US OTC drug and supplement firms’ reports of results for the first three months of 2024 began on April 19 with P&G. JP Morgan analysts say while “some retailers in the US in particular” are reducing consumer health inventories, for the overall sector they expect “a healthier balance of positive volume and lower pricing contribution.”

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.