From a historic vaccine approval to a $50bn investment reshaping US drug manufacturing, February brought major shifts in the pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape
Words by Jade Williams
5 February: Chikungunya vaccine makes history
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approves the world’s first chikungunya vaccine, providing new protection against the mosquito-borne virus as cases surge in endemic regions. Developed by Valneva SE, the single-dose vaccine is authorised for use in individuals aged 18 and older.
6 February: AI boost for lung imaging
Qureight Ltd, known for its deep-learning image analytics within its core imaging laboratory and Avalyn Pharma Inc., a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on developing inhaled therapies for pulmonary diseases, announce a partnership to enhance imaging technology for progressive pulmonary fibrosis.
12 February: Pharma apprenticeships on rise
A new survey by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry shows that a surge in apprenticeships, internships and global research collaborations is strengthening the UK’s pharmaceutical workforce, with long-term trends shown in pharma-university collaborations.
17 February: FDA backs coeliac home test
GlutenID, developed by California-based Targeted Genomics, is approved by US regulators – making it the first genetic home test for coeliac disease risk to be approved by the FDA. The technology works by sequencing DNA from a saliva sample taken at home to identify key genetic markers of disease risk.
18 February: NHS data needs overhaul
A new report calls for the UK’s NHS to redesign its health data infrastructure to better meet the needs of academic and life sciences researchers, referring to current processes as “slow and inefficient” – especially in relation to Secure Data Environments that allow researchers to access sensitive health data securely.
24 February: EMA fast-tracks HIV jab
Gilead Sciences’ twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention is slated for an accelerated review by the European Medicines Agency, following the FDA’s acceptance of its New Drug Applications. The drug was named Science Magazine’s ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ in 2024.
26 February: Lilly’s $50bn US bet
Eli Lilly invests a historic $50bn in its US manufacturing footprint, marking the largest investment of its kind in the pharmaceutical industry’s history. The company plans to build four new manufacturing sites across the country to strengthen its domestic supply chain and bring manufacturing capabilities back to the US.
28 February: US slashes global health aid
The Trump administration announces plans to eliminate more than 90% of the US Agency for International Development’s foreign aid contracts, cutting a total of $60bn in US assistance worldwide. The move signals significant implications for international health initiatives.
