Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2007.

• Worldwide sales in the fourth quarter increased 16.1 percent to $7.2 billion, including a favorable 4.5 percent effect of exchange rates. For the full-year 2007, worldwide sales increased 15.3 percent to $25.9 billion, including a favorable 3.2 percent effect of exchange rates.

Anavex Life Sciences Corp. ("ANAVEX") (OTCBB: AVXL) reported that the company achieved significant development of its lead drug candidates and in the growth of its management and scientific teams during 2007. The company further disclosed key corporate objectives for 2008.

Roche has approved extensive investment plans for its Penzberg, Mannheim and Kaiseraugst sites. Around 280 million Swiss francs will be invested in expanding biotech drug research and development activities at Penzberg. This decision will ensure that the company's own value added chain is exploited to its full potential in the development and production of biopharmaceuticals mainly for oncology applications.

Novartis achieved record results for the total Group in 2007, with net sales rising 8% (+3% in local currencies) and net income advancing 66% to USD 12.0 billion. Sandoz and Vaccines and Diagnostics led the expansion with double-digit net sales growth and strong contributions to operating income, while Consumer Health provided additional support with a solid performance.

Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) and Scil Technology GmbH (Scil) have signed a licensing agreement for worldwide collaboration on Scil’s cartilage specific growth factor CD-RAP. Under this agreement, Pfizer will obtain a worldwide exclusive license to develop and commercialize CD-RAP.

AstraZeneca announced the launch of a new clinical trial, SATURN, designed to measure the impact of CRESTOR™ (rosuvastatin) 40 mg and atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 80 mg on the progression of atherosclerosis in high risk patients.

Pharmion Corporation (Nasdaq: PHRM) announced the submission of a MAA with the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for Vidaza(R) (azacitidine for injection) in the treatment of patients with higher-risk MDS in the European Union (EU).