Germany’s Merck KGaA rapidly expanded its life sciences services business to support the manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines during 2020, and also expects cancer and multiple sclerosis products to fuel its sales growth in coming years.

Belgium’s UCB Pharma is expecting progress with new candidates for myasthenia gravis, psoriasis and osteoporosis this year.

A detailed report published by Medicines for Europe setting out policies affecting the off-patent industry across 22 European countries demonstrates the urgent need for pricing and reimbursement and procurement reforms, the association insists.