China reports flu outbreaks as COVID-19 cases decline, suggesting that population immunity may have been affected by the country's strict "COVID Zero" policies. The cost and availability of flu vaccines in the country are other policy factors playing into the situation. 

Private Company Edition: Jeito says its new first fund is Europe’s largest life science-focused fund. Illumina will use its venture capital to support tools, diagnostics, therapeutics and more. Also, IASO closed a $108m series C round and Amolyt raised $80m in series C financing.

From clinical trials to in-person sales calls, the pharmaceutical value chain has been tested by the COVID-19 pandemic, but has held up. Nevertheless, recent friction within this chain may be more than a passing irritation.

L’Occitaine’s $900m Elemis buy will build out the manufacturer/retailer’s premium, natural-oriented beauty portfolio, adding a prestige brand that aspires to be a leader in global skin care with its nature/science balance and cross-generational consumer appeal.