Mergers and acquisitions are set to gain momentum in South Korea as firms outside the sector seek new growth engines and more open-minded biopharma companies seek rapid growth and globalization.

After a production setback, Aspen and Johnson & Johnson announce a donation of 300,000 vaccines to South African teachers. Strides partners with Ennaid for an oral COVID drug, while Dr Reddy’s, Lupin, Cipla and Sun Pharma Partner with Eli Lilly for baricitinib in India and Formycon receives approval for early action for its COVID-19 drug.

The US obtained access to doses that it will donate to low- and low-middle-income countries, Merck & Co. is lining up government purchases of its Phase III drug, and Ocugen will submit a BLA in the US rather than pursue an EUA for Bharat's vaccine. Plus progress and setbacks for COVID-19 therapeutics. 

The Bio Korea meeting included a discussion around the challenges faced by Korean developers of COVID-19 therapies and vaccines and how they should approach the global market. Cooperation and production technology will be key.