With patents on blockbuster drugs – including Roche/Biogen Idec Inc.'s Rituxan (rituximab), Amgen Inc./Pfizer Inc.'s Enbrel (etanercept) and Roche's Herceptin (trastuzumab) – due to expire in key markets within the next three years, there's a renewed buzz around biosimilars as industry players seek to grab a share of this multi-billion dollar opportunity.

The addition of the Phase III candidate to its portfolio positions Merck as a leader in the race to launch a low-cost version of a major rheumatoid arthritis drug.

New round of orders would give the US all the vaccine it needs from the existing mRNA products, taking pressure off AstraZeneca as it experiences manufacturing challenges and the EU considers export restrictions to ensure it gets enough vaccine.