The trend of consolidation within the pharmaceutical industry continued to dominate the news over the third quarter with further significant M&A activity seen across the sector.

Increased collaboration is another clear emerging trend in the sector, with many large players collaborating on drug development and commercialisation. Greater collaboration is also occurring with the ‘not-for-profit’ sector.

Although the financial results of the industry’s leaders continued to be mixed, there were signs of growth and improved performance.

The third quarter saw further evidence of rationalisation, restructuring and efficiency drives. However, there was also increasing evidence of investment and expansion over the quarter.