Novartis has announced the launch of Extavia®, a new version of the standard-of-care for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), providing patients and physicians with an alternative option to help manage this devastating disease.

At a ceremony attended by people involved in the project and other guests, the foundation stone was laid for the new Research & Development building at Roche Basel. The project, representing a total investment of approximately 250 million Swiss francs, is an unequivocal expression of the company’s commitment to the Basel site. At the new facility, R&D work is to be carried out on solid and liquid dosage forms for new active substances.

In an ongoing effort to raise awareness of the comprehensive continuum of resources available to cancer patients and their caregivers - from prevention to education, patient care to advocacy and financial support - Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer(TM) initiative has expanded its charitable partners to now include the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, Patient Advocate Foundation, Prevent Cancer Foundation and The Wellness Community.

Patients in Japan stand to benefit from the approval of four innovative medicines - Tasigna® for the treatment of a life-threatening form of leukemia, Xolair® for severe asthma, Co-Dio®[*] for high blood pressure, and Lucentis® for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease that is a major cause of blindness in people over the age of 50 in Japan.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2008:

• Worldwide sales increased 10.1 percent to $8 billion, including an unfavorable 2.5 percent effect of exchange rates. Full-year 2008 sales were nearly $30 billion.

Johnson & Johnson has announced sales for the year 2008 of $63.7 billion, an increase of 4.3% over 2007. Operational growth was 1.9% with currency contributing 2.4%. Domestic sales decreased 0.4%, while international sales increased 9.7%, reflecting operational growth of 4.6% and a positive currency impact of 5.1%. Worldwide sales in the fourth quarter of 2008 were $15.2 billion, a decrease of 4.9% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2007.

Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) has announced the introduction of new CLARITIN(R) Liqui-Gels(R), the first and only non-drowsy allergy medicine in an easy-to-swallow liquid-filled capsule. Now available over-the-counter, CLARITIN(R) Liqui-Gels(R) provide powerful liquid relief for the worst allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness.