Key Takeaways Amgen acquired Dark Blue Therapeutics for about $840M, strengthening its oncology pipeline.AMGN gains a preclinical small-molecule degrader targeting MLLT1/3 proteins tied to certain AML types.Amgen has no marketed AML therapy, but sells Blincyto for ALL and has early AML bispecifics.Amgen (AMGN) announced that it has acquired U.K.-based private biotech company, Dark Blue Therapeutics, for approximately $840 million.The acquisition will strengthen Amgen’s oncology pipeline by adding Dark Blue’ ...

Key Takeaways J&J's diversified pharma and MedTech model supports steadier growth across cycles.JNJ's 2025 gains were driven by Innovative Medicine growth and improving MedTech performance.AZN's oncology-led growth is offset by patent expirations, Part D pressure and China-related headwinds.Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and AstraZeneca (AZN) rank among the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, each with a broad and diversified healthcare portfolio. Both companies have a strong presence in oncology. Other than ...

Core Insights - Pfizer anticipates a significant revenue decline due to the loss of exclusivity for key products between 2026 and 2030, including Eliquis, Vyndaqel, Ibrance, Xeljanz, and Xtandi, all facing patent expirations [1][9] - The company has bolstered its R&D pipeline through mergers and acquisitions, successful data readouts, and pivotal program initiations, positioning itself for sustainable growth post-LOE [1][7] Oncology Pipeline - Pfizer has advanced its oncology pipeline with several candidates in late-stage development, including vepdegestrant for ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, atirmociclib for HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, and sigvotatug vedotin for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer [2] - By 2030, Pfizer expects to have eight or more blockbuster oncology medicines in its portfolio [4] Non-Oncology Developments - In non-oncology areas, Pfizer is developing an mRNA flu/COVID combination vaccine and osivelotor for sickle cell disease, both in late-stage development [4] - The company is also expanding the labels of approved products like Padcev, which was recently approved by the FDA in combination with Merck's Keytruda for specific bladder cancer patients [5] Obesity Market Expansion - Pfizer is strengthening its presence in the obesity market, currently dominated by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, through the $10 billion acquisition of Metsera and the in-licensing of YP05002, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist [6] - The Metsera acquisition added four novel clinical-stage programs for obesity, expected to generate billions in peak sales [6] Competitive Landscape - Pfizer faces revenue headwinds from patent expirations but is positioned for long-term growth through its expanding late-stage pipeline in oncology and investments in obesity, vaccines, and rare diseases [7] - The oncology market is competitive, with major players like AstraZeneca, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers also focusing on oncology sales [10][11][12][13] Financial Performance - Pfizer's stock has declined 7% over the past year, while the industry has seen a 16% increase [14] - The company's shares are trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 8.18, below the industry average of 17.40 and its own 5-year mean of 10.39, indicating attractive valuation [16] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has increased slightly to $3.10 per share, while the estimate for 2026 has decreased to $3.04 per share [18]

Key Takeaways AbbVie is rebounding post-Humira, with Skyrizi and Rinvoq sales up 53% Y/Y and expected to top $25B in 2025.AZN's newer drugs are driving growth as it targets $80B in revenues by 2030.Both face pressures: ABBV from aesthetics softness, AZN from China policy impacts and biosimilar erosion.AbbVie (ABBV) and AstraZeneca (AZN) are both global healthcare companies with diversified drug portfolios. Both companies have strong leadership positions in immunology and oncology areas.While AbbVie also has ...

