Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty toppled after recording the highest ever annual sales for a pharmaceutical in 2022, while Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic climbed rapidly. But Merck & Co’s immuno-oncology blockbuster Keytruda was secure in the number one spot in 2023 as COVID-19 receded.

Sanofi consumer health scientific affairs lead moves to CHPA; change in Bayer’s US consumer health marketing helm; Viatris CCO moves from same post at Moderna; Qnovia expands scientific advisory board; and Powerade powers Girls Inc. scholarships, programs.

Shah Capital Management said Novavax could tap the estimated 100 million Americans uncomfortable with mRNA vaccines, such as those from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna.

As sponsors complain about difficult-to-implement ACIP recommendations hampering uptake, the government says developers share some of the blame, but adds that it is working to ensure recommendations can be operationalized.