A US FDA review panel has given a lukewarm reception to molnupiravir, while Inovio is assessing its vaccine candidates against the new omicron variant, J&J nears a South African vaccine deal with Aspen, and South Korea brings in new COVID-19 measures. Meanwhile, Serum exports Novavax vaccine, Bharat looks at Covaxin in Omicron and Ocugen's Covaxin trial put on hold. 

South Korea’s Celltrion delivered a relatively weak quarter in Q3, with a 26.9% drop in revenues despite robust sales of Truxima (rituximab) and Remsima (infliximab). The company also voiced confidence in pro-biosimilar policies introduced by the Biden administration in the US.

The European Medicines Agency had a busy time at its meeting last week. It gave the green light to 11 products, four of which are for rare diseases including ANCA-associated vasculitis, and to a range of treatments for conditions as diverse as non-small cell lung cancer, smallpox, migraine, COPD, COVID-19 and obesity.

The European Medicines Agency is expected to make recommendations on EU marketing authorization for 10 new medicines at its monthly meeting this week. They include products for non-small cell lung cancer, COVID-19, kidney disease, smallpox and migraine.