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Global Healthcare

What makes this healthcare innovation cycle different?

02 Feb 2026
PostAuthors object (17896)
James DouglasFund ManagerGlobal Healthcare Team

James Douglas, Fund Manager on the Polar Capital Global Healthcare Team, shares his outlook for the year ahead and explains why sentiment in the healthcare sector is turning. He points to a broader earnings recovery, a healthy pickup in M&A activity, and a more stable US policy backdrop as key drivers for the sector.

He also highlights where the team are finding the most compelling opportunities and discusses how major innovation cycles in obesity, respiratory disease, and diagnostics are creating long-term growth potential. With improving fundamentals and supportive macro conditions, he believes the sector is entering a renewed phase of opportunity.

document thumbnailWhat makes this healthcare innovation cycle different? (pdf)

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Risks

  • Capital is at risk and there is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its objective. Investors should make sure their attitude towards risk is aligned with the risk profile of the Fund before investing.
  • Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance. The value of investments may go down as well as up and you might get back less than you originally invested as there is no guarantee in place.
  • The value of a fund’s assets may be affected by uncertainties such as international political developments, market sentiment, economic conditions, changes in government policies, restrictions on foreign investment and currency repatriation, currency fluctuations and other developments in the laws and regulations of countries in which investment may be made. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for details of all risks.
  • The Fund invests in the shares of companies and share prices can rise or fall due to several factors affecting global stock markets.
  • The Fund uses derivatives which carry the risk of reduced liquidity, substantial loss and increased volatility in adverse market conditions, such as failure amongst market participants.
  • The Fund invests in assets denominated in currencies other than the Fund's base currency. Changes in exchange rates may have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. If the share class currency is different from the currency of the country in which you reside, exchange rate fluctuations may affect your returns when converted into your local currency. Hedged share classes may have associated costs which may impact the performance of your investment.
  • The Fund invests in a relatively concentrated number of companies and industries based in one sector. This focused strategy can produce high gains but can also lead to significant losses. The Fund may be less diversified than other investment funds.


Important Information: This is a marketing communication and does not constitute a solicitation or offer to any person to buy or sell any related securities or financial instruments. Any opinions expressed may change. This document does not contain information material to the investment objectives or financial needs of the recipient. This document is not advice on legal, taxation or investment matters. Tax treatment depends on personal circumstances. Investors must rely on their own examination of the fund or seek advice. Investment may be restricted in other countries and as such, any individual who receives this document must make themselves aware of their respective jurisdiction and observe any restrictions.

A decision may be taken at any time to terminate the marketing of the Fund in any EEA Member State in which it is currently marketed. Shareholders in the affected EEA Member State will be given notification of any decision and provided the opportunity to redeem their interests in the Fund, free of any charges or deductions, for at least 30 working days from the date of the notification.

Investment in the Fund is an investment in the shares of the Fund and not in the underlying investments of the Fund. Further information about fund characteristics and any associated risks can be found in the Fund’s Key Information Document or Key Investor Information Document (“KID” or “KIID”), the Prospectus (and relevant Fund Supplement), the Articles of Association and the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports. Please refer to these documents before making any final investment decisions. These documents are available free of charge at Polar Capital Funds plc, Georges Court, 54-62 Townsend Street, Dublin 2, Ireland, via email by contacting Investor-Relations@polarcapitalfunds.com or at www.polarcapital.co.uk. The KID is available in the languages of all EEA member states in which the Fund is registered for sale; the Prospectus, Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and KIID are available in English.

The Fund promotes, among other characteristics, environmental or social characteristics and is classified as an Article 8 fund under the EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). For more information, please see the Prospectus and relevant Fund Supplement.

ESG and sustainability characteristics are further detailed on the investment manager’s website: - https://www.polarcapital.co.uk/ESG-and-Sustainability/Responsible-Investing/.

A summary of investor rights associated with investment in the Fund can be found here.

This document is provided and approved by both Polar Capital LLP and Polar Capital (Europe) SAS.

Polar Capital LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the United Kingdom, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in the United States. Polar Capital LLP’s registered address is 16 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JD, United Kingdom.

Polar Capital (Europe) SAS is authorised and regulated by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in France. Polar Capital (Europe) SAS’s registered address is 18 Rue de Londres, Paris 75009, France.

Polar Capital LLP is a registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. Polar Capital LLP is the investment manager and promoter of Polar Capital Funds plc – an open-ended investment company with variable capital and with segregated liability between its sub-funds – incorporated in Ireland, authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland and recognised by the FCA. FundRock Management Company (Ireland) Limited acts as management company and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered Address: Percy Exchange, 8/34 Percy Place, Dublin 4, Ireland.

For UK investors: The Fund is recognised in the UK under the Overseas Funds Regime (OFR) but it is not a UK-authorised Fund. UK investors should be aware that they may not be able to refer a complaint against its Management Company or its Depositary to the UK’s Financial Ombudsman Service. Any claims for losses relating to the Management Company or the Depositary will not be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, in the event that either entity should become unable to meet its liabilities to investors. For information on the complaint process to the Management Company, please see the Country Supplement for this fund available at https://www.polarcapital.co.uk/

Benchmark: The Fund is actively managed and uses the MSCI AC World Daily Total Return Net Health Care Index as a performance target and to calculate the performance fee. The benchmark has been chosen as it is generally considered to be representative of the investment universe in which the Fund invests. The performance of the Fund is likely to differ from the performance of the benchmark as the holdings, weightings and asset allocation will be different. Investors should carefully consider these differences when making comparisons. Further information about the benchmark can be found here. The benchmark is provided by an administrator on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) register of benchmarks which includes details of all authorised, registered, recognised and endorsed EU and third country benchmark administrators together with their national competent authorities.

Third-party Data: Some information contained herein has been obtained from third party sources and has not been independently verified by Polar Capital. Neither Polar Capital nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any data contained herein.

Country Specific Disclaimers: Please be aware that not every share class of every fund is available in all jurisdictions. When considering an investment into the Fund, you should make yourself aware of the relevant financial, legal and tax implications. Neither Polar Capital LLP nor Polar Capital Funds plc shall be liable for, and accept no liability for, the use or misuse of this document.

Global Healthcare|02 Feb 2026

What makes this healthcare innovation cycle different?

None
James Douglas
Fund Manager, Global Healthcare Team

James Douglas, Fund Manager on the Polar Capital Global Healthcare Team, shares his outlook for the year ahead and explains why sentiment in the healthcare sector is turning. He points to a broader earnings recovery, a healthy pickup in M&A activity, and a more stable US policy backdrop as key drivers for the sector.

He also highlights where the team are finding the most compelling opportunities and discusses how major innovation cycles in obesity, respiratory disease, and diagnostics are creating long-term growth potential. With improving fundamentals and supportive macro conditions, he believes the sector is entering a renewed phase of opportunity.

Transcript iconDownload transcript

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Related Funds

Healthcare Blue ChipHealthcare Opportunities
  • None

    James Douglas, PhD

    James joined Polar Capital in September 2015 and is a Fund Manager for the Healthcare team. He was appointed Co-Fund Manager for the Polar Capital Global Healthcare Trust alongside Gareth Powell in August 2019.

    Prior to joining Polar Capital, James worked in equity sales specialising in global healthcare at Morgan Stanley, RBS and HSBC. James also has equity research experience garnered from his time at UBS, where he worked as an analyst in the European pharmaceutical and biotechnology team. Before moving across to the financial sector, he worked as a consultant for EvaluatePharma.

Risks

  • Capital is at risk and there is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its objective. Investors should make sure their attitude towards risk is aligned with the risk profile of the Fund before investing.
  • Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance. The value of investments may go down as well as up and you might get back less than you originally invested as there is no guarantee in place.
  • The value of a fund’s assets may be affected by uncertainties such as international political developments, market sentiment, economic conditions, changes in government policies, restrictions on foreign investment and currency repatriation, currency fluctuations and other developments in the laws and regulations of countries in which investment may be made. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for details of all risks.
  • The Fund invests in the shares of companies and share prices can rise or fall due to several factors affecting global stock markets.
  • The Fund uses derivatives which carry the risk of reduced liquidity, substantial loss and increased volatility in adverse market conditions, such as failure amongst market participants.
  • The Fund invests in assets denominated in currencies other than the Fund's base currency. Changes in exchange rates may have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. If the share class currency is different from the currency of the country in which you reside, exchange rate fluctuations may affect your returns when converted into your local currency. Hedged share classes may have associated costs which may impact the performance of your investment.
  • The Fund invests in a relatively concentrated number of companies and industries based in one sector. This focused strategy can produce high gains but can also lead to significant losses. The Fund may be less diversified than other investment funds.


