As pharma moves into 2026, drug development is being reshaped by precision-first modalities, AI-native discovery, and scalable gene editing technologies. From T-cell–redirecting bispecifics and in vivo CAR-T platforms to radiopharmaceuticals, pipelines are shifting toward faster, more targeted therapies.
This momentum follows a deal-heavy 2025, marked by strategic acquisitions such as Genmab’s agreement to acquire Merus ,signaling how large biopharma players are strengthening oncology pipelines ahead of the next innovation cycle.
This blog outlines four key pharma and biotech trends for 2026, already emerging through notable 2025 developments.
AI as Biopharma Infrastructure
Generative and agentic AI integrate across target discovery, simulation, and regulatory workflows, with Eli Lilly’s NVIDIA-powered supercomputer running trillions of simulations yearly to unify chemistry and biology data. Pfizer’s GenAI copilots saved 16,000 researcher hours annually, cutting costs by 55%, while Insilico Medicine’s AI-designed INS018_055 advanced to Phase II for fibrosis. NVIDIA’s BioNeMo and Recursion’s BioHive-2 exemplify this shift, enabling mid-sized firms to access enterprise-level tools without massive infrastructure.
Next-Gen Gene Editing Scales Up
Next-generation advanced therapies (NGATs), including base editing and allogeneic CAR-T, are expanding beyond rare diseases into high-prevalence conditions such as oncology. In early 2025 alone, dozens of new gene therapy trials focused on cancer, while FDA approvals for cell and gene therapies continued to rise. Breakthroughs like base-editing treatments for cardiovascular risk and off-the-shelf CRISPR CAR-T therapies are signaling a shift toward scalable, mass-manufacturable genetic medicines.
In Vivo CAR-T and Bispecifics in Oncology
In vivo CAR-T therapies are redefining cancer treatment by delivering genetic instructions directly into the body using nanoparticles, eliminating the complexity of ex vivo cell processing. Recent collaborations, including efforts by Nona Biosciences and Umoja, highlight the potential for more durable and scalable tumor targeting.
At the same time, T-cell–redirecting bispecific antibodies are moving earlier in treatment pathways. AbbVie’s epcoritamab (Epkinly) approval for follicular lymphoma reflects growing confidence in these off-the-shelf immunotherapies. Together with rising interest in radiopharmaceuticals, these modalities are reshaping oncology pipelines alongside broader investment momentum across adjacent areas such as cardiometabolic Innovation.
Quantum and Manufacturing Synergies
Quantum computing is beginning to unlock complex molecular challenges at unprecedented speed. Collaborations such as AstraZeneca and IonQ have demonstrated significant acceleration in simulation workflows, while industry investment in quantum-enabled drug discovery continues to grow.
On the manufacturing side, robotic aseptic fill-finish and continuous production models—exemplified by Lilly’s Medicine Foundry—are reducing waste and enabling flexible, small-batch manufacturing for cell and gene therapies. Digital twins are further connecting R&D and clinical development, driving measurable productivity gains and supporting faster, more agile scale-up.
PharmaX Next 2026 (May 11-12, Madrid) will spotlight the convergence of AI-driven discovery and next-generation gene editing through focused biotech sessions, bringing together R&D leaders shaping 2026 pipelines. The event positions innovators to translate breakthroughs such as NGATs and agentic AI into resilient, scalable, and patient-centric pharma strategies.
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