French biotechnology company Abivax has been the subject of intense market speculation regarding a potential acquisition, with both Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca rumoured to be suitors. According to media reports, AstraZeneca is in an exclusive data review period for Abivax, with a potential offer valued at approximately EUR 13.75 billion (USD 15.7 billion). This follows earlier, unconfirmed reports in January 2026 that Lilly was considering a EUR 15 billion (USD 17.5 billion) bid. Both companies and Abivax have declined to comment on the recent rumours.

Abivax's surging valuation is driven by its lead asset, obefazimod, a first-in-class oral therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that modulates microRNA-124. The drug achieved positive results in two Phase III induction studies in 2025, sending the company's stock soaring. Full maintenance data are expected in June 2026. The IBD market represents a significant commercial opportunity, with the US segment alone projected to exceed USD 25 billion by 2030. Both Lilly and AstraZeneca have strategic interests in bolstering their immunology pipelines, making Abivax an attractive target.

PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database shows that Abivax in-licensed three vaccines from Cuba's Instituto Finlay de Vacunas in 2014. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.