The best-seller rankings today are testament to the great success of antibody drug technology developed at the end of the last century, and contrast with the dominance of primary care small molecule drugs that powered big pharma in previous decades. But where did these drugs come from – and where are they going?

Novartis is to acquire the Phase III siRNA drug inclisiran in a cash deal that swells its cardiovascular portfolio. The move will not be welcomed by Amgen, Sanofi or Regeneron.

Alliance with Molecular Templates may help advance efforts under Vertex’s existing collaboration with CRISPR Therapeutics. Dragonfly’s latest partner for its TriNKET platform is AbbVie.

The UK pharma industry association has underscored the sector’s importance while outlining its demands for the country’s policy around medicines and R&D.

Allergan has tried to go after alopecia in the past; Exicure brings a new spherical nucleic acid (SNA) technology. In other recent deals, AstraZeneca sells Seroquel, Losec rights to Germany’s Cheplapharm.

Merck Sharp & Dohme will begin manufacturing licensed doses of Ervebo in Germany and will continue to send investigational vaccine doses to Democratic Republic of Congo.