Amgen (Nasdaq:AMGN) announced results from two integrated analyses of head-to-head pivotal Phase 3 trials comparing denosumab to Zometa(R) (zoledronic acid), the current standard of care in the prevention of skeletal related events (SREs) in patients with advanced malignancies involving bone.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) was named one of the top 20 employers in Science magazine's 2010 Top Biopharma Employers survey. The annual survey seeks to identify the companies with the best reputations as employers. According to the survey, Abbott's top three driving characteristics were: clear vision, loyal employees, and does important, quality research.

Genzyme Corp. (NASDAQ: GENZ) announced that its board of directors has voted unanimously to reject the unsolicited $69.00 per share tender offer from Sanofi-Aventis, and the board recommends that Genzyme shareholders not tender their shares to Sanofi-Aventis pursuant to the offer. The board considered the following factors, among others, when making its recommendation:

The highly distinguished Awards Committee of the Galien Foundation has honoured Bayer's Xarelto® (rivaroxaban) with the Prix Galien International 2010 in the category Best Pharmaceutical Agent. Xarelto had previously already been recognised with national Prix Galien awards in Belgium, France and Switzerland.

Convergence Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a new company focused on the development of novel and high value analgesic medicines, was officially launched and has successfully raised $35.4 million (£22.4 million) in Series A financing from a syndicate of leading European and US life science investors. Convergence Pharmaceuticals is an independent biotechnology company that has acquired clinical assets from GlaxoSmithKline ("GSK").

Novartis discontinued the development of two investigational compounds in its pharmaceutical pipeline, reflecting enhanced focus on differentiated medicines most likely to address unmet medical needs. Novartis and Human Genome Sciences decided to stop further global development of the investigational compound albinterferon alfa-2b* for the treatment of adults with chronic hepatitis C.

H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) has signed an agreement with Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Hakko Kirin) providing Lundbeck with exclusive rights to develop and commercialise the adenosine A2a antagonist KW-6356. Lundbeck will also have the right to further select compounds as either back-up or additional indication compounds.