Following the recent update on clinicaltrials.gov, AstraZeneca confirms that the US FDA has placed a partial clinical hold on the enrolment of new patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in clinical trials of durvalumab as monotherapy and in combination with tremelimumab or other potential medicines.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) today reported results for the third quarter of 2016 which were highlighted by strong sales and operating performance, and continued growth for key products including Opdivo and Eliquis . The company raised full-year guidance for 2016 and provided guidance expectations for 2017,

The Bayer Group remained on a path of growth in the third quarter of 2016 and took a major strategic step forward with the agreed acquisition of Monsanto. "The announcement that we had reached agreement to acquire Monsanto is a major strategic milestone for Bayer. We will be creating a global leader in agriculture and, at the same time, reinforcing our leadership position as a Life Science company," said Bayer Management Board Chairman Werner Baumann.

Amgen (Europe) GmbH, an affiliate of Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) (collectively, "Amgen") today announced an investment in eHealth Ventures, an Israel-based digital health incubator. The investment reflects Amgen's commitment to serving patients by driving innovation and sustainable healthcare through technology discovery, and recognizes the importance of Israel as a source of innovation in eHealth and digital technologies.

Net sales were USD 12.1 billion in the third quarter, as volume growth of 5 percentage points was more than offset by the negative impact of generic competition and pricing. Growth Products contributed USD 4.3 billion or 36% of net sales, up 20% (USD) over the prior-year quarter. Operating income was USD 2.3 billion. Core adjustments amounted to USD 1.1 billion (2015: USD 1.3 billion), broadly in line with the prior-year quarter.

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Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) has announced that Group sales increased 4% to CHF 37.5 billion. Sales in the Pharmaceuticals Division were up 4% to CHF 29.1 billion, driven by demand for breast cancer medicines Perjeta and Herceptin as well as for Actemra/RoActemra for rheumatoid arthritis.