Today Novartis announced that it has entered into a collaboration and licensing agreement with Xencor for the development of bispecific antibodies for treating cancer. The agreement is the latest in a series of acquisitions and strategic collaborations between Novartis and biotech companies that have helped bolster its deep and diverse immuno-oncology pipeline.

AstraZeneca today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorisation for Zavicefta (ceftazidime-avibactam, previously known as CAZ AVI), a new combination antibiotic for the treatment of patients with serious Gram-negative bacterial infections requiring hospitalisation.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Under the terms of the transaction, each outstanding share of Anacor common stock has been converted into the right to receive $99.25 net in cash (without interest but subject to required withholding of taxes).

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced a five-year, platinum sponsorship of the QB3@953 life sciences incubator to accelerate the development of new therapies to improve human health. The shared laboratory space at QB3@953 was created to help high-potential life science and biotech startups overcome a key obstacle for many early stage organizations - access to laboratory infrastructure.

Pfizer Inc. is challenging people across the United States (U.S.) to develop the next big idea in healthy aging through a unique partnership with crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. As the first pharmaceutical company to partner with Indiegogo, Pfizer will tap into the 400,000-strong Pfizer Get Old community and Indiegogo's vast pool of entrepreneurs to submit and vote on innovative products or services that support healthy living as we age.

E. Merck KG has announced the establishment of a new company: the Merck Family Foundation. Through this firm, the Merck family of owners will not only combine many of its individual philanthropic activities under one roof, but also considerably expand its charitable work.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) employees in 70 countries and 141 sites come together to participate in the 2016 Roche Children's Walk, which takes place on the International Day of the African Child. All of the funds raised through the global event will be used to support children in need, either in local communities in which Roche operates or in Malawi, one of the world's poorest countries, ranking 173 out of 188 on the Human Development Index.