The number of US biotech companies has decreased by 25% in the past three years. Fifty-five biotech companies were acquired in 2008, up from 40 in 2007. In 2009, 38 companies were acquired. So far this year, there have been 21 acquisitions of biotech companies. Despite the decrease, the approximately 294 public biotech companies are doing better financially now than at the end of 2008. At that time, according to the Biotechnology Industry Organization, 45% of companies had less than one year in funding available; currently, 25% have less than one year in funding. Among these companies, 40% have cut employees, 11% have accrued debt and 7% have sold assets.

Source: Bloomberg