Novartis announced new interim data from ongoing clinical trials demonstrating that a single 7.5µg dose of the company's influenza A(H1N1) 2009 unadjuvanted vaccine, half of the currently-approved US dose, fulfilled immune response criteria associated with protection in adults and the elderly (>=65 years of age).

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced three-year data from the first 30 patients in the first phase of the ABSORB clinical trial, demonstrating that its fully bioabsorbable drug eluting coronary stent successfully treated coronary artery disease and was absorbed into the walls of treated arteries.

AstraZeneca announced results of a PLATO sub-analysis in the most serious type of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients, those with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). In this setting, ST segment elevation indicates total obstruction of a coronary artery which warrants emergency surgery with angioplasty,

Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: REGN) have entered into agreements to expand and extend their existing global collaboration to discover, develop, and commercialize fully-human therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

Novartis announced the availability of Prevacid®24HR (lansoprazole delayed-release capsules 15 mg/acid reducer) over-the-counter in pharmacies and retail stores across the US to treat frequent heartburn. Prevacid®24HR received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in May 2009.

Nycomed reports continued satisfactory performance in the third quarter 2009, with total net turnover increasing by 0.9% (3.2% in local currencies) to €820.0 million. Pantoprazole sales were resilient after losing patent protection in May in 12 European countries. On a regional basis, sales in most emerging markets exhibited strong growth. The pipeline portfolio advanced significantly.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced a definitive agreement to acquire the global rights to PanGenetics BV's PG110 fully humanized antibody to Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), expanding the company's pain care portfolio and leveraging its expertise in biologics. PG110 is a novel biologic in Phase I clinical trial development that targets NGF for the treatment of chronic pain.