Data presented at the 59 th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology have shown greater reductions in stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for dabigatran etexilate* compared to the current standard of care, warfarin, irrespective of a patient's risk profile for stroke.(1)

The ratiopharm Group gets a new owner. Subsequent to an extensive bidding process, the Israel-based company Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is going to acquire the Ulm based company from Merckle Group's VEM asset management. The agreed enterprise value is € 3.625 billion.

GlaxoSmithKline has been working closely with governments around the world to respond to their pandemic needs since the start of the H1N1 pandemic. We recognise that pandemics are unpredictable and that government needs and plans have evolved as understanding of the H1N1 pandemic has increased.

Merck KGaA has temporarily suspended the clinical program for Stimuvax® (BLP25 liposome vaccine) in all recruiting studies worldwide as a result of a suspected unexpected serious adverse reaction (SUSAR).

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) has signed a 10-year Provisional Supply Agreement to supply Prevenar 13* (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine [13-valent, adsorbed]), the company's 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, for infants and young children in the world's poorest countries under the terms of the Advance Market Commitment (AMC) pilot project against pneumococcal disease.

The Saudi food and Drug Authority has reviewed the safety of Rosiglitazone (Avandia®) which used in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and marketed in Saudi Arabia as Avandia®.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has completed its $123 million acquisition of STARLIMS Technologies Ltd., a leader in laboratory information management systems. The acquisition provides Abbott with leading products and expertise to build its position in laboratory informatics, an emerging and rapidly growing field focused on helping to manage the increasing amount of data generated in laboratories.