At a time of patent expiries and a strong Swiss franc, the Roche Group is expanding its presence in oncology and other disease areas in order to stimulate growth. Sales for the first half year were CHF 30.4 billion, an increase of 6% at constant exchange rates, and 8% in US dollars. Measured in Swiss francs however, sales declined by 2%. The trend, driven by an appreciation of the franc, was visible across both the pharmaceutical and diagnostics divisions.
Netherlands-based AdJane Holding BV has reported the first clinical data for a new vaccine platform that is being positioned as a technology for use in preparing for future pandemics. The early data showed that outer membrane vesicles, which are vesicles released from the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria, were safe and well-tolerated in 40 healthy adults. The vaccine, based on outer membrane vesicles, was administered intranasally and combined with a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein- the structural component of the virus that caused the Covid-19 pandemic.
In one of its first policy measures, the new UK government led by prime minister Andy Burnham announced plans on 21 July to merge the department which oversees science and technology with that for business and trade. The new department will be called the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. It will be led by Jonathan Reynolds, a former business secretary.
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