Gene editing delivers first clinical proof of viral reservoir elimination, raising genuine prospects of cure for chronic hepatitis B. Obesity and metabolic liver disease pipelines continue to mature, with durable data supporting next-generation agents. Enterprise AI deployment accelerates across pharma. Vaccine development resurges as a strategic priority. Regulatory divergence between the FDA and EMA remains a recurring feature of the week.

Pharma Phriday (May 1, 2026): A week of bold dealmaking and standout clinical milestones, including a landmark gene-editing readout. AI momentum continued with another high-value partnership. Regulators delivered unusually wide-ranging decisions, including a serious alleged trial-fraud case. Major acquisitions reshaped rare disease, oncology and neuroscience, alongside UK reform and early sales data for a new obesity drug.