GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and JSC Binnopharm (Binnopharm) announced an alliance to enable the local secondary manufacture of a number of GSK vaccines in Russia. The agreement was signed in Moscow during the session of the Russian-British Intergovernmental Steering Committee (ISC) for Trade and Investment.

Merck KGaA announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended its review period for Cladribine Tablets as a therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) by three months to February 28, 2011.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has been named one of the Top 10 companies for diversity in a new survey conducted by Calvert Group. The survey reviewed the diversity programs, policies and performance of all companies in the Standard & Poor's 100 Index (S&P 100).

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) has obtained a worldwide sublicense from Genzyme Corporation to develop a diagnostic assay for the detection of Epidermal Growth-Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations.

Bayer HealthCare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) announced that in two parallel Phase 3 studies in patients with the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), all regimens of VEGF Trap-Eye (aflibercept ophthalmic solution), including VEGF Trap-Eye dosed every two months, successfully met the primary endpoint.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced positive results from a Phase 2 dose-ranging study of atrasentan, a highly selective endothelin A receptor antagonist in development to help slow chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease).

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) reported that the companies have discontinued the Phase 3 APPRAISE-2 clinical trial in patients with recent Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) treated with apixaban or placebo in addition to mono or dual antiplatelet therapy.