Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) today announced that it has entered into two separate agreements to license BMS-986168, an anti-eTau compound in development for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), to Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB), and BMS-986089, an anti-myostatin adnectin in development for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), to Roche.

PatientsLikeMe and Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPG) have announced a new collaboration that will support the development of a patient-centered, real world health learning system that expands understanding of patient health and disease. Shire, the global leader in rare diseases and other highly specialized conditions, will work with PatientsLikeMe to appropriately engage patients and caregivers at every stage of their journey.

A new research study supported by Johnson & Johnson Health and Wellness Solutions suggests that health risk assessments (HRAs) can help predict depression in segments of the population who may not be routinely screened in traditional healthcare settings. HRAs are often used by employers and health plans to identify modifiable health risks, such as stress, sleep and quality of life. This new study demonstrates the value of HRAs to identify predictors for depression.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced that the global, randomised phase III ALEX study met its primary endpoint and showed that Alecensa® (alectinib) as an initial (first-line) treatment significantly reduced the risk of disease worsening or death (progression-free survival, PFS) compared to crizotinib in people with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Novartis has exercised an option to in-license ECF843 for ophthalmic indications worldwide (outside Europe). The closing of the deal is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals. The financial and other terms of this transaction are not disclosed. ECF843 is a recombinant human lubricin (rh-Lubricin) protein, developed by Lubris LLC, Boston, USA.

AstraZeneca announced that BMJ Innovations has published the first collaborative definition of patient centricity for the pharmaceutical industry. The definition was co-developed with patients and caregivers using research led by AstraZeneca and patient community advocates to ensure a deep understanding of patient needs and values. Ten associated patient-centric principles were also identified and published in

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) has announced that the phase III ALUR study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that Alecensa® (alectinib) significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in people with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive advanced (metastatic) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had progressed following treatment with one prior line of both platinum-based chemotherapy and crizotinib, compared with chemotherapy.