Results from the USAGE survey, the largest known cholesterol survey in the U.S. involving more than 10,100 statin users(1), were presented at the American Heart Association's Annual Scientific Sessions, the leading gathering of cardiovascular disease experts in the country.

Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced a clinical collaboration agreement to conduct a proof-of-concept study of PRT4445 and the investigational oral Factor Xa inhibitor ELIQUIS® (apixaban).

At its 3rd International Research & Development press conference, Boehringer Ingelheim unveiled a pipeline of unique asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung cancer compounds that builds on the company's vast respiratory experience over many decades.

Novartis announced the construction of a new state-of-the-art biotechnology production site in Singapore with an investment valued at over USD 500 million. The new facility will focus on drug substance manufacturing based on cell culture technology. It will be co-located with the pharmaceutical production site based in Tuas, Singapore.

The Bayer Group remains on a path of growth. Sales of the Bayer Group advanced by 11.5 percent in the third quarter, to EUR 9,665 million (Q3 2011: EUR 8,670 million). The currency- and portfolio-adjusted increase was 5.5 percent. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell by 23.7 percent to EUR 838 million (Q3 2011: EUR 1,099 million).

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) has announced the start of a Phase III programme to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mepolizumab, an investigational IL-5 antagonist, as adjunctive therapy in severe uncontrolled refractory asthma. The Phase III programme includes two key studies:

Successful treatment of respiratory diseases also depends on how much of the active substance enters the patient's lung. Boehringer Ingelheim's Respimat® Soft Inhaler and its long-lasting aerosol cloud effectively transport the active substance into the lung.