Japan’s regulators have approved a large batch of new products, including a novel antibody from Chugai, two world-first nods for the country’s second HIF-PH inhibitors and an asthma therapy, and the first Humira biosimilar in Japan – as well as five drugs from Novartis.

Zydus Cadila hopes to launch its version of Gilead’s remdesivir by end-July in India, even as earlier licensees Hetero Drugs and Cipla have just commercialized the antiviral. Plans for pegylated interferon alfa-2b to treat COVID-19 include a trial in Mexico and an IND in the US. Separately, desidustat is being considered for additional indications.

Also, deals involving Immunomic, Replicate, Biocon, DKSH, Genor, G1, Daiichi Sankyo, Esperion, Alteogen, Gelesis, China Medical System Holdings, Sosei and EverInsight.

Zydus Cadila hopes to launch its version of Gilead’s remdesivir by end-July in India, even as earlier licensees Hetero Drugs and Cipla have just commercialized the antiviral. Plans for pegylated interferon alfa-2b to treat COVID-19 include a trial in Mexico and an IND in the US. Separately, desidustat is being considered for additional indications.