After dropping markedly for two consecutive years, both the number of acquisitions in medical devices and the total dollar volume of those deals jumped significantly in 2003, reaching 71 and $9.17 billion, respectively. And if the dollar volumes and number of deals in 2003 weren't good news enough, an analysis of some of the trends behind the deal-making should give device executives even more cause to be happy. Thus, while a significant number of the total deals do fall within only two clinical categories, cardiovascular and orthopedics, the larger picture shows an M&A climate that is quite diversified. Similarly, the perception that deal-making is concentrated in the hands of a small group of large companies isn't borne out by the data. That said, new technology trends, most notably the convergence of drugs and devices, and new deal structures suggest, at least anecdotally, that device M&A may be changing.

South Korea has formulated new detailed policy measures to support the formation of major bioclusters, which will offer tax and other incentives in a bid to lure foreign firms and talent.

Abrysvo is recommended for use in pregnant people 32-36 weeks gestation if administered from September to January. For infants whose mothers were not vaccinated in this window, nirsevimab is recommended for prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection.