High-profile experts including Anthony Fauci and Adrian Hill share views at the ICMR symposium on progressing safe COVID-19 vaccines backed by ethical trials executed with appropriate scientific rigor. Human challenge studies, "vaccine nationalism" and equitable access were among the key issues deliberated, while India committed to making its coronavirus vaccines and related capabilities available to the world.

As India revealed finer details of two schemes to promote bulk drug production, Mankind Pharma and Aarti Drugs spelled out a preference for chemical synthesis products – they are likely to be joined by more companies reluctant to invest in some that are fermentation-based. Whether a “plug and play” format for bulk drug parks will attract foreign investment remains to be seen.

As India revealed finer details of two schemes to promote bulk drug production, Mankind Pharma and Aarti Drugs spelled out a preference for chemical synthesis products - they are likely to be joined by more companies reluctant to invest in some that are fermentation-based. Whether a “plug and play” format for bulk drug parks will attract foreign investment remains to be seen.

Plus recent deals involving BeiGene, Assembly Biosciences, Piramal, Medivant, Revitope, Junshi, JW Therapeutics, Eureka, Acepodia, Chiesi, Bayer, NewG Lab, AnHeart

With a proposed IPO, Gland Pharma’s parent company, Fosun Pharma, hopes to raise funds for its injectables business and possibly its COVID-19 vaccine. The move will also cut Chinese ownership against a backdrop of shaky relations between India and China. As investors warm up to pharma stocks, the timing seems right.

US private equity firm KKR is to acquire a majority stake in JB Chemicals, accelerating the Indian group's growth plans in branded formulations. Post a 54% stake acquisition for $414m via part-purchase from the founders and an open offer at INR745 per share, KKR's final stake could rise to 64.9% if founders offer more shares.