Important Information: This is a marketing communication and does not constitute a solicitation or offer to any person to buy or sell any related securities or financial instruments. Any opinions expressed may change. This document does not contain information material to the investment objectives or financial needs of the recipient. This document is not advice on legal, taxation or investment matters. Tax treatment depends on personal circumstances. Investors must rely on their own examination of the fund or seek advice. Investment may be restricted in other countries and as such, any individual who receives this document must make themselves aware of their respective jurisdiction and observe any restrictions.

A decision may be taken at any time to terminate the marketing of the Fund in any EEA Member State in which it is currently marketed. Shareholders in the affected EEA Member State will be given notification of any decision and provided the opportunity to redeem their interests in the Fund, free of any charges or deductions, for at least 30 working days from the date of the notification.

Investment in the Fund is an investment in the shares of the Fund and not in the underlying investments of the Fund. Further information about fund characteristics and any associated risks can be found in the Fund’s Key Information Document or Key Investor Information Document (“KID” or “KIID”), the Prospectus (and relevant Fund Supplement), the Articles of Association and the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports. Please refer to these documents before making any final investment decisions. These documents are available free of charge at Polar Capital Funds plc, Georges Court, 54-62 Townsend Street, Dublin 2, Ireland, via email by contacting Investor-Relations@polarcapitalfunds.com or at www.polarcapital.co.uk. The KID is available in the languages of all EEA member states in which the Fund is registered for sale; the Prospectus, Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and KIID are available in English.

The Fund promotes, among other characteristics, environmental or social characteristics and is classified as an Article 8 fund under the EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). For more information, please see the Prospectus and relevant Fund Supplement.

ESG and sustainability characteristics are further detailed on the investment manager’s website: - https://www.polarcapital.co.uk/ESG-and-Sustainability/Responsible-Investing/.

A summary of investor rights associated with investment in the Fund can be found here.

This document is provided and approved by both Polar Capital LLP and Polar Capital (Europe) SAS.

Polar Capital LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the United Kingdom, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in the United States. Polar Capital LLP’s registered address is 16 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JD, United Kingdom.

Polar Capital (Europe) SAS is authorised and regulated by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in France. Polar Capital (Europe) SAS’s registered address is 18 Rue de Londres, Paris 75009, France.

Polar Capital LLP is a registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. Polar Capital LLP is the investment manager and promoter of Polar Capital Funds plc – an open-ended investment company with variable capital and with segregated liability between its sub-funds – incorporated in Ireland, authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland and recognised by the FCA. FundRock Management Company (Ireland) Limited acts as management company and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered Address: Percy Exchange, 8/34 Percy Place, Dublin 4, Ireland.

For UK investors: The Fund is recognised in the UK under the Overseas Funds Regime (OFR) but it is not a UK-authorised Fund. UK investors should be aware that they may not be able to refer a complaint against its Management Company or its Depositary to the UK’s Financial Ombudsman Service. Any claims for losses relating to the Management Company or the Depositary will not be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, in the event that either entity should become unable to meet its liabilities to investors. For information on the complaint process to the Management Company, please see the Country Supplement for this fund available at https://www.polarcapital.co.uk/

Benchmark: The Fund is actively managed and uses the MSCI AC World Daily Total Return Net Health Care Index as a performance target and to calculate the performance fee. The benchmark has been chosen as it is generally considered to be representative of the investment universe in which the Fund invests. The performance of the Fund is likely to differ from the performance of the benchmark as the holdings, weightings and asset allocation will be different. Investors should carefully consider these differences when making comparisons. Further information about the benchmark can be found here. The benchmark is provided by an administrator on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) register of benchmarks which includes details of all authorised, registered, recognised and endorsed EU and third country benchmark administrators together with their national competent authorities.

Third-party Data: Some information contained herein has been obtained from third party sources and has not been independently verified by Polar Capital. Neither Polar Capital nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any data contained herein.

Country Specific Disclaimers: Please be aware that not every share class of every fund is available in all jurisdictions. When considering an investment into the Fund, you should make yourself aware of the relevant financial, legal and tax implications. Neither Polar Capital LLP nor Polar Capital Funds plc shall be liable for, and accept no liability for, the use or misuse of this document.

Related insights

None
Global Healthcare

Healthcare utilisation: a structural growth story for long-term investors

Gareth Powell
9 Dec 2025
None
Global Healthcare

Innovation is the lifeblood of healthcare

Gareth Powell
12 Nov 2025
None
Global Healthcare

The three key catalysts for healthcare

Gareth Powell
10 Nov 2025

Most viewed insights

Latest insights