Johnson & Johnson plans to buy Abiomed for $380 per share – about $16.6bn in total – plus up to $35 per share in potential commercial and clinical milestone-contingent payments. Abiomed is the clear leader in percutaneous circulatory support technology, but would benefit from J&J's reach and resources while complementing J&J's Biosense Webster electrophysiology business.

Vertex’s dominance in cystic fibrosis looks secure for years to come, and 2023 and 2024 could see it bring more ground-breaking innovation to market.

CanSino’s global-first inhaled COVID-19 vaccine is dosed into its first noses in Shanghai, while Zhejiang Haichang, Everest Medicines and Abogen make major progress with their respective mRNA vaccine programs.

Cordis plans to acquire MedAlliance, the developer of the Selution SLR drug-eluting vascular balloon, for up to $1.135bn. As part of the deal, Cordis will immediately begin to co-promote Selution SLR in every market where it is available.