During Q4, biopharmas brought in an aggregate $17.5bn in financing and device company fundraising totaled $1.9bn; while in vitro diagnostic firms and research tools players raised $848m.

During Q3, biopharmas brought in an aggregate $18.1bn in financing and device company fundraising totaled $5.1bn; while in vitro diagnostic firms and research tools players raised $771m.

As clinical trials of potential coronavirus vaccines continue, the UK government has drawn up a list of those who should be first in line for vaccination, although it cautions that many unknowns remain in areas such as efficacy, dosing schedules and duration of protection.

Roy Jakobs was appointed internally to head connected care at Philips on 28 January, shortly before COVID-19 forced the first of many lockdowns around the world. The disruption prompted a rapid rethink of priorities, which has shown opportunities for lasting health care system change.