Although deal activity in the life sciences sector slowed across the board in 2019 in terms of transaction volume, M&A and partnering deal values rose on average. In what appears to be a strong year for M&A, US$293 B was committed on acquisitions in 2019, up 43% on 2018, boosted by the Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS)/Celgene and AbbVie/Allergan megamergers.