From the latest news impacting the UK’s NHS to large industry acquisitions, March brought a range of impactful news to the pharmaceutical landscape
Words by Jade Williams
4 March: ABPI to NHS: Invest or fall behind
The ABPI releases a report that shines a light on the current state of the UK’s NHS, warning that it must increase investment in innovative medicines and vaccines if it is to deliver the government’s 10-Year Health Plan and drive economic growth.
6 March: Jazz buys Chimerix for $935m
Jazz Pharmaceuticals announces plans to acquire Chimerix, a biotechnology firm specialising in oncology therapies, for approximately $935m. The deal, expected to close in Q2 2025, will add Chimerix’s first-in-class small molecule candidate for treating an aggressive and rare childhood brain tumour to Jazz’s portfolio.
7 March: Chikungunya vaccine nears closer UK approval
The UK’s MHRA validates Bavarian Nordics’ single-dose chikungunya vaccine application, bringing it closer to potential UK approval, just one month after Valneva SE became the first company to win UK approval for a vaccine against the disease.
13 March: NHS to roll out daily endometriosis pill
NICE approves the first daily oral treatment for endometriosis symptoms for NHS use. The medication, developed by Gedeon Richter, will be available only to patients who have exhausted all other medical and surgical options, which is estimated at around 1,000 women annually.
17 March: AstraZeneca’s $1bn cell therapy bet
AstraZeneca announces a $1bn agreement to acquire EsoBiotec, a Belgian biotech firm specialising in vivo cell therapies. The acquisition is set to enhance AstraZeneca’s ability to develop cancer treatments that reprogramme immune cells within patients’ bodies, potentially revolutionising the field.
20 March: Pharma warns: VPAG threatens industry
Several senior leaders from major pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK warn that recent increases to the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) are putting the UK’s life sciences sector at risk, and call on the government to address unsustainable payment rates on manufacturers.
25 March: Pharma ROI on an upward trajectory
According to Deloitte, the biopharmaceutical industry’s return on investment in innovation is rising. The 15th annual ‘Measuring the Return from Pharmaceutical Innovation’ study shows that the projected ROI for the top 20 biopharma companies has climbed to 5.9%, maintaining positive momentum on the year prior.
27 March: AI could help people with dementia stay in work
Researchers at the University of Bath publish a study challenging the notion that dementia is incompatible with modern workplaces, highlighting how digital technology and AI can support employees with the condition in continuing their jobs.
