French patients who have experienced adverse reactions to a new formulation of Merck KGaA’s hypothyroidism drug Levothyrox are to be given temporary access to the original formulation, pending the availability of other brands of levothyroxine. Merck says the vast majority of patients have had no problems with the new version.

Partnership with France’s Enterome will add a microbiome aspect to Bristol’s immuno-oncology efforts, while its license of Japanese firm Nitto Denko’s siRNA technology could bolster NASH combo therapy development. Meanwhile, Eagle moves into biosimilars with the purchase of Arsia for up to $78m.

Merck's plans to penetrate the Chinese market further with its anti-EGFR cancer therapy Erbitux have received a boost with the Phase III TAILOR trial showing significant benefits when used first-line in metastatic colorectal cancer in this population.