The US firm is shifting its focus to IgAN after a promising new prespecified analysis of its Phase II trial of atacicept lifted hopes for the product’s prospects as compared with a key rival candidate.

Moderation was a theme of the year in novel approvals, as CDER’s median review time rose for the first time in five years and even the center’s fastest approval took more than seven months. A Pink Sheet infographic breaks down which review pathways did the best last year. 

There are fewer than a handful of prescription video game digital therapeutics with regulatory clearance, but gamification in patient care is proving its worth as a novel way of treating a range of conditions, from vision loss to dyslexia and ADHD. Now, the onus is on lawmakers and insurers to create a clear path towards reimbursement.

Pfizer joined Novartis as the market leader in sickle cell disease when it acquired Global Blood Therapeutics last year. The US giant's Oxbryta may now move ahead following a clinical and regulatory setback for the Swiss major's Adakveo.