The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference 2026 concluded with a prevailing sentiment of focused, strategic growth. As biotech and pharma leaders look to advance assets with greater precision, Precision is uniquely positioned to partner across the full molecule-to-market journey, bringing together scientific depth and commercialization expertise.
That role was on full display throughout the week. In parallel with the conference, Precision AQ hosted its Investor Relations & External Communications (IREC) team hosted its 20th annual corporate access event, attended by thousands of investors, analysts, and industry leaders. Throughout the week, IREC supported more than 1,500 one‑on‑one meetings for its clients, and coordinated over 100 meetings for Precision’s translational, clinical, and commercial experts. These conversations underscored how integrating development, regulatory, and commercial perspectives enables more efficient trial design, stronger development and launch strategies, and credible financial narratives grounded in science.
Below are five key takeaways from the conference that will shape biopharma strategies in 2026 and beyond.
M&A activity remains a cornerstone of growth, with a clear emphasis on disciplined, selective dealmaking. While mega-mergers continue to capture headlines, much of the momentum is focused on targeted acquisitions and late-stage licensing agreements that enable companies to diversify their pipelines and mitigate development risk.
Recent examples we have seen include:
China has emerged as a central engine of global biopharma innovation, increasingly serving as a source of novel, first-in-class assets rather than solely as a manufacturing hub or a source of generics or "me-too" drugs.
Innovation continues to be rewarded as companies continue to unveil new advancements in novel technologies. This includes significant excitement around new modalities such as radiopharmaceuticals, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and multispecific antibodies. Advancements in oral therapeutics for cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., GLP-1s) and the potential of siRNA therapies were also highlighted.
Cell and gene therapy is transitioning from scientific promise to commercial reality. While oncology — particularly hematologic malignancies — remains foundational, CGT is expanding into broader indications such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Key themes discussed included:
AI is no longer a speculative concept; it is increasingly being applied to meaningfully shorten development timelines, improve trial design, and enhance decision-making across drug development.
Notable examples discussed at JPM included:
Precision is optimally suited to support biotech and pharma partners navigating this next wave of growth. With expertise extending from early data generation through development, access, and commercialization, our teams help translate scientific innovation into clinical, commercial, and financial success.
At JPM, collaboration across Precision For Medicine and Precision AQ reinforced the value of this integrated, molecule-to-market approach, enabling novel and efficient trials, sharper development and launch strategies, and credible narratives that resonate with regulators, investors, and the market.
Ready to learn more? Contact us to learn how we can help your team turn data chaos into clarity.