17:48 - 3.08.2026

---

August 3, Fineko/abc.az. British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and US-based Bristol Myers Squibb are in talks over a potential merger that could be valued at nearly $400 billion. Both parties confirmed the discussions, though specific details remain undisclosed.

If realized, the combination would mark one of the largest mergers in pharmaceutical industry history. However, market reaction has been skeptical: AstraZeneca shares tumbled by up to 7,8% to a 10-month low, while Bristol Myers shares jumped by 8,7%.

Analysts and investors expressed doubts regarding the strategic logic for AstraZeneca, citing potential antitrust scrutiny and exposure to Bristol Myers' upcoming patent cliff on key oncology drugs.