Strong sales of Dupixent and its range of vaccines are expected to drive Sanofi’s financial results for the first quarter of 2021, although these are likely to have been adversely affected by currency exchange rate movements. Numerous data readouts are expected in the coming months from pipeline products.

GlaxoSmithKline has discontinued treatment with its ICOS agonist feladilimab in the Phase II INDUCE-3 trial upon the recommendation of the study’s data monitoring committee, another setback for the big pharma’s plans to become a major force in the cancer therapy area.

Sanofi outlines progress on developing a differentiated R&D pipeline in immunology, including novel ways of addressing COPD, atopic dermatitis and autoimmune disorders.

Another promising British-based company, GW Pharma, has been acquired, this time by mid-sized US player Jazz. Is it a pipedream that a UK biotech could be in a position to pull off a $7bn takeover of its own or does it really not matter?