Japan will end full reimbursement coverage for COVID-19 therapeutic drugs from October, after downgrading the status of the virus to the same level as seasonal flu in early May. As authorities discuss the possible coverage reduction, a larger than usual price cut may also be applied to Shionogi's oral COVID antiviral Xocova.

Amid positive ongoing forex impact, Astellas, Shionogi and Daiichi Sankyo logged solid fiscal years and Chugai has good growth in its first quarter, although some of the majors are expecting a decline in sales as demand due to COVID-19 wanes. Even so, Shionogi logged record results on the back on government procurement of its pandemic antiviral.

Astute students of leadership can glean something from every approach. In Vivo asked five Danish biopharma executives to reflect on what characterizes Danish leadership. They shared insights on the defining features of a Danish approach, its pros and cons, and what lessons they can offer leaders from other countries.

Beximco faced another quarter of declining profits despite growing revenue, as external headwinds including increased production costs took their toll on the firm.