Bayer has entered into a global agreement with Orion Corporation, a pharmaceutical company based in Espoo, Finland, (Nasdaq OMX Helsinki: ORNAV and ORNBV) for the development and commercialization of the compound ODM-201, an investigational novel oral androgen receptor inhibitor. ODM-201 is in clinical development for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.

Despite the high level of public attention devoted to breast cancer awareness, more than 60 percent of respondents in a new national survey commissioned by Pfizer Inc. say they know little to nothing about metastatic breast cancer.(1) The survey is the first of its kind to examine the general public's understanding of metastatic breast cancer, which affects up to 250,000 women and men in the U.S. today.(2)

In support of World MS Day, Novartis announced today the launch of the 7-Day Challenge to Live Like You for people with MS. The 7-Day Challenge to Live Like You, one of the first integrations of emerging technological trends by a pharmaceutical company, is simple: using wearable technology or accessing personal online systems that people use on a daily basis, including calendars, social media channels and fitness trackers, people with MS are invited to track their activities for seven days and gain valuable insights into what works best for their lifestyle.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) has announced the introduction in the U.S. of over-the-counter (OTC) Nexium®24HR, making The Purple Pill® available for the treatment of frequent heartburn (two or more days a week) in adults (18 years and older). Heartburn affects more than 60 million men and women in the United States at least once a month with 15 million Americans suffering from it daily.(1)

AstraZeneca PLC ("AstraZeneca") notes the announcement made by Pfizer Inc. ("Pfizer") dated 19 May 2014 seeking to clarify certain matters set out in its announcement on 18 May 2014 which set out its final proposal to AstraZeneca (the "Final Proposal Announcement"). Following some questions from shareholders, AstraZeneca wishes to make clear the following points:

The Board of AstraZeneca PLC notes the announcement by Pfizer Inc. of its final proposal to combine the two companies. Leif Johansson, Chairman of AstraZeneca mentioned that the final proposal is a minor improvement which continues to fall short of the Board's view of value and has been rejected.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Latin American pharmaceutical company CFR Pharmaceuticals, more than doubling its Latin American branded generics pharmaceutical presence and further expanding Abbott's presence in fast-growing markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott will acquire the holding company that indirectly owns approximately 73 percent of CFR Pharmaceuticals and will conduct a public cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of CFR.