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