Despite all of the buzz around adoption of digital health tools and whopping VC investments in consumer-facing digital health firms, pharma has yet to articulate a business model for co-development or integration of behavior-modifying digital therapeutics into their portfolios.

Sanofi says the virtual innovation lab it will create with Google will enable precision health care and optimize R&D and commercial operations. Incoming CEO Hudson has been tasked with improving the pharma’s R&D and digital capabilities.

Gilead’s tie-up with Google’s Verily will explore the immunological underpinnings of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and GI disorders. Janssen acquires BeneVir and its oncolytic virus expertise, while United Therapeutics buys out SteadyMed.

Biopharmas and other life sciences firms risk getting left behind by technology firms if they don't begin addressing patient needs more directly through data-driven technological advances, such as those to aid clinical development or treatment decisions with real-time patient data.