Results from a large Swedish study provide further evidence that mixing different COVID-19 vaccines boosts effectiveness. Meanwhile, Japan plans new funding to support the home-grown development of coronavirus and other vaccines. 

While Bharat Biotech is close to an accelerated approval of Covaxin in two to 18-year-olds, Zydus Cadila is yet to roll out its COVID-19 vaccine in India. As they head to a face-off in pediatric vaccines, the former faces manufacturing constraints and the latter hesitance over a first of its kind DNA vaccine. Experts speak to Scrip on which one stands a better chance of winning.

Two Chinese firms join forces to develop mRNA vaccines; UK and India resolve issues over the travel of vaccinated individuals; and Scrip speaks to the CEO of a Canadian firm developing mRNA vaccines.

A possible alternative to Pfizer and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines, Providence Therapeutics’ mRNA candidate is seen moving into Phase III trials during the calendar first quarter of next year. While partners Everest Medicines and Biological E have kept the ball rolling, the Canadian biotech will seek further funding, CEO Brad Sorenson tells Scrip in this audio interview.

Pharma is switching up its digital marketing playbook to map multiple touch points, including digital congresses and social media chats to deliver not just a product but a better customer experience, executives from Pfizer, Novo Nordisk and ViiV Healthcare say.

Moderna’s CCO Corinne Le Goff highlighted panomics and pre-emptive care as the industry’s future at a recent event, even as she saw on-shoring and “regaining sovereignty” over health expenditure as being essential to medicines security.