After not closing a deal this year on Seagen, Merck takes a smaller step with a $1.35bn bid for Imago and its candidate for multiple myeloproliferative neoplasm indications.

A couple of trials for two investigational late-stage breast cancer candidates from AstraZeneca have each produced encouraging data for a novel drug class where rivals have previously hit clinical buffers.

Francis Bouchard, Region Head for AMACO (Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa Countries), Novartis Oncology, discusses a range of issues around mainstreaming personalized/precision oncology therapies such as Kymriah in the region, including reimbursement systems, partnerships and digital initiatives.

Totals for aggregate deals and in the M&A, alliance and divestment categories were similar among the 10 busiest deal makers from 2020 to 2021, but COVID-19 may have driven a more hectic deal-making pace overall in 2020.