With an ambitious growth plan for its CDMO operations, Ajinomoto is planning to complete the acquisition of Forge Biologics Holdings by December, adding the US-based firm’s capabilities in gene therapy services.

South Korea is stepping on the gas to develop its own mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and eventually next generation mRNA platform technology for use in other diseases, to meet its goal of becoming a global vaccine hub.

Inovio looks to countries outside the US to continue late-stage development of its vaccine, while a South Korean firm strikes a supply deal with Indonesia and Japan approves a new drug for COVID-19. 

Executives from Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca and others will give politicians in Washington DC an update on the progress of their vaccine - but will resist pressure to make promises of a breakthrough in 2020.