In a new analysis data in the European subgroup of the large clinical study REST (Rotavirus Efficacy and Safety Trial), the five-type rotavirus vaccine RotaTeq® demonstrated 100% clinical efficacy against severe rotavirus disease for the first rotavirus season after vaccination. The efficacy remained high through two rotavirus seasons of follow up, preventing 98% of severe rotavirus cases. This new sub-analysis was presented last week at the 25th International Congress of Paediatrics in Athens.

To help address critical gaps in malaria treatment and education, Pfizer today announced the launch of Mobilize Against Malaria. This three-country initiative comprising Kenya, Ghana and Senegal will be implemented over the course of five years (2007-2011). Pfizer has selected key international and local health experts to develop and implement public health interventions that engage and educate treatment providers and patients in high-risk areas for the effective treatment and management of malaria.

Data presented at the World Conference on Lung Cancer in Korea by Professor Jean-Yves Douillard, Centre Rene Gauducheau, France, Principal Investigator of the INTEREST study, show that patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with the oral anti-cancer drug IRESSA (gefitinib) had equivalent (non-inferior) survival to those treated with intravenous docetaxel. In addition, IRESSA demonstrated a more favourable tolerability profile and superior quality of life for patients versus docetaxel.

An observational study of a large United Kingdom primary care database showed that switching patients from Pfizer's Lipitor® (atorvastatin calcium) Tablets to simvastatin was associated with a 30 percent increase in the relative risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes and certain types of heart surgeries, or death compared to patients who remained on Lipitor therapy.

Novo Nordisk announced that with effect from 1 January 2008 the company has appointed Martin Soeters to take up the position as senior vice president of Region Europe. Martin Soeters is currently senior vice president of Novo Nordisk North America and president of Novo Nordisk Inc., the company's US affiliate. Martin Soeters will be replaced by Jerzy Gruhn who will take up the position as senior vice president of Novo Nordisk North America from the same date. Jerzy Gruhn is currently vice president of the Europe East region within Region Europe.

AstraZeneca today announced a strategic partnership with Peking University 3rd Hospital to open its first Clinical Pharmacology Unit (CPU) in China. The unit aims to enhance local clinical research capabilities and speed up access to new medicines to benefit Chinese patients.

Sandoz has become the first company to develop and receive European Commission approval for its biosimilar epoetin alfa, achieving another important milestone in its efforts to bring high quality, cost-effective biological medicines to patients. The European Commission's decision to grant this approval followed a positive opinion in June from the European Medicines Agency's Committee on Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), which reviews medicines scientifically for the Commission.