1Q18—the risk-capital roll continues

The biotech sector took in record amounts of venture capital last quarter—the largest amount of venture capital in a single quarter since data provider BioCentury started tracking it in 1994. Partnerships, debt and follow-on offerings were also all up, whereas funding from initial public offerings (IPOs) fell, especially outside the United States. Immuno-oncology continues to feature in major deals, with Celgene acquiring Juno, and Nektar signing a multibillion-dollar licensing deal with Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Stock market performance

Global biotech initial public offerings

Global biotech venture capital investment

Global biotech industry financing

Notable 1Q18 deals

Box 1: Stock market performance

Volatility in the biotech sector followed trends in stocks generally.

Box 2: Global biotech initial public offerings

IPO funding was down globally, especially (over 70%) in Europe and Asia.

Box 3: Global biotech venture capital investment

Biotech venture capital continued on its march, growing 5% globally over 4Q17.

Box 4: Global biotech industry financing

All financing sources continued to grow, except IPOs.

Box 5: Notable 1Q18 deals