Around 100 executives highlight the hot areas to watch on the R&D front in 2021. From cancer to CNS and from regenerative medicine to real world data, expectations are high on many fronts.

Biocon chair believes new perspectives on regulatory science and processes emerging from the US's "Warp Speed" efforts to accelerate COVID-19 vaccines have potential for wider application, although Regeneron's president urges caution around relying only on small studies to advance repurposed drugs.

With 46 initial public offerings in the US by drug developers so far – including recent launches by Kymera, Inhibrx and Harmony – 2020 will easily beat last year’s 50 IPOs. In follow-on offerings and VC deals, newly public Schrodinger raised $346.5m and Tango’s $50m equity financing.

Biocon’s itolizumab gets clearance in India for restricted emergency use in COVID-19 patients, amid some concerns around small study numbers. But company says data are compelling and cites compassionate use substantiation, while partner Equillium expects to pursue a global study under US IND.