AstraZeneca today announced that it has entered into a five-year research collaboration with the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) to adapt a technique that creates human beta cells from stem cells for use in screens of AstraZeneca's compound library in the search for new treatments for diabetes.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) today announced the company has signed an agreement with Novo Nordisk under which Bristol-Myers Squibb will acquire an exclusive global license to a discovery biologics research program focused on modulating the innate immune system as a therapy for autoimmune diseases.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) announced today that they are preparing to resume the Phase 3 clinical program for tanezumab. As a result, Pfizer expects to receive a $200 million upfront payment from Lilly in accordance with their collaboration agreement.

AstraZeneca today announced positive top-line results from the Phase III PINNACLE programme, which included two pivotal 24-week studies (PINNACLE 1 and PINNACLE 2) to investigate the potential of PT003 to improve lung function in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

GSK today announced it will be a key partner, with an investment of $25m (approx £17m), in a pioneering new global fund for dementia research. The Dementia Discovery Fund, which is being established by the UK government with initial commitments totalling $100m, brings together leading pharmaceutical companies, the UK government and Alzheimer's Research UK to address the rising threat posed by dementia by supporting research into future treatments.

AstraZeneca has announced full results from the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 study, a large-scale outcomes trial that investigated BRILINTA® (ticagrelor) tablets plus low dose aspirin, compared to placebo plus low dose aspirin, for the chronic secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients who had experienced a heart attack one to three years prior to study enrolment.

The Bayer Group aims to achieve strong sales and earnings growth for its Life Science businesses in the coming years. "We are also optimistic for the medium term and have great plans for the Life Science businesses," said CEO Dr. Marijn Dekkers on Wednesday at the "Meet Management" investor conference in Berlin.