This month PharmaTimes presents Alantra’s annual ranking of the fastest growing pharma companies in the UK, and again there is much cause for celebration. As the analysis shows, a relentless focus on innovation and a determination to solve problems hindering patient outcomes are key traits that have helped those at the top shine in a sector that saw average growth of 33% in 2020. Taking top-spot in the ranking, Exscientia has almost quadrupled its revenue in the last two years, a remarkable achievement and even more so considering the current climate. Turn to page 20 for an in-depth look at the other companies reaching new heights and what’s fuelling their success.

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a public consultation on the potential reclassification of two progestogen-only, oral contraceptive pills containing desogestrel: Lovima 75mcg and Hana 75mcg film-coated tablets.

ViiV Healthcare’s Rukobia (fostemsavir) has received a marketing authorisation in Europe for the treatment of adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection. The EU has cleared use of the drug in patients who cannot otherwise receive a suppressive antiviral-regimen. Rukobia – a first-in-class HIV attachment inhibitor – is designed to target the first step of the HIV life-cycle. According to ViiV, it shows no cross-resistance to other currently approved antiretroviral classes, offering a new option for patients who are multidrug-resistant and at a higher risk of disease progression or death.

The UK government is streaming funds of £18.5 million into four research projects striving to improve understanding of the longer-term effects of COVID-19, known as long COVID.

The impact of COVID-19 in 2020 has had significant ramifications as healthcare professionals have had to switch focus to managing and controlling the virus, which has left a huge hole for patients with long-term conditions, such as cancer.