From concerning statistics on global health outcomes to new insights on AI and RWD, there’s plenty to discover in our latest pharma news round up
Words by Jade Williams
8 July: UK needs faster R&D for rare diseases
A new report finds that over 3.5 million people in the UK live with rare diseases, yet systemic failures hinder R&D efforts. The findings by LifeArc and Genetic Alliance UK call for urgent action from government, the NHS, researchers, industry and patient groups.
10 July: Sanofi sponsors British Transplant Games
Sanofi announces it is supporting the British Transplant Games in Oxford (31 July–3 August), specifically sponsoring the swimming event. Over 1,000 transplant recipients and donors will compete in the Games, aiming to raise awareness of life after transplant, especially the impact of graft vs host disease.
11 July: AIDS response at risk after funding cuts
The UNAIDS 2025 Global AIDS Update warns that US funding cuts threaten global HIV/AIDS efforts. While HIV infections fell 40% and AIDS deaths 56% since 2010, 1.3 million infections occurred in 2024. Without renewed support, up to 6 million infections and 4 million deaths could occur by 2029.
14 July: MGI Tech’s genomics gets conservation award
MGI Tech wins a Green World Champion award for aiding mangrove conservation in Thailand. Its DNBSEQ™ platform helped map the genetic diversity of 15 mangrove species, offering vital insights into ecosystem adaptation and contributing to national strategies against climate change.
15 July: Pharma leaders back AI and RWD
A BioPharma Dive survey for TriNetX shows rising use of AI and RWD in biopharma. Of 150 leaders surveyed, 75% use RWD in drug development, with over half combining it with AI.
17 July: Unequal vaccine rates putting children at risk
WHO and UNICEF find that despite 89% of infants receiving a DTP vaccine in 2024, 14.3 million “zero-dose” children received no vaccines at all. The two organisations stress this jeopardises the 2030 Immunization Agenda, which aims to halve zero-dose cases and achieve 90% vaccine coverage for all childhood vaccines in every country.
22 July: ABPI appoints new Vice President
Laura McMullin, General Manager, Daiichi Sankyo UK, is named Vice President of the ABPI. McMullin’s expertise in cardiovascular and oncology care within the NHS is highlighted as an huge asset as the UK seeks to enhance its global competitiveness in life sciences.
25 July: BMS appoints new CMO
Bristol Myers Squibb appoints Dr Cristian Massacesi as Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Development. He will lead global R&D efforts across all therapeutic areas, overseeing early and late-stage development activities within the company’s international pharmaceutical pipeline.
