Novo Nordisk has announced that sales increased by 18% to 78.0 billion in Danish kroner and by 12% in local currencies. Reported operating profit increased by 32% to DKK 29.5 billion including a 1.7 percentage points improvement in the gross margin. Measured in local currencies, operating profit increased by 20%.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) delivered a strong performance in 2012, with Group sales rising 4% to 45.5 billion Swiss francs due to growing demand for its cancer medicines and increased sales of diagnostic tests to clinical laboratories. This solid sales growth, along with productivity improvements, resulted in a double-digit increase in core operating profit and core earnings per share (EPS), as well as improved profitability.

AstraZeneca's revenue in the fourth quarter was down 15 percent at constant exchange rates (CER) and declined by 16 percent on an actual basis as a result of the negative impact of exchange rate movements. Loss of exclusivity on several key brands accounted for the revenue decline.

Responding to a news article in The Guardian on UK legal proceedings related to our type 2 diabetes medicine Avandia (rosiglitazone), we would like to make the following points: We have every sympathy for people with health complications associated with diabetes and those who care for them. However, respecting the UK court process, we are unable to comment on ongoing legal cases.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) has announced results for the fourth quarter of 2012 highlighted by regulatory approvals for Eliquis® and Forxiga®. This concluded a year in which the Company delivered growth of its key products as it transitioned to its promising future portfolio. In addition, the company provided financial guidance for 2013.

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) has announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2012. Key results include: For the full year, total revenues increased 11 percent to $17,265 million, with 9 percent product sales growth driven by strong performance across the portfolio. Adjusted EPS grew 22 percent to $6.51 due to 15 percent adjusted operating income growth and lower shares outstanding;

Novartis' Group net sales reached USD 14.8 billion (0%, +2% cc) in the fourth quarter. Currency had a negative impact of 2 percentage points. Portfolio rejuvenation continued to drive overall growth for the Group, as recently launched products grew 17% over the previous-year quarter to USD 4.3 billion. These products, which include Lucentis, Gilenya, Afinitor and Tasigna, contributed 29% of Group net sales, up from 25% in the year-ago period, and more than offset the impact of generic competition in the quarter of USD 0.6 billion.