A US FDA review panel has given a lukewarm reception to molnupiravir, while Inovio is assessing its vaccine candidates against the new omicron variant, J&J nears a South African vaccine deal with Aspen, and South Korea brings in new COVID-19 measures. Meanwhile, Serum exports Novavax vaccine, Bharat looks at Covaxin in Omicron and Ocugen's Covaxin trial put on hold. 

Aspen Pharmacare is continuing to ponder offloading another part of its operations, with bids under consideration for its significant API business units. The company only recently sold a basket of products in South Africa to Acino.

South Africa’s Aspen Pharmacare is continuing along the path of offloading assets that no longer fit into its strategy, using the proceeds to pay off its substantial debt pile and reinvest in areas of greater strategic focus. Half-a-dozen products currently offered in its local market are now on their way to Switzerland’s Acino.

WTO director general says pharma could have done more on voluntary licensing for COVID-19 vaccines and also calls for better transparency of pricing and contracts to ensure “a level playing field” when it comes to saving lives.