Acquired Science. Accelerated Impact. Ipsen’s Determined M&A Strategy Is Rewriting the Rules of Innovation

Philippe Lopes-Fernandes, EVP & Chief Business Officer, shares how Ipsen’s tenacious approach to dealmaking is transforming breakthrough science into global impact—solidly.

At Ipsen, strategic M&A is more than a growth engine—it’s a commitment to purposeful science. We acquire with intent: to accelerate innovation, expand our therapeutic reach, and deliver meaningful impact for patients with few or no options.

Our approach begins with great science. We seek programs with strong biological rationale and the potential to transform care—whether it’s a novel mechanism in rare liver disease or a differentiated approach in hematology-oncology. But we go further. We look for science that can anchor a franchise, open new pathways, and offer optionality for future expansion. This is how we build sustainable value and long-term leadership.

We don’t wait for innovation to come to us. We proactively engage with biotech founders, academic labs, and early-stage platforms where bold ideas are born. Our partnering model is personal and purposeful—grounded in shared ambition and a clear path to scale. Ipsen is becoming the preferred partner for innovators with purpose, ready to accelerate and go global.

And we don’t stop at acquisition. What sets Ipsen apart is our continuity model. The same team that leads the deal stays with the science—bringing deep cross-functional expertise across R&D, regulatory, medical, and commercial. This seamless integration accelerates development, reduces risk, and sets a benchmark for post-deal execution.

The results speak for themselves. Our newly built rare liver franchise is now recognized as an industry leader, with two medicines approved across three indications and a pipeline of assets targeting five rare cholestatic liver diseases. We’re expanding therapeutic possibilities where options are limited, and our commitment to combination strategies and novel mechanisms is unlocking new potential.

In hematology-oncology, we’re building momentum with assets that address immune-evasive tumors and complex cancers. Our strategy is focused on optionality—developing assets that can be combined, sequenced, or expanded into adjacent indications, always with the patient need front and center.

Across our portfolio, the impact is clear. In the past five years, we’ve added over 35  programs with an attrition rate below 30%—a testament to our scientific discipline and execution excellence.

Every deal reflects Ipsen’s commitment to science with purpose. Through strategic M&A, we’re not just acquiring assets—we’re building franchises, expanding therapeutic possibilities, and ensuring that transformative innovation reaches patients worldwide with speed, precision, and care.