Novartis presented an update on its long-term strategy, performance and vision for continued sustainable growth and gave an in-depth overview on the unique position and business model of the new Alcon Division.

Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced data that demonstrates that initiating Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection) in type 2 diabetes patients leads to better glycemic control and comparable and modest weight gain versus a comparator group consisting of other insulins, oral antidiabetics (OADs) and dietary changes.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) has been recognized as the most sustainable healthcare company globally in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), for the third year in a row. The DJSI World and DJSI Europe Indexes track the performance of the leading sustainability companies based on environmental, social and economic performance.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) has completed its previously announced acquisition of privately held Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a small-molecule pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and early development of new drugs to treat inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.

GSK and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) have agreed to a contract that will support the development by GSK of a potentially new antibiotic against both hospital Gram negative and biothreat pathogens.

A Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee meeting has been scheduled for September 8, 2011, to review the New Drug Application in the USA for rivaroxaban in the prevention of stroke and non-CNS systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced that the European Commission has approved Tarceva® (erlotinib) for use in patients with a genetically distinct type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Europe.