Sanofi says the virtual innovation lab it will create with Google will enable precision health care and optimize R&D and commercial operations. Incoming CEO Hudson has been tasked with improving the pharma’s R&D and digital capabilities.

Gilead’s tie-up with Google’s Verily will explore the immunological underpinnings of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and GI disorders. Janssen acquires BeneVir and its oncolytic virus expertise, while United Therapeutics buys out SteadyMed.

Biopharmas and other life sciences firms risk getting left behind by technology firms if they don't begin addressing patient needs more directly through data-driven technological advances, such as those to aid clinical development or treatment decisions with real-time patient data.

More than 75% of Fortune 500 life-science companies may fall out of that ranking by 2023 amid rising competition from tech giants like Apple, Microsoft and Alphabet, as well as smaller tech players that offer data-driven health services and products that meet the needs of a changing value-based and consumer-driven health-care environment, according to a new Ernst & Young report.