Industry Overview - The drug and biotech sector has shown recovery after a weak first half, with large drugmakers signing pricing agreements with the Trump administration [1] - Dealmaking activity surged in the second half, boosting investor confidence, with the Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry outperforming the S&P 500 in the past three months [1][4] - Innovation is at its peak, particularly in areas like obesity, cell and gene therapy, and next-gen oncology treatments, attracting investor attention [2] - Despite headwinds such as pipeline setbacks and regulatory risks, the outlook for growth in 2026 remains favorable due to rapid innovation and increased use of AI in drug development [2] Eli Lilly - Eli Lilly has achieved significant success with its tirzepatide medicines, including diabetes drug Mounjaro and weight loss medicine Zepbound, which are key revenue drivers [6][7] - Strong sales growth in 2025 is attributed to international market launches and improved production, with continued demand expected in 2026 [7] - Lilly is investing in obesity treatments with new molecules in clinical development, including orforglipron and retatrutide, with regulatory applications filed for orforglipron [8][9] - Despite challenges like declining product prices and competition in the GLP-1 market, Lilly's stock has risen 39.3% year to date, with 2026 earnings estimates improving from $30.78 to $33.61 per share [10] Johnson & Johnson - J&J has shown strong operational performance in 2025, with double-digit revenue growth from key brands despite the loss of exclusivity for Stelara [11] - The Innovative Medicine segment is expected to accelerate growth in 2026, driven by key products and new launches [12] - J&J's MedTech business has improved, with growth driven by acquired cardiovascular businesses and new product launches expected to contribute to 2026 growth [13][14] - The company has advanced its pipeline significantly and is on an acquisition spree, with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a stock rise of 43.3% year to date [17] AbbVie - AbbVie faces declining sales from Humira due to loss of exclusivity but has successfully launched new immunology medicines Skyrizi and Rinvoq, generating combined sales of $18.5 billion in the first nine months of 2025 [18][19] - Strong market growth and new indications for these drugs are expected to drive future growth, alongside contributions from newer drugs [20] - AbbVie anticipates a high single-digit CAGR through 2029, supported by robust performance from Skyrizi and Rinvoq, with a Zacks Rank of 3 and a stock rise of 28.2% year to date [21][22] Amgen - Amgen's revenue growth is driven by key medicines like Repatha and new biosimilars, compensating for declines from mature drugs [23][24] - The company is focusing on obesity treatments with its candidate MariTide, which differentiates itself with a convenient dosing method [24] - Amgen's stock has risen 27.3% year to date, with 2026 earnings estimates increasing from $21.43 to $21.62 per share [25] AstraZeneca - AstraZeneca has several blockbuster drugs exceeding $1 billion in sales, with newer products contributing to growth despite losses from mature brands [26][27] - The company expects to achieve industry-leading top-line growth through 2030, with plans to launch 20 new medicines and generate $80 billion in total revenues [28] - AstraZeneca faces challenges such as competition and regulatory impacts but maintains a stable earnings estimate of $5.15 per share for 2026, with a stock rise of 10.7% year to date [29][30]

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has received FDA approval for the subcutaneous formulation of its EGFR/MET inhibitor, Rybrevant, now marketed as Rybrevant Faspro, which is approved for all indications of the intravenous version [1][8] Group 1: Product Approval and Advantages - Both Rybrevant and Rybrevant Faspro are approved in the U.S. for four indications related to EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including two first-line and two second-line settings [2] - The subcutaneous formulation offers significant advantages in patient convenience, reducing administration time to about five minutes compared to several hours for the intravenous version [3][8] - The approval of Rybrevant Faspro is supported by data from the late-stage PALOMA-3 study, demonstrating its effectiveness compared to the IV formulation [5][8] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - With this approval, JNJ is better positioned to compete with AstraZeneca's Tagrisso, the current standard of care for EGFR-mutated NSCLC, although Tagrisso's oral administration remains a competitive advantage [4] Group 3: Oncology Sales and Growth Strategy - JNJ's oncology segment comprises approximately 27% of total revenues, with oncology sales rising nearly 21% year-over-year to $18.52 billion in the first nine months [10] - The company aims to achieve $50 billion in oncology sales by the end of the decade, having doubled its oncology sales from $10.7 billion in 2019 to $20.8 billion in 2024 [12] - JNJ is actively building its oncology pipeline through acquisitions, including a recent agreement to acquire Halda Therapeutics for $3.05 billion to enhance its prostate cancer portfolio [14]

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has received FDA approval for the subcutaneous formulation of its EGFR/MET inhibitor, Rybrevant, now branded as Rybrevant Faspro, which is approved for all indications of the intravenous version [1][8] - The subcutaneous version offers improved patient convenience, reducing administration time from up to an hour for IV to as little as five minutes for SC [3][8] - JNJ aims to compete more effectively against AstraZeneca's Tagrisso, the current standard of care for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [4] Drug Approval and Efficacy - Both Rybrevant formulations are approved for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) across four indications [2] - The FDA's approval was supported by data from the late-stage PALOMA-3 study, demonstrating that Rybrevant Faspro is at least as effective as the IV formulation [5][8] - The SC version utilizes Halozyme Therapeutics' proprietary drug delivery technology [6] Market Performance and Sales Goals - JNJ's stock has increased over 45% this year, outperforming the industry growth of 16% [7] - The oncology segment accounts for approximately 27% of JNJ's total revenues, with oncology sales rising nearly 21% year-over-year to $18.52 billion in the first nine months [10] - JNJ has set an ambitious target to achieve $50 billion in oncology sales by the end of the decade, needing to more than double sales from 2024 levels [12][13] Strategic Growth Initiatives - The company is expanding its oncology pipeline through acquisitions, including a recent agreement to acquire Halda Therapeutics for $3.05 billion, focusing on prostate cancer [14]

