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.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Veropharm, a leading Russian pharmaceutical manufacturer. Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott will acquire Limited Liability Company Garden Hills, the holding company that currently owns a controlling interest in Veropharm, for between 13.6 billion rubles and 17 billion rubles (or a range of approximately $395 million to $495 million U.S. dollars) depending on Garden Hills' share ownership of Veropharm at time of close.

Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) and Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) have signed a memorandum of understanding to enter into a global strategic alliance in diabetes, aimed at improving patient experience and outcomes for people with diabetes around the world.