Levy, SVP of global development, notes that two years after launching an in-house Center for Design and Analysis, Amgen considers adaptive designs for most new studies and more than half include adaptive elements.

Pfizer's fourth-quarter call will be the first with new CEO Albert Bourla, while Amgen will provide reassurances after US Neulasta and Epogen biosimilar launches. Also, concerns swirl around the impending impact of generics on Allergan's blockbuster Restasis, Biogen investors await news on Alzheimer's programs and M&A, and Novartis will face scrutiny of recent launches.

Sanofi’s BTK inhibitor – one of two from its 2021 Principia buy – passed a Phase III test in immune thrombocytopenia as the company focuses on Dupixent-like blockbusters going forward.