For biopharma, 2019 can be described as a terrific year -- with a few asterisks. The financial markets were flourishing, with venture capital dollars, in particular, flowing to the sector, while dealmaking reached historic proportions. Meanwhile, scientific breakthroughs led the way as cell and gene therapies gained ground, the first signs of success emerged with new technologies like CRISPR and the long-awaited promise of genomics found its way to the front lines of health care. Before we start looking ahead to 2020, here's quick look back at some of the top trends and news stories from the biopharma sector for 2019, starting with a decade-busting M&A record.

In recent years, rapid advances in scientific discovery have ushered in a new era of medicine, transforming our ability to treat, and in some cases cure, some of the most challenging diseases, including  cancer ,  rare diseases  and  autoimmune conditions . These advancements are due to the productivity of the United States' biomedical research ecosystem, which is sustained by a  policy framework  that is designed to support and advance America's leadership in the innovation of new medicines. Central to the success of this ecosystem is the leadership that comes from America's biopharmaceutical research companies.

For many of the 54 million Americans who live with a rheumatic disease, simple tasks such as walking up a flight of stairs can be painful and challenging endeavors. To manage disease symptoms and help make activities of daily living safer and easier, patients often turn to rheumatologists, who can prescribe treatments that provide relief. But despite my years of intensive study and clinical expertise, the ability to diagnose and treat patients quickly is too often hindered by insurance utilization practices such as step therapy that are geared more toward having policyholders use medications on negotiated formularies than providing evidence-based care. 

Princeton-based BioNJ-Member  Genmab A/S and CureVac AG announced that Genmab and CureVac have entered into a research collaboration and license agreement. This strategic partnership will focus on the research and development of differentiated mRNA-based antibody products by combining CureVac's mRNA technology and know-how with Genmab's proprietary antibody technologies and expertise. Under the terms of the agreement Genmab will provide CureVac with a USD 10 million upfront payment. Genmab will also make a 20 million euro equity investment in CureVac.

U.S. health care giant New Brunswick-based  BioNJ Member Johnson & Johnson announced the acquisition of TARIS Biomedical, a privately-owned U.S. biotechnology company specializing in the development of a novel drug delivery technology for the treatment of bladder diseases including cancer.  The company's lead clinical-stage product, TAR-200, uses the proprietary TARIS System, which features a silicone-based drug delivery device that allows for the continuous release of medication into the bladder.

BioNJ-Member  Pfizer, with offices in Peapack, and Theravance Biopharma Ireland Limited announced that the companies have entered into a global license agreement for Theravance Biopharma's preclinical program for skin-targeted, locally-acting pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors that can be rapidly metabolized. The compounds in this program target validated pro-inflammatory pathways and are specifically designed to possess skin-selective activity with minimal systemic exposure.

Woodcliff Lake-based Eisai Co., Ltd. and Gilead Sciences, Inc.  announced that they entered into an agreement for the distribution and co-promotion of filgotinib, an investigational, oral, selective JAK1 inhibitor, in Japan, pending regulatory approval for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Through this collaboration, Gilead Japan will retain responsibility for manufacturing and marketing approval of filgotinib, while Eisai will be responsible for product distribution in Japan in RA and other potential future indications. The companies will jointly commercialize the medicine if approved.