Average R&D spending by the top 25 biopharma companies increased as a percent of sales from 14.4% in 2010 to 17% in 2020, according to an EY report.

Seven international translational research bodies recommend five actions to help better prepare for future outbreaks. Plus an overview of recent COVID-19-focused collaborations.

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.

Merck said it is giving the FTC more time to review the acquisition, but the shift also gives the company leeway to convince any reluctant Acceleron shareholders to trade their shares for cash.