The emergence and rapid spread of the Omicron variant has kept COVID-19 firmly in the headlines but the biopharma industry has had plenty on its plate on top of tackling the pandemic. Scrip has taken a look back at five of the biggest non-COVID-19 story themes of 2021 in no particular order.

Merging with a special purpose acquisition corporation is a viable funding tool, but it may not be the best choice for drug developers far from key milestones.

BioMarin teams with Skyline on gene therapies for cardiovascular disease. Myrtelle discloses licensing of gene therapy for Canavan disease from Pfizer earlier in 2021.

While Amicus will transfer the gene therapy portfolio’s R&D risk to Caritas, it retains a financial interest in many of the spinout’s programs. Pompe candidate AT-GAA accepted for FDA review.