From AI driven efficiencies to renewed dealmaking and selective capital deployment, the industry is moving forward with intention.
As thousands of leaders, innovators, and investors convened for the 44th annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference earlier this month, the tone felt markedly different from the cautious uncertainty of the past several years. This year signaled disciplined re-acceleration in the health care and life sciences ecosystem, anchored in real execution, selective investment, and a resurgence of dealmaking confidence.
Across the conversations, a few dominant themes emerged — themes reinforcing why organizations across the health care continuum need trusted advisors who bring both industry insight and transaction readiness.
A sector leaning into measured growth and strategic clarity
The conference made clear health care and life sciences leaders are navigating a more disciplined, more focused environment in 2026. After several years of sector volatility, investor sentiment has shifted into what many described as “measured confidence,” with capital flowing again — but with sharper filters for credibility, differentiation, and execution.
This backdrop has strengthened the demand for:
- Companies with clear, de-risked pathways to value
- Strong clinical and commercial execution
- Strategic narratives resonating with increasingly selective investors
This year’s conference felt less like a reset and more like confirmation the industry is positioning for sustainable growth.
AI moves from hype to demonstrable ROI
If 2025 was about AI’s promise, 2026 is about proof. Attendees were focused on AI’s measurable impact across drug development, clinical operations, workflow automation, and health care delivery. AI has shifted from theoretical excitement to operational ROI, which is an important signal for both investors and operators.
Examples ranged from co innovation labs to ambient clinical documentation technologies already reducing costs and improving efficiency at scale.
Health care and life sciences deal flow makes a comeback
Another major theme was the return of meaningful deal flow. Health care systems, biopharma companies, and MedTech organizations are reallocating capital toward assets and companies demonstrating clinical relevance and execution readiness. M&A appetite is once again driving activity, and megadeals — like Boston Scientific’s agreement to acquire Penumbra for $14.5B — were key conference talking points.
Large pharma and emerging biotech leaders alike spoke openly about preparing pipelines ahead of looming patent cliffs and the renewed emphasis on partnerships, acquisitions, and strategic collaborations.
Capital discipline shapes the funding landscape
Even as capital markets open further, investors are demanding tighter alignment between scientific or clinical progress, strategy, and financial planning.
This shift rewards organizations that:
- Link strategy to execution
- Present credible, data driven financial narratives
- Demonstrate readiness for both growth and scrutiny
What all this means for health care and life sciences — and how CLA can help
At CLA, we’ve always believed navigating health care’s complexity requires an integrated approach blending deep industry knowledge with transaction, valuation, and strategic experience. Coming out of the 2026 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, that belief is stronger than ever.
For sellers: Positioning for improved value
The conference reinforced a simple truth: Buyers today are more discerning, but competitive for the right assets. Companies looking to sell must demonstrate:
- Compelling, evidence-based value propositions
- Clean, credible financials
- Clear operational maturity
- Clinical excellence
CLA helps sellers:
- Prepare for diligence through quality of earnings (QoE) and sell side readiness
- Shape the story investors want in this more selective environment
- Identify operational and financial opportunities to strengthen valuation
- Navigate tax structuring to boost after tax proceeds
As capital becomes more disciplined, prepared sellers have an advantage.
For buyers and investors: Finding and evaluating opportunities with confidence
Given the renewed intensity around acquisitions and business development, investors are refining their diligence processes. Execution risk — not just innovation — is now the differentiator.
CLA helps buyers and investors by:
- Conducting buy side QoE and operational diligence
- Evaluating the quality of revenues
- Assessing integration considerations early
- Providing industry benchmarks and forward-looking perspectives
- Supporting platform strategy development and add on screening
In an environment where capital is returning but guardrails are tighter, rigorous diligence is essential.
Looking ahead in health care and life sciences
The 2026 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference framed the coming year as a period of disciplined re acceleration — one where innovation, strategic clarity, and execution matter more than ever. From AI driven efficiencies to renewed dealmaking and selective capital deployment, the industry is moving forward with intention.
For organizations selling, raising capital, or investing, CLA is ready to bring forward looking guidance, deep industry insight, and comprehensive transaction support.
If you’d like to discuss what these trends mean for your organization or explore how CLA can help you prepare for what’s next, we’d welcome the conversation.