The J.P. Morgan Healthcare conference is being held a week later than usual, which only makes us more ready to hear what the industry's leaders have in store. Here's a preview of potential hot topics.

Novel therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease have brought a renewed sense of optimism to those researching this neurodegenerative disorder. Numerous treatment avenues are being explored, including small molecules, gene therapy, cell therapy and medical devices to stimulate nerves deep in the brain. Digital also gets a look-in, being useful for analyzing gait and other symptoms, and addressing both mental and physical issues.

A positive opinion for its FLT3 inhibitor for acute myeloid leukemia gives Astellas a further advantage over its Japanese competitor's same-class offering, quizartinib.

The Japanese firm's original 2007 NDA was rejected in 2008 but it kept faith in the drug, now approved as an adjunct to levodopa/carbidopa. At least one competitor is waiting in the wings.