This month’s PharmaTimes is packed with a variety of features centred on clinical research, the lifeblood of our industry. Our insightful front cover article delves into the key regulatory considerations on both sides of the Atlantic for starting cell and gene therapy trials (p26), while others look at the rise of genetic sequencing (p30) and 2021 trends in global trials (p20).

We also take a look at some promising new therapy areas, with two articles on medical cannabis, focusing on how big pharma can help improve the UK’s market (p38) and the need for a harmonised regulatory framework across Europe (p40), and also breaking new boundaries with virtual therapies (p34) that are showing value for a number of health conditions, including PTSD and pain.

Young leaders take the stage for our monthly Q&A stream of interviews (p13), showcasing promising young stars of healthcare communications, their professional successes and hopes for the future.

Finally, just a reminder that the 2021 PharmaTimes Marketer of the Year, Communications Awards, Sales Awards and Clinical Researcher of the Year – The Americas are all open for entry, while tickets are now on sale for the International Clinical Researcher of the Year gala dinner. For more information visit www.pharmatimes.com/competitions

I hope you enjoy the issue!