Pfizer has signed up with a state-owned enterprise for the distribution of its recently approved oral antiviral for COVID-19 in China, where daily case counts are surging amid some tightening restrictions.

Evolving challenges will keep the COVID-19 pipeline active, while oncology, immunology and CNS are areas also expected to see much progress in 2022. Industry executives look forward to the year in therapeutic R&D.

Private Company Edition: In other $100m-plus venture capital rounds, Third Harmonic Bio emerged with $155m, including a new $105m series B round. Also, Europe- and Japan-focused Newton Biocapital launched its second VC fund with €50m in initial capital and a €150m fundraising goal. 

The market for surgical heart valve replacement devices is projected to steadily decline, as newer, more innovative transcatheter techniques poach customers, according to a new report from Informa’s Meddevicetracker.