The European Commission has extended the marketing authorization for Zevalin® ([90Y]-ibritumomab tiuxetan) in Europe. Zevalin can now be used in the course of a first-line therapy after remission induction in previously untreated patients with follicular lymphoma. The aim of such a consolidation therapy is the improvement of the effect of an initial induction therapy.

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS), excluding stock option expense and certain other expenses, of $1.12 for the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 4 percent compared to $1.08 for the first quarter of 2007. Adjusted net income, excluding stock option expense and certain other expenses, decreased 4 percent to $1,218 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $1,270 million in the first quarter of 2007.

Pfizer has entered into a collaboration agreement with four major research universities – University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB); Caltech; the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and University of Massachusetts – and Entelos, a physiological modeling company, to re-examine the regulatory mechanisms of human energy metabolism.

Merck & Co., Inc. announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency has recommended two medicines for marketing approval in the European Union (EU).

GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) and Sirtris Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: SIRT) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which GlaxoSmithKline will acquire Sirtris Pharmaceuticals for approximately USD720 million (or approx. GBP362 million) through a cash tender offer of USD22.50 (or approx. GBP11.33) per share.

Sales in the first quarter increased by 4 percent at CER, or 10 percent on an as reported basis. Sales in the US were up 5 percent; the inclusion of MedImmune sales in the quarter more than offset the decline in Toprol-XL™ sales in the US market.

Genzyme Corporation (NASDAQ: GENZ) reported results for the first quarter of 2008, which featured excellent revenue growth, continued operating leverage, a significant increase in non-GAAP profit, and strong progress across the company.