Novartis Group Company associates across 32 countries will participate in a new Novartis health and well-being initiative during the first Novartis Be Healthy Celebration Week from September 19-23, 2011.

Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) announced new long-term data showing that Prolia® (denosumab) treatment for up to eight years in postmenopausal women with low bone mass or osteoporosis was associated with a continued increase in bone mineral density (BMD), an important determinant of bone strength, and a persistent reduction in markers of bone turnover.

Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, issued the following statement on GARDASIL® [Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16 and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant], Merck's vaccine to protect against certain diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16 and 18.

Eli Lilly and Company announced a $30 million commitment over five years to fight the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in developing nations.

Boehringer Ingelheim and the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) today announced a new partnership to establish a €2.5 million research grant programme, encouraging diabetes research over the next three years.

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.