All big pharmas have proprietary artificial intelligence or machine learning platform or are partnering with third parties, according to a survey by S&P Global. Their deep pockets and early adoption are locking in a competitive advantage.

Deal Snapshot: Merck likes the look of Evaxion's artificial intelligence-based technology platform to develop immunotherapies and signed a biobucks deal that will help ease the Copenhagen-headquartered biotech's financial situation.

This week, Neuralink announced it received US FDA breakthrough device designation for a device to restore sight; medtechs Discure and DeepLook secured new funding; FDA pump recalls from B. Braun Medical and Fresenius Kabi; Axonics prevails in patent infringement lawsuit with Medtronic; Merit Medical buys Cook Medical for $210m.

The cash-strapped Danish biotech has got some positive news flow on its vaccines for gonorrhea and melanoma and believes that Phase II data on the latter in particular will attract attention at the major oncology conference kicking off in Barcelona this week.