The bamlanivimab/etesevimab combo, filed for US emergency authorization in November, shows ability to reduce risk of hospitalization or death in COVID-19 patients. Lilly also sees prevention role for bamlanivimab.

The company is optimistic about a significant portion of eligible patients opting for its newly approved long-acting HIV therapy over daily, oral antiviral therapy.

Merck & Co.'s vericiguat, an sGC stimulator, was approved for heart failure but it enters a competitive space with a narrow indication.

Plus deals involving Astellas/Actinium, Sosei/PharmEnable, Aadi/EOC Pharma, BeiGene/Strand, Chi-Med/Inmagene, Alteogen/Intas, Sosei/AbbVie, Y-Biologics/3D Medicines.

Days after buying Kymab, Sanofi partners with Israel’s Biond on IO candidate targeting ILT2. Gilead again tackles functional cure of hepatitis B in alliance with Vir.

COVID-19 drove down both deal-making and biopharma “firepower” for part of 2020, but the industry began rebounding. This year should see significant bolt-on M&A activity and technology-driven alliances, according to EY.