Initial results from the two-year Phase III FREEDOMS study show that oral FTY720 (fingolimod) was significantly superior to placebo in reducing both relapses and disability progression in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS)[1] - one of the leading causes of neurological disability in young adults[3].

Merck KGaA announced the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Cladribine Tablets, Merck's proprietary investigational oral formulation of cladribine, as a therapy for reducing relapses in people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

On behalf of The Lilly TB Drug Discovery Initiative, the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Academia Sinica, a research institution based in Taiwan, to collaborate in target-based screening for the discovery of new tuberculosis (TB) drugs. The Lilly TB Drug Discovery Initiative's most important goal is filling the pipeline for faster, future TB drug development.

Abbott today announced a definitive agreement with the Solvay Group for Abbott to acquire Solvay's pharmaceuticals business for EUR 4.5 billion ($6.6 billion) in cash, providing Abbott with a large and complementary portfolio of pharmaceutical products and a significant presence in key global emerging markets.

Novartis has received a positive opinion recommending European Union (EU) approval of QAB149 (indacaterol) for maintenance bronchodilator treatment in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When approved, QAB149 and its device, Concept-1, will be known as Onbrez® Breezhaler®[§].

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced primary results from its ground breaking PROSPECT (Providing Regional Observations to Study Predictors of Events in the Coronary Tree) clinical trial. PROSPECT is the first prospective natural history study to evaluate the role of vulnerable plaque in unexpected heart attacks and the natural progression of coronary artery disease.

A detailed analysis of the Phase III ToGA study revealed an unprecedented survival benefit for patients whose tumours exhibited a particularly high level of HER2 when Herceptin (trastuzumab) was added to standard chemotherapy (Xeloda or intravenous 5-FU and cisplatin).