Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) will enter into a strategic alliance with Singapore's scientific and medical institutions to set up a major new translational research hub in Singapore. This "Hub for Translational Medicine" aims to enhance the understanding of how scientific advances from preclinical research can be transferred in practice to patients.

In the fourth quarter of 2009, worldwide total revenue was $5.934 billion, an increase of 14 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2008. This 14 percent revenue growth was comprised of an increase of 7 percent due to higher volume, 3 percent due to higher prices, and 3 percent due to the impact of foreign exchange rates (numbers do not add due to rounding).

Revenue in the fourth quarter increased by 4 percent at constant exchange rates (CER), but was up 9 percent on an actual basis as a result of the positive impact of exchange rate movements. Revenue benefited from strong growth of the Toprol-XL franchise in the US as a result of the market withdrawal by two generic competitors and from revenues from US government orders for vaccine for Novel Influenza A (H1N1);

Pfizer Inc. has provided an update to its pipeline for the first time since the close of the acquisition of Wyeth in October, 2009. The new development pipeline, composed of assets from both legacy companies, includes 133 programs from phase 1 through registration, and shows growth and increased diversity in each of the areas where the company invests in research and development.

Worldwide sales increased 10.6 percent to nearly $8.8 billion, including a favorable 2.4 percent effect of exchange rates. Excluding the expected decline in Depakote(R) sales due to generic competition, worldwide reported sales increased 12.7 percent. Full-year 2009 sales were $30.8 billion.

Novartis ended 2009 strongly, delivering double-digit net sales and earnings growth that reflected operational progress in all divisions and more favorable currency conditions over the 2008 period.

Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany has announced that an independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) has completed an interim analysis of a phase II trial (the LIPLONG study) of the company's long-acting recombinant factor VIII, BAY79-4980. The DSMB concluded that the study will not be able to achieve the predetermined efficacy endpoint (non-inferiority). No safety concerns were raised.