Days 2-4 at JPM – Industry Outlook

J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference 2025: Comprehensive Highlights from Days 2 to 4

The J.P. Morgan 43rd Annual Healthcare Conference (JPM25), held from January 13 to 16, 2025, in San Francisco, continued to be a critical platform for shaping the future of the healthcare and biopharmaceutical sectors. After the significant announcements on Day 1, the subsequent days offered much more into strategic initiatives, innovative pipeline developments, and broader industry trends. Here’s a detailed look at the highlights from Days 2 to 4.


Day 2: January 14, 2025

Biogen’s Competitive Edge in Alzheimer’s Treatment

Biogen CEO Chris Viehbacher expressed confidence in the company’s ability to maintain leadership in the Alzheimer’s treatment market despite competition from Eli Lilly’s Kisunla. Viehbacher emphasized enhancements to Leqembi’s delivery mechanisms, including a subcutaneous autoinjector, and efforts to increase patient access through blood-based biomarker testing. These developments highlight Biogen’s commitment to innovation and patient care.

Novartis’ Focus on Kisqali

Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan projected over $8 billion in potential peak sales for Kisqali, positioning it as a cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy. The drug’s success in both metastatic and early breast cancer underscores its market strength, with significant adoption rates reported globally.

GSK’s Advocacy for Vaccination

In response to rising vaccine hesitancy, GSK CEO Emma Walmsley stressed the importance of transparent conversations about vaccine efficacy and safety. Walmsley reiterated GSK’s role in addressing public health challenges and promoting global vaccine accessibility.

Strategic Moves by Sanofi

Sanofi unveiled a strategic pivot towards its core strengths, including immunology and oncology. EVP Houman Ashrafian highlighted the role of AI in accelerating drug discovery, emphasizing partnerships with tech leaders to drive innovation.


Day 3: January 15, 2025

AbbVie’s Post-Humira Growth Strategy

With Humira’s patent expiration impacting revenues, AbbVie outlined its roadmap to sustain growth. The company’s portfolio, led by Skyrizi and Rinvoq, is projected to deliver high single-digit sales growth through 2030. Early-stage acquisitions remain a critical part of AbbVie’s strategy to diversify and strengthen its pipeline.

Gilead’s HIV Prevention Initiatives

Gilead’s CEO Dan O’Day defended the company’s approach to expanding access to its HIV prevention drug lenacapavir. The focus is on tailoring sustainable models to diverse healthcare systems worldwide, balancing equitable access with operational sustainability.

GSK’s Selective Approach to GLP-1 Therapies

While the obesity market garners increasing attention, GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer Tony Wood confirmed that the company is steering clear of direct competition. Instead, GSK is exploring GLP-1 therapies for adjacent conditions where unmet needs remain significant.

AI and Precision Medicine Panels

Panels featuring leaders from Moderna, Roche, and leading biotech startups discussed the transformative potential of AI in precision medicine. Topics included using machine learning to identify biomarkers, optimize clinical trial designs, and reduce drug development timelines.


Day 4: January 16, 2025

MedTech Innovations Lead the Way

Medtronic, Intuitive Surgical, and Boston Scientific revealed advancements in robotics, pulsed field ablation (PFA), and over-the-counter glucose sensors. These innovations aim to enhance patient outcomes, improve diagnostics, and expand market access. Intuitive Surgical’s next-generation robotic system particularly garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize minimally invasive surgeries.

Acadia Pharmaceuticals’ Ambitious Goals

Acadia’s newly appointed CEO, Catherine Owen Adams, outlined her vision to drive the company towards $1 billion in annual sales. The focus will be on expanding its portfolio in rare diseases and maximizing the potential of existing products.

Future of Oncology and Rare Diseases

The final sessions of the conference spotlighted oncology and rare diseases as areas of growth. Leading pharma companies committed to addressing unmet needs, with significant investment in personalized treatments and genetic therapies.


Emerging Themes from JPM25

Resurgence of M&A Activity

A key trend at JPM25 was the resurgence of mergers and acquisitions. High-value deals—including Johnson & Johnson’s acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies for $14.6 billion and Eli Lilly’s $2.5 billion investment in Scorpion Therapeutics—underscore a strategic focus on diversification and innovation.

AI and Digital Transformation

Artificial intelligence emerged as a unifying theme, with companies leveraging AI for drug discovery, clinical trial efficiency, and personalized medicine. Discussions also highlighted the ethical implications and regulatory challenges of integrating AI into healthcare.

Patient-Centric Healthcare

Many companies emphasized a shift towards patient-centric models, integrating digital tools and real-world evidence to improve accessibility and outcomes. Gilead’s sustainable models for HIV prevention and GSK’s vaccine advocacy exemplify this trend.


What This Means for the Future

JPM25 highlighted the healthcare industry’s adaptability and resilience in the face of economic and competitive pressures. The focus on strategic acquisitions, technological innovation, and patient-centric care reflects an industry poised for transformative growth. Key takeaways include:

  • Increased Collaboration: Partnerships between pharma and tech are set to accelerate advancements in drug discovery and personalized medicine.
  • Diverse Portfolios: Companies are diversifying pipelines to address patent cliffs and tap into emerging markets.
  • Commitment to Access: A renewed emphasis on equitable access to treatments and vaccines underscores the industry’s responsibility to global health.

Looks like the scene is set for a strong 2025!!