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Aakash Desai: Oncology dealmakers seek multi-indication therapies
Mar 25, 2025, 06:52

Aakash Desai: Oncology dealmakers seek multi-indication therapies

Aakash Desai, Associate Director of Phase 1 and Precision Oncology Program at UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“2024 saw a 50% drop in cancer-focused M and A and licensing deal value ($90B) vs. 2023—but oncology remains the dominant category in biopharma transactions. – Aakash Desai

Emerging Trends:

  • Shift away from ultra-targeted, niche biomarker drugs toward broader pan-cancer modalities.
  • Significant investment in ADCs, radioligand therapies (RLTs), and bi/trispecific antibodies.
  • Fewer late-stage deals; more early-stage, high-potential platforms.
  • Smaller molecules and protein degraders gaining renewed interest.

The market is moving toward precision with scale—balancing targeted mechanisms with broader commercial reach. The pursuit of the next ‘Keytruda-class’ blockbuster continues.

As we head into 2025, the oncology pipeline is growing more diverse, global, and competitive—forcing dealmakers to think strategically about risk, differentiation, and long-term value.”

Aakash Desai