While its traditional competitors are active in devices or capital equipment, Philips has set itself apart with its committed investment in health informatics, says CEO Frans van Houten, who wants to position the group as a leader in integrated care models.

Robotic pill technology, which is already being used for diagnostic purposes, will likely be embraced for the oral delivery of biologic drugs as well. Biologic therapies currently require injections in most cases, but some are exploring specialized robotic pills as a pain-free approach that could increase convenience and compliance, and thus efficacy, of medicines. Several established companies and research centers are working on both diagnostic and biologic therapeutic applications of pill-based technologies.

China biotechs blossom with millions in new funding for antibody developer Adagene and diabetes drug maker Hua Medicine, and a planned CNY5.7bn Shanghai listing for WuXi Apptec. However, national innovation darling Innovent Bio has withdrawn its PD-1 approval filing, dealing a setback to a crowded area.

Major changes to Phase III Lung 100 study of PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab mean a big delay for development in first-line lung cancer, but, separately, Pfizer advances in allogeneic CAR-T therapy with partners Servier and Cellectis.