British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc (NYSE:AZN) has emerged as the leading contender to acquire French biotech Abivax SA (NASDAQ:ABVX), following the company's dramatic valuation surge after strong clinical progress tied to its lead drug candidate.

The potential takeover comes as major pharmaceutical companies hunt for innovative therapies to replenish their pipelines.

Abivax drew attention after its shares soared roughly 1,600% in 2025 to reach a market value of about 7.7 billion euros (around $8.9 billion).

AstraZeneca Gains Early Advantage In Abivax Talks

According to a French media house, AstraZeneca has held exclusive access to Abivax's data room since early February.

The exclusivity period runs through March 23, giving the British drugmaker time to evaluate the company's data and potentially formalize an acquisition offer.

If AstraZeneca does not submit a bid by that deadline, the exclusivity arrangement will expire. That could reopen negotiations and allow other interested parties to engage with Abivax.

One potential rival is Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE:LLY), which previously expressed interest in the French biotech and could ...