Janssen-Cilag International NV announced new data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 GEN503 investigational study showing the human CD38-directed monoclonal antibody daratumumab, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, yielded an overall response rate (ORR) of 81 percent in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients who had received a median of two prior therapies.

GlaxoSmithKline (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced that the European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for Nucala® (mepolizumab) as an add-on treatment for severe refractory eosinophilic asthma in adult patients. As a result Nucala is now approved for use in the 31 European countries covered by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG: OTCQX: RHHBY) and Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. (Upsher-Smith), through its wholly-owned UK subsidiary Proximagen Ltd., announced a worldwide agreement for the further development of a novel, oral small molecule inhibitor of Vascular Adhesion Protