Following in the wake of Merck & Co's acquisition of VelosBio, the German major is spending big to get hold of the Swiss oncology biotech NBE-Therapeutics which is also targeting the ROR1 protein.

Merck continues its cancer deal streak, purchasing a pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies against receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1). 

Bristol-Myers Squibb executives are justifying the acquisition of Celgene in terms that have been well-rehearsed through the history of big pharma mergers. But they are failing to consider radical changes to the environment in which pharma operates, argues Viren Mehta of Mehta Partners LLC.