Webinar
Life sciences industry outlook for 2026 and beyond
Baker Tilly’s outlook webinar on what lies ahead for industry leaders
Feb. 4, 2026 · Authored by Rich Croghan, Darren R. Jones, Seung Yoo, Pete Mento, Arlene Chan, Kristen Godsoe, Findley Gillespie and Mark Scallon
The life sciences industry is entering 2026 with more momentum, complexity and opportunity than it has seen in years. In this forward-looking webinar, Baker Tilly professionals from across the firm break down the forces shaping the market—from shifting capital flows and regulatory changes to tax policy, global trade dynamics and risk considerations. This session offers a clear, executive-level snapshot of what organizations should be watching as they prepare for the year ahead.
There is a noticeable shift in sentiment across the life sciences industry. After a challenging start to 2025, the second half of the year brought renewed optimism fueled by stronger deal activity, rising transaction volumes and early signs of life in the initial public offering (IPO) market. Major bidding wars and strategic acquisitions underscore the dormant opportunity potential and the likelihood that this year will be active for both pharma and medical technology (medtech) dealmaking. At the same time, venture capital and private equity are expected to become increasingly important sources of funding, especially as early stage companies navigate a changing federal funding landscape.
In the webinar we explored how recent tax legislation is reshaping planning for life sciences organizations. With the return of 100% domestic research and development (R&D) expensing, restored bonus depreciation and more favorable interest limitation rules, companies now have new flexibility to rethink where and how they invest. The relevance of state level incentives continues to grow as well, emphasizing that time sensitive credits and grants could meaningfully influence where innovation and expansion occur in 2026.
Global trade is another area undergoing significant shifts. Companies across the sector are impacted by an evolving tariff landscape that touches everything from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to medical devices and research equipment. The potential Supreme Court decision on International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) related tariffs—representing hundreds of billions of dollars in possible refunds—adds another layer of complexity. Organizations should prepare for lengthy administrative processes and heightened compliance scrutiny if seeking potential refunds.
On the regulatory front, the webinar previews insights from our upcoming SEC Comment Letter Report for Life Sciences. With fewer IPO filings in 2025, the SEC redirected its attention to periodic filers, focusing on transparency, clarity, cybersecurity, reporting consistency and evolving disclosure requirements. Companies planning for an eventual IPO or preparing for increased public company rigor will find these insights especially valuable.
The conversation closed with a look at risk management and governance, including how shifts at the SEC and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) may influence compliance strategies. Reduced National Institutes of Health (NIH) and federal research funding is resulting in a surge of external funding requests, potentially increasing compliance risks. Automation, scalable processes and strong controls will be essential as organizations navigate this growing volume of requests.
This webinar is designed for leaders looking to understand the bigger picture: where the industry is moving, what might disrupt it and how companies can position themselves to thrive. Watch the full recording for deeper insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the life sciences landscape in 2026 and beyond.
