Bepirovirsen made the hepatitis B virus undetectable in nearly 30% of patients in a Phase II study – but it remains to be seen whether this response be sustained once treatment with the novel antisense product ends.

Hopes rise as first four evaluable patients experienced no serious adverse events, and a sustained decline in level of key Huntington’s disease protein with the novel gene therapy product.

The UK company did not profit greatly from its role in COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, but hopes the same technology can form part of a breakthrough in hepatitis B.

Novartis is once again looking to be a pioneer in cell and gene therapy, though this time is selecting a potentially less complex administration method.

The little-known company could be set for a transformational year, with a Phase III readout in hepatitis D and a filing for a promising COVID-19 candidate.

Lilly believes its approach can help identify the Alzheimer’s patients who would benefit most from a beta amyloid clearing therapy – but skepticism about the mechanism itself remains widespread.