SK set for Korean trial with vaccine, as Biological E begins human trials of Baylor vaccine. Meanwhile, DongWha gets a Phase II nod for potential drug, and Celltrion progesses with Phase II regdanvimab trial.

India has rolled out draft guidelines for development of vaccines with special focus on COVID-19 vaccines, drawing from those of other regulatory bodies and the WHO. Experts suggest the primary efficacy endpoint of minimum 50% is acceptable given that vaccines against respiratory diseases are difficult to develop though not necessarily enough to snuff out a pandemic.

Takeda’s collaboration with the private UK biotech includes NASH and other liver disorders. Reliance will take on Amazon in the India pharmacy space with acquisition of Netmeds.

The merger closed in May, so the second quarter earnings report will be the first presentation of the combined company’s performance and outlook.