Novartis Pharmaceuticals announced the release of new features for its ViaOpta applications, and the extension for use with smart watches. The discreet, hands-free nature of using ViaOpta app with wearable devices, such as Apple Watch and Android Wear, provides users with an experience that seamlessly fits into their existing routines allowing those with visual impairments to navigate daily life with even greater ease.

Novartis announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a US and Australian-based, privately held development stage company, focused on developing a peripheral approach to treat neuropathic pain such as EMA401, a novel angiotensin II Type 2 receptor (AT2R) antagonist.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) has entered into an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to acquire its quadrivalent meningitis ACWY vaccines, Nimenrix and Mencevax, for a total consideration of approximately $130 million (€115 million).

For its second "Meet Novartis Management" investor day, Novartis gathered more than 20 of its top executives from Pharmaceuticals, Alcon, Sandoz and NIBR, to meet with approximately 100 investors and analysts at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research in Boston.

Today, Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) employees participate in the 2015 Roche Children's Walk at more than 131 company sites across the world. The funds raised through the event will be used to support children in need, either in the local community or in Malawi in Southeast Africa, one of the world's least developed countries.

Bayer AG has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Diabetes Care business to Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd., a company which is backed by funds sponsored by leading global investment firm KKR and the Panasonic Corporation. The total consideration for the transaction is EUR 1,022 million (JPY 138 billion).

New research shows that the quality of patient-physician communication, at the moment when additional oral type 2 diabetes (T2D) medication is prescribed ('add-on'), is linked to future patient self-care and well-being.(1) Data from the IntroDia™ Survey have quantitatively demonstrated this link in the largest international survey of its kind, using responses from 4,235 people with T2D across 26 countries.*(1)