The IQVIA Pharma Review of 2021 provides an insightful overview of deal activity in 2021, as well as an outlook for 2022. Key information provided includes the following:

• Top M&A and partnership deals in 2021
• Deal activity rankings of the top pharmaceutical companies
• Deal activity by therapeutic area and development phase
• Deal value analysis of M&A, licensing and R&D deals

Key Highlights:

• Deal activity in the life sciences sector was reinvigorated in 2021, jumping above pre-pandemic levels as big players sought new growth drivers and rapid advances in scientific and technological innovation drove collaboration.
• M&A activity rebounded both in terms of volume and deal value in 2021 despite mega deals being conspicuously absent in the pharmaceutical sector as cautious companies instead favored bolt-on acquisitions. However, the exceptional level of collaborative R&D activity that was elicited in response to COVID-19 could not be sustained in 2021.