A strong year is predicted for biopharma business with investment and deal making set to continue apace. Executives across industry share their forecasts for the year ahead.

The UK government has awarded “urgent public health status” to a clinical trial program that will test one investigational product and four existing drugs in an effort to quickly find new treatments for patients hospitalized with serious COVID-19 infection.

Public Company Edition: Two months before the deadline for the company's sNDA, the US FDA has not indicated it will hold an advisory committee meeting for the triglyceride-lowering drug. Also, Seattle Genetics raises $575m, Atara and Ra bring in $150m each and Cara completes $145.5m offering.

Private Company Edition: The VC firm and start-up factory Flagship Pioneering brings in new cash for existing investments, tapping into investors eager to back "big, bold platform ideas" in the life sciences. Also, new financings include $100m-plus deals for Harmony and Beam.