There were 21 biopharma initial public offerings in 2023, including J&J’s consumer health spin-out Kenvue, versus 22 in 2022. However, IPO proceeds are rising in 2024.

Eli Lilly, striving to outpace Novo Nordisk, dominated the dealmaking scene in 2023 by executing six acquisitions. Although Pfizer, BMS and AbbVie sealed the largest M&A deals of the year, they did not lead in terms of volume.

Kenvue’s plans to drive sales include re-introducing brands to consumers and making “priority” of 15 brands, most in self care. “Overall, the execution of our recovery plan in the fourth quarter fell short of expectations,” says CEO Thibaut Mongon.

Attacks on shipping since November in the Red Sea lead shipping lines to re-route vessels south of Africa, spiking shipping costs. Perrigo began 2024 saying it expects sales of Opill oral contraceptive to start early in the first quarter, but now expects to start late in the quarter.