The confluence of data science and molecular biology fuels expectations among biopharma industry leaders for another year of breakthrough innovation in human therapeutics. More than 70 executives and experts reveal what they are most excited about on the technology front.

Last year, the European Commission approved a record 55 therapies containing a new active substance, including 21 medicines for rare diseases. Among them were a number of gene therapies for indications such as cancer and hemophilia.

Merck Research Laboratories president Dean Li said there is no ideal product mix for the company, but noted cancer drugs will remain a priority given the groundwork Keytruda laid for Merck in oncology.

Merck & Co. CEO Rob Davis said the company is already factoring policy changes from the Inflation Reduction Act into its business development decisions.