Cancer revolution: How Bayer, Vidac Pharma, and Pfizer are shaking up the billion-dollar market

Bayer – Strategic decisions and focus on oncology

The most recent annual general meeting marked a turning point for Bayer: the Company plans to use an authorized capital increase to hedge financial risks from the ongoing US glyphosate lawsuits. Over 18% of voting shareholders rejected the resolution and criticized long-term uncertainties. However, the majority signaled confidence in the strengthened liquidity base. Analysts view the move as necessary to create leeway for potential settlement payments - a sign of crisis management that has already been well received by the markets.

In the pharmaceuticals segment, Bayer continues to focus on its oncology portfolio. In addition to blockbusters such as Nubeqa® (prostate cancer) and Vitrakvi® (TRK inhibitor), the Company is advancing innovative therapies. Highlights of the pipeline include radiopharmaceuticals such as Ac-pelgifatamab for prostate cancer, and precision medicine approaches, such as the HER2/EGFR inhibitor Sevabertinib for lung cancer. Nubeqa® is also being investigated in new indications. This diversification – from established therapies to early radionuclide and gene fusion studies – underscores Bayer's ambition to maintain a key role in the growing oncology market.

Despite progress, analysts remain divided. mwb research sees recovery potential from 2026, provided the pipeline delivers and legal risks subside. On the other hand, HSBC experts urge patience, saying that high debt and the slow restructuring of the agricultural business are weighing on the equity story. The decisive factors will be whether Bayer launches a new blockbuster with Asundexian (stroke prevention) and whether the glyphosate lawsuits are resolved by the highest courts. The Company is thus at a turning point: if it succeeds in striking a balance between risk management and innovative strength, the turnaround could take shape. The share price is currently EUR 23.755.

Vidac Pharma – Innovative pioneer in oncology

Vidac Pharma is positioning itself as a pioneer in cancer research with two promising drug candidates, VDA-1275 and VDA-1102. Both aim to reverse the disturbed metabolism of tumor cells. This approach represents an entirely new treatment method. While VDA-1275 has shown synergies with established chemotherapies in preclinical studies, the topical ointment VDA-1102 targets skin cancers such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The portfolio is complemented by ALMAVID, a tumor microenvironment modifier that is now the focus of an international research consortium.

With the founding of TME++, Vidac is combining expertise from three universities and two leading clinics to develop therapies for childhood brain tumors. At the heart of this effort is ALMAVID, which not only reactivates programmed cell death but is also intended to be combined with conventional therapies. Initial success has been achieved in a five-year-old patient with recurrent ependymoma. A subcutaneous formulation of VDA-1102 penetrated the blood-brain barrier, demonstrating potential for other solid tumors. CEO Prof. Max Herzberg said: "Our new formulation is not only promising for pediatric brain tumors, but could also pave the way for the treatment of other solid tumors."

In addition to scientific expertise, Vidac benefits from location advantages in Israel and the UK, which offer flexible research conditions. The latest Phase 2a data on VDA-1102 underscore its efficacy. 56% of CTCL patients responded to treatment. Analysts see this as a key value driver, especially given the extended patent protection for both lead products. Valuation models predict significant upside potential in the long term, supported by the pipeline and strategic partnerships. For investors looking for innovation in oncology, Vidac remains a candidate worth watching. The stock is currently available for EUR 0.54.

Pfizer - Setting the course in a turbulent market environment

Despite declining revenues, Pfizer showed resilience in the first quarter of 2025: revenue fell by 6% to USD 13.7 billion, but adjusted earnings per share exceeded expectations at USD 0.92. This was driven by an ambitious cost-cutting program that is expected to generate savings of USD 7.7 billion by 2027. The focus is on digitalization and process optimization, while R&D investments are being strategically prioritized. The operating margin remains stable, supported by a dividend yield of over 7%, which makes Pfizer an anchor for yield-oriented investors. The price-to-earnings ratio of 8 also signals potential undervaluation compared to the industry average.

Pfizer is consolidating its role as a key player in cancer medicine. The Company is already generating significant revenues with blockbusters such as Ibrance (breast cancer) and Xtandi (prostate cancer). The pipeline promises momentum. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies dominate the development projects. Highlights include Vepdegestrant (Phase 3 for breast cancer) and Disitamab Vedotin (Phase 3 for bladder cancer). Pfizer plans to introduce eight new top drugs by 2030, supported by the integration of Seagen's technology platforms. The goal is to provide therapies for more patients and double its market reach in oncology.

The discontinuation of the obesity drug danuglipron due to safety concerns is forcing Pfizer to rethink its strategy. Instead of developing its own drugs, the Company is now focusing on acquisitions to gain a foothold in the booming GLP-1 market. Target companies such as Viking Therapeutics (with the drug VK2735) or Structure Therapeutics could fill the gaps. Analysts expect a budget of up to USD 15 billion for acquisitions. The pressure is high: competitors such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly already dominate the market. For investors, the question remains whether Pfizer can establish a second pillar alongside oncology in the long term through targeted acquisitions – or whether the risks of high-priced deals will weigh on the balance sheet. The stock is struggling and currently trading at USD 22.88.

Oncology remains a key market in which Bayer, Vidac Pharma, and Pfizer are vying for dominance with different strategies. Despite glyphosate risks, Bayer is focusing on its diversified cancer portfolio - ranging from radiopharmaceuticals to gene fusions, but needs to strengthen investor confidence through pipeline successes. Vidac Pharma is an impressive innovator with therapeutic approaches such as VDA-1102 and is leveraging research collaborations such as TME++ to crack pediatric tumors. Pfizer is combining cost-cutting measures with an ADC pipeline offensive, while acquisitions in the GLP-1 sector could have an impact. Three paths, one goal: defeating cancer – and earning billions.