Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) has completed its acquisition of 100% of Chattem, Inc., which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the sanofi-aventis Group.

Roche and Biogen Idec announced their decision to suspend Ocrelizumab treatment of patients in the Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) programme. The decision follows the recommendation of the independent Ocrelizumab RA & Lupus Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) based on their assessment of the studies in RA (SCRIPT, FEATURE, FILM and STAGE) and lupus (BELONG and BEGIN).

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) and Facet Biotech Corporation (Nasdaq: FACT) announced today a definitive agreement for Abbott to acquire Facet, enhancing Abbott's early- and mid-stage pharmaceutical pipeline.

Teijin Pharma Limited announced the European launch of TMX-67 (febuxostat), a novel drug discovered by Teijin Pharma for the treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with gout. Ipsen, a global biotechnology specialty care group and the TMX-67 licensee in Europe, and its sublicensee the Menarini Group, the first Italian pharmaceutical group in the world, have began marketing the product in Europe under the brand name ADENURIC(r).

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) and AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) announced the commencement of the "Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus" trial (SAVOR-TIMI 53), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 4 study, to evaluate treatment with ONGLYZA™ (saxagliptin), a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor, in adult type 2 diabetes patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) announces 2009 results, which meet financial forecasts and continue to show growth in all regions. Full year revenue was DKK 13,747 million and increased 22% at constant exchange rates compared to 2008.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) and Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN) announced a global agreement for the development and commercialization of AGN-209323, a Phase II-ready, orally administered small molecule in clinical development for neuropathic pain.