AstraZeneca's news that nitric oxide donator AZD 3582 had failed to reach a primary end-point in a Phase II trial sent originator NicOx's shares plummeting, as investors lost faith in the biotech's entire platform. NicOx is disputing the data's accuracy in an attempt to salvage investor confidence--and to survive. The events highlight the tension between Big Pharma's duties to investor transparency and to protect its biotech partners. They're also a reminder to biotechs that there's more to deals than just royalties.

As the global shut-down caused by the coronavirus pandemic continues, sponsors are rushing to adapt clinical trials that can move to partial or completely remote monitoring, allowing patients to remain in their homes but continue to participate in studies. And the outbreak may have another silver lining for the biopharma industry, a chance to rebuild its reputation. 

Oncology and rare diseases dominate the industry pipeline, fuelled by science, regulatory tailwinds and high prices. But as the world grapples with coronavirus, and with heart disease still the top killer, can our systems fund treatments for more prevalent conditions?