hosts more than 3,300 life sciences companies, employing about 70,000 people and generating a $102 billion economic impact in a diverse sector of businesses including biopharma, medical device and digital health, and is one of the country’s top exporters of life sciences goods.
- Major companies within the industry are fueling growth through large-scale research and development and manufacturing investments, helping Indiana compete on cost, talent and infrastructure while continuing to push past perception challenges.
For more insights in life sciences, check out RSM’s industry outlook.
