Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck, has announced the launch of Merck Global Grants - a program that underscores the company's commitment to funding scientific innovation and independent medical education around the world. The initiative encompasses Merck Serono's complete grants portfolio, including the Grants for Innovation in Research and Grants for Independent Medical Education.

AstraZeneca today announced an agreement with the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology (MPI), Germany, to establish a 'satellite unit' in cardiovascular and metabolic disease (CVMD), linked to AstraZeneca's CVMD Innovative Medicines unit (iMed) in Mölndal, Sweden, to study new modalities chemistry.

Novartis released today new global guidelines for Investigator Initiated Trials (IITs). Novartis has a strong history of supporting the funding of Investigator Initiated Trials (IITs) governed by internal operating processes and governance measures.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced that Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Seragon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Seragon), a privately held biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, USA.

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to investigational bispecific T cell engager (BiTE®) antibody blinatumomab, for adults with Philadelphia-negative (Ph-) relapsed/refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow(1).

Boehringer Ingelheim has re-evaluated its strategy in hepatitis C (HCV), and as a result the company has decided not to move forward in this therapeutic area. The HCV treatment environment has significantly and rapidly evolved since the submission of the faldaprevir marketing applications to regulatory bodies around the world.

Pfizer Inc. has announced the election of James C. Smith to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Smith also was appointed to the Corporate Governance and Science and Technology Committees of Pfizer's Board.