Japan's latest batch of new drug approvals includes the country's second CAR-T therapy, along with multiple oncology drugs and a novel migraine treatments, which should all reach the market in the next few months following reimbursement price listing. 

February brings new executives at Japan's Astellas, Kyowa Hakko Bio and CMIC. Meanwhile, China FDA deputy commissioner has departed to become the head of an influential academic organization.

As investment pours into Chinese biologic startups, a talent hunt is on, underscored by two announcements of new senior appointments at CANbridge and Zai Lab. Meanwhile, clinical research organization ICON has appointed new leadership for Asia and Meiji Seika is strengthening its CNS business.

Shanghai Pharma has a new CEO after a large shakeup, and GSK appoints an interim head of discovery in China after Nature Medicine fallout. Mindray returns to co-CEO model, and personnel changes occur at Astellas, Merck Serono, Daiichi Sankyo and RDPAC.