Core Insights - AbbVie is significantly expanding its oncology presence, moving from a two-drug franchise to include solid tumors, with new drugs like Epkinly, Elahere, and Emrelis contributing to over 11% of total revenues in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 3% year-over-year growth [1][9] Expansion Strategies - The expansion is driven by both organic and inorganic strategies, with Emrelis being AbbVie's first internally developed solid tumor drug, while Epkinly and Elahere were acquired through collaborations [2] - Sales from newer drugs and rising Venclexta sales have offset the decline in Imbruvica sales due to competition from novel therapies [2] Pipeline Development - AbbVie has a diverse pipeline of new therapies for blood cancers and solid tumors, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which are seen as a disruptive innovation in cancer treatment [3] - A regulatory filing for the ADC therapy pivekimab sunirine is under FDA review for treating a rare blood cancer, which could add a third ADC to AbbVie's portfolio [4] - The company is also developing Temab-A for metastatic colorectal cancer and other cancers in various stages of clinical trials [4][5] Competitive Landscape - Major competitors in the oncology space include AstraZeneca, Merck, and Pfizer, with AstraZeneca's oncology sales accounting for 43% of total revenues and growing 16% year-over-year [6] - Merck's Keytruda accounted for about 48% of its total revenues, while Pfizer's oncology revenues grew 7%, making up over 27% of its total revenues [7] Financial Performance - AbbVie shares have outperformed the industry year to date, trading at a slight discount with a P/E ratio of 15.87 compared to the industry average of 16.31 [8][11] - EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have declined in the past 60 days, indicating potential challenges ahead [13]

Core Insights - Pfizer is a leading player in the oncology sector with a strong portfolio of approved cancer medicines and a promising pipeline focusing on various modalities [1] - The acquisition of Seagen in 2023 has enhanced Pfizer's oncology position by adding four antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that have significantly contributed to revenues [2] Revenue Performance - Oncology sales account for approximately 28% of Pfizer's total revenues, with a year-to-date growth of 7% driven by key drugs [3][10] - Specific revenue figures include Xtandi at $578 million (up 3%), Lorbrena at $268 million (up 28%), and Braftovi/Mektovi at $202 million (up 17%) [4] - The newly launched drug Elrexfio generated $85 million in sales, while Ibrance saw a decline of 5% to $1.06 billion [4] Pipeline and Future Prospects - Pfizer is advancing its oncology pipeline with several candidates in late-stage development, including atirmociclib and sigvotatug vedotin, and expects to have eight or more blockbuster oncology medicines by 2030 [6][7] - The company has also entered the oncology biosimilars market, generating $315 million in revenues, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase [5] Competitive Landscape - Major competitors in the oncology space include AstraZeneca, Merck, and Bristol-Myers, with AstraZeneca's oncology sales comprising around 43% of its total revenues and growing by 16% [8] - Merck's Keytruda alone accounts for over 50% of its pharmaceutical sales, with reported sales of $23.3 billion, up 8% [9] - Bristol-Myers' Opdivo accounts for about 20% of its total revenues, with sales rising 8% to $7.54 billion [11] Valuation and Market Position - Pfizer's stock has declined by 4.7% this year, contrasting with a 17.8% increase in the industry [12] - The company's shares are trading at a price/earnings ratio of 8.02, lower than the industry average of 17.26 and its own 5-year mean of 10.44, indicating attractive valuation [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has increased from $3.06 to $3.14 per share over the past month [15]

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is a significant player in the oncology segment, particularly in blood cancers and solid tumors [1] - The oncology segment currently accounts for approximately 27% of JNJ's total revenues, with sales reaching $18.52 billion, reflecting a 20.6% operational growth in the first nine months [2][11] - JNJ aims for its oncology sales to hit $50 billion by the end of the decade, supported by strong growth from existing products and new drug launches [3][7] Oncology Sales and Growth - JNJ's oncology sales have doubled from $10.7 billion in 2019 to $20.8 billion in 2024, indicating robust growth [7] - Key products driving this growth include Darzalex for multiple myeloma and Erleada for prostate cancer, along with new drugs like Carvykti, Tecvayli, Talvey, and Rybrevant [2][11] - The recent approval of Inlexzoh by the FDA and the subcutaneous formulation of Rybrevant plus Lazcluze in the EU are expected to further enhance sales [4] Pipeline and M&A Activity - JNJ's oncology pipeline has gained momentum with eight proof-of-concept readouts leading to late-stage pivotal studies [5] - The company announced a $3.05 billion acquisition of Halda Therapeutics, which will enhance its oncology portfolio, particularly in prostate cancer [6] Competitive Landscape - Major competitors in the oncology space include Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Merck, and Bristol-Myers, each with strong portfolios and pipelines [8][10][12] - Pfizer's acquisition of Seagen has strengthened its oncology position, while AstraZeneca's oncology sales account for about 43% of its total revenues [9][10] Stock Performance and Valuation - JNJ's stock has outperformed the industry, rising 43.5% year-to-date compared to an 18.8% increase for the industry [13] - The company's shares trade at a price/earnings ratio of 18.17, higher than the industry average of 17.43, but below its five-year mean of 15.65 [15] - Zacks Consensus Estimates for JNJ's earnings have shown slight upward revisions for 2025 and 2026 [17]