A deeper commitment to oncology and immunology
Given the current volatility of the stock market, it’s pretty brave to venture out into M&A action, but Bristol Myers Squibb says that it has been having discussions with Celgene for a number of months to consider the acquisition. At $74 billion, the cash-and-stock transaction is one of the richest ever in the global pharma industry, and promises to bring together two leading franchises in oncology: BMS’ Opdivo and Celgene’s Revlimid—both of which are starting to show their age.
According to a BMS statement, the combined entity would have 16 products in Phase III or nearing launch, and a further 50 products in its pipeline. Celgene’s developmental program is also notable for the addition of Juno Therapeutics, one of the new CAR-T genetic therapy companies, which it acquired for $9 billion last year.
BMS says that it expects to achieve cost synergies of $2.5 billion by 2022. Celgene has 7,500 employees; BMS, 24,000. The deal is expected to close in Q3.
Multi-Indication Drug Branding in Today’s Pharmaceutical Industry
July 2nd 2025As drug development increasingly targets multiple indications, pharma companies must make strategic branding decisions—balancing regulatory requirements, market dynamics, and patient safety—to choose between single-brand or multi-brand approaches.