The UK major believes it can maintain growth trajectory through novel combinations regimens and pipeline diversification despite the anticipated expiration of several blockbuster drug patents over the next decade.

As the usual flurry of deals coincides with the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, AbbVie signed an mRNA pact with Anima and a cancer research tie-up with Immunome.

In the top August alliance by deal value, Precision BioSciences licensed Imugene global rights to azercabtagene zapreleucel (azer-cel), its lead allogeneic anti-CD19 CAR T candidate for cancer. Imugene will assume ongoing clinical execution for azer-cel in the large B-cell lymphoma population who have relapsed following autologous CAR T treatment. The license also includes an option to develop up to three other cancer research programs in the future. Precision will receive $21m up front and is eligible for $8m upon successful completion of the Phase Ib dosing in the CAR T relapsed LBCL patient population. For azer-cel, Precision is eligible to receive up to $198m in additional milestone payments plus royalties. For each additional research program selected by Imugene, Precision is eligible for up to $145m in milestone payments and tiered royalties on net sales.