In Canada, an impressive roster of machine learning companies and institutions highlights the research being conducted there. However, a paucity of VC funding and few experienced C-suite leaders has stunted the commercialization of great ideas. 

The company said during its R&D day that it has culled its pipeline to 103 clinical stage assets, choosing to focus on drugs that could be big blockbusters.

The Swiss major’s business development chief Susanne Kreutz tells Scrip that geography is no barrier for her team in the search for promising licensing deals or bolt-on acquisitions.

A Phase III hit moves atrasentan a step closer to the market but the drug will have to sell very well to justify the billions Novartis paid for its originator.