Pfizer is unlikely to tie up with Indian companies soon for manufacture of its COVID-19 vaccine as it has built capacity for the first phase. However, as discussions to supply to the COVAX facility and developing countries progress, it could evaluate such opportunities later.

Only three of 40 qualified international drug firms won in the latest round of China's central bidding process, showing a toughening environment. But some companies are seemingly determined not to lower prices any further.

In what could be a blow to some aspiring developers eyeing the nascent but growing biosimilars market in China, new rules lay out when extrapolation of approved indications of reference biologics will be allowed, meaning this will not be automatic.