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Spotlight

Updated: Aug 17, 2021



In this issue of GOLD, we look back at the pharmaceutical industry’s top news stories from the past few months, covering the latest COVID-19 developments, the most prominent drug approvals, and the standout departures and appointments.



21 April

Novartis’ first-of-its-kind MS therapy Kesimpta wins NICE backing


29 April

Simon Stevens, CEO, NHS England will step down after 7 years, at the end of July


03 May

AstraZeneca’s Farxiga achieves FDA approval for use in treating chronic kidney disease


04 May

The ABPI appoints Ben Osborn as their new president


10 May

Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine is approved for emergency use by WHO


11 May

Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine first to be approved by FDA for use in children aged 12–15


21 May

Janssen’s genetically defined non-small cell lung cancer therapy Rybrevant wins FDA approval


22 May

Takeda’s dengue fever vaccine secures positive long-term safety and efficacy results


25 May

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine proves to be highly effective in adolescents


28 May

The MHRA approves Johnson and Johnson’s one-dose COVID-19 vaccine for use in the UK


02 June

Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine is approved for emergency use by WHO


07 June

Eisai and Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug Aducanumab achieves landmark approval by FDA

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