From new industry appointments to the latest research investments, May brought a wide range of news to the pharmaceutical landscape
Words by Jade Williams
7 May: BMS appoints new General Counsel
Bristol Myers Squibb appoints Cari Gallman as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Policy Officer, who brings extensive legal, compliance and policy experience to the role. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time, after the company’s recent $40bn investment to strengthen research and manufacturing in the US.
9 May: New air cargo project links medicine and agriculture
The Food and Farm for Health project launches with the aim of improving access to healthcare and supporting agricultural economies. Led by global logistics and humanitarian organisations, the initiative will create efficient trade routes to promote economic growth and improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
12 May: Trump’s drug pricing order hits pharma stocks
US President Donald Trump sends shockwaves through the stock market as he signs an Executive Order introducing a ‘most-favoured nation’ pricing policy, aiming to link domestic drug prices to the lowest prices paid internationally.
13 May: New investor network targets women’s health gap
Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM) launches the Innovator’s Circle, a network of investment funds that aims to boost early-stage funding in women’s health and address its chronic underfunding. Led by WHAM and industry expert Naseem Sayani, the initiative connects early innovators with capital partners to accelerate medical breakthroughs.
15 May: Colorectal cancer leads in real-world data
A study from Phesi finds that there are nearly six million real-world patient data records for colorectal cancer, outpacing breast, lung, liver and prostate cancers. Despite advances in biomarker science, however, trial designs remain outdated, prompting calls for a more data-driven, targeted approach to oncology development.
20 May: WHO chief reveals action on pandemics, climate and AMR
At the 78th World Health Assembly, Dr Tedros, Director General, WHO, highlights the newly adopted WHO Pandemic Agreement, climate-health partnerships and progress on antimicrobial resistance as key milestones for global health. Emphasising equity and collaboration, he urges governments and stakeholders to unite in building a healthier, fairer future.
21 May: West Nile Virus found in UK mosquitoes for first time
Experts point to the climate crisis as a potential trigger for the first detection of West Nile Virus mosquitoes collected in Britain, while the UK Health Security Agency and the Animal and Plant Health Agency stress that the risk to the public is low.
22 May: BioNTech commits £1bn to UK
In one of the most significant foreign investments in UK life sciences history, BioNTech has revealed plans to invest £1bn in two new research and development centres in the country. The centres will specialise in genomics, oncology, regenerative medicine and AI-powered medical research.
