1032 GMT - European pharma companies largely follow global peers higher, after healthcare stocks rose en masse in Hong Kong and New York overnight. Positive signals for the sector include a potential resolution to Bayer's continuing Roundup litigation in the U.S., which analysts at UBS say could take a major step forward in 2026, significantly improving the company's fundamental outlook. The German pharma company would be further boosted by a potential merger with Haleon in its consumer health sector, analysts at Jefferies write. Novartis stands to benefit from trial data in the first quarter of 2026, UBS says, after the company received a ratings boost from Barclays. Bayer gains 1.2%, Novartis climbs 1.5%, while Sandoz Group gains 2.6%. (josephmichael.stonor@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 07, 2026 05:32 ET (10:32 GMT)
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