After another tough year of COVID-19 restrictions, there were some welcome signs of recovery in late 2021. Also emerging, though, were concerns about new viral variants - most recently, Omicron - that could push up hospitalisations and death tolls, ultimately returning countries to lockdown. In this uncertain climate, as we look ahead to significant pharma trends for 2022, people all over the world are having to re-assess the relationship between their personal health, behaviour and freedoms; and their responsibilities towards the health of their communities and of society at large. That is always a delicate balance.