Pfizer’s earnings were skewed by its coronavirus vaccine for the second quarter running while GSK’s vaccine sales were helped by the catch-up on pediatric immunization schedules. Sales of influenza vaccines may come to the fore in the second half.

Oncology diagnoses and therefore revenues are returning as we emerge from the pandemic, but the recovery also brings the challenges of reduced diagnostic and eventually vaccine revenues.

Poxel’s shift to new therapeutic areas may be necessary despite Japan’s approval for its diabetes drug. Twymeeg looks set to be hamstrung by placebo-controlled studies without outcomes data.