Private Company Edition: NVCA and Pitchbook data show pharma and biotech companies raised $37.8bn in venture capital in 2021, up 41% from the record $26.8bn total in 2020. Recent mega-rounds include $190m for Maze and $200m for Alumis, and Sound Bioventures raised a €110m fund.

Hikma has snapped up the Canadian sterile injectables assets of bankrupt Teligent in a $46m deal that marks Hikma’s first move into Canada.

ANI Pharmaceuticals and Eton Pharmaceuticals have announced the launch of their Carbaglu rival, with the companies having been granted a Competitive Generic Therapy designation by the FDA, along with 180 days of related exclusivity. ANI has also announced receiving FDA approval for its abbreviated new drug application for Mycobutin rival, Rifabutin capsules for 150mg dose. 

Iris Zemzoum, Novartis Pharma's president for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, outlines how the company is shaping its strategy in the region, which comes with “extremes” in market profiles, via a distinct archetype that factors in commonalities between national healthcare systems. The company is also progressing interesting initiatives in digital therapeutics.