Abbott and Biotest AG announced a global agreement to develop and commercialize BT-061, a novel anti-CD4 antibody for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis.

An advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today voted in favor of the overall efficacy but not the overall safety of ACZ885 (canakinumab) to treat gouty arthritis attacks in patients who cannot obtain adequate relief with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or colchicine.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced that a pivotal Phase II study with vismodegib showed positive results in people with advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) for whom surgery is considered inappropriate.

Genzyme, a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), announced the launch of a new web-based platform, RegistryNXT!SM, to support the International Collaborative Gaucher Group (ICGG) Gaucher Registry.

Novartis held a groundbreaking ceremony to announce the start of construction of a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg, Russia. The construction of this facility represents the most significant Novartis investment in Russia to date.

AstraZeneca announced today that it plans to establish a Predictive Science Centre in St. Petersburg over the coming year. The move strengthens AstraZeneca's investments in Russia and supports the Russian Government's strategy to modernise and develop the country's pharmaceutical sector.

Nycomed has completed the transfer of marketing authorisation approvals in a number of key Asia-Pacific markets for osteoporosis treatment Bonviva (Ibandronate). The licensing agreement with Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) marks a further strengthening of Nycomed's bone health franchise in the region.