Having got hold of two COPD drugs from Spain's Almirall in 2014, AstraZeneca has passed Eklira and Duaklir onto old partner Covis Pharma as it focuses on more targeted respiratory therapies.

Now that the actinic keratosis treatment Klisyri has got the green light in Europe, the Spanish firm's attention will be on atopic dermatitis and forthcoming Phase III data on lebrikizumab, a potential rival to Dupixent.

Helped by its convenient five-day dosing, the shortest of any topical treatment for the precancerous skin disease, the Spanish company believes Klisyri, already launched in the US, will become a popular alternative to current options for actinic keratosis.

Myovant, Bayer and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals are among the companies that could soon learn whether the European Medicines Agency thinks their drugs are fit for approval.