Recently announced results from two-year CATT[1] (Comparison of Age-related macular degeneration Treatment Trials) adds to the growing body of evidence, including CATT 1-year data and two retrospective database analyses[2],[3],[4], suggesting serious safety concerns associated with the use of unlicensed intravitreal Avastin® (bevacizumab).

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today reported financial results for first-quarter 2012. First-quarter 2012 revenues were $15.4 billion, a decrease of 7% compared with $16.5 billion in the year-ago quarter, which reflects an operational decline of $1.0 billion, or 6%, and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange of $57 million, or less than 1%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) announced first quarter results that included double-digit earnings growth and important R&D milestones in its metabolics and hepatitis C (HCV) franchises. The Company also confirmed guidance for 2012.

Sales of the Bayer Group advanced by 6.8 percent in the first quarter, to a record EUR 10,056 million (Q1 2011: EUR 9,415 million). Adjusted for currency and portfolio effects, business expanded by 5.2 percent. The operating result (EBIT) climbed by 42.6 percent to EUR 1,637 million (Q1 2011: EUR 1,148 million).

AstraZeneca and The Medicines Company announced a global collaboration for their acute ischaemic heart disease compounds. The first part of this collaboration is a US co-promotion for AstraZeneca's oral antiplatelet medicine BRILINTA.

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) reported total revenue increased 9 percent during the first quarter of 2012 to $4,048 million versus $3,706 million in the first quarter of 2011. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $1.61 for the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 20 percent compared to $1.34 for the first quarter of 2011.

Novartis net sales declined by 2% (-1% cc) to USD 13.7 billion. Currency negatively impacted sales by 1% due to the strengthening of the dollar against many currencies. Products launched since 2007 drove the Group to strong volume growth of 5 percentage points versus the previous year.