Regeneron and Geisinger’s new collaboration to identify genetic variants and apply that knowledge to drug discovery and patient care is pharma’s most ambitious effort to date to exploit next-generation genomics, but its impact on drug discovery productivity won’t be known for years.

Lured by the success of Abbott in rheumatology, Novartis in oncology, and Genzyme in orphan/genetic diseases, pharmaceutical manufacturers have turned their collective sights on specialist-driven markets. But payor pressure is ballooning and as examples in these hotly competitive areas demonstrate, to truly succeed in specialist markets, companies cannot rely on a ‘follower’ strategy. Instead, careful selection of indications where true innovation is possible and fostering meaningful interaction with physicians and patient communities will allow pharmaceutical companies to grow specialty franchises alongside traditional strengths.

Sanofi’s BTK inhibitor – one of two from its 2021 Principia buy – passed a Phase III test in immune thrombocytopenia as the company focuses on Dupixent-like blockbusters going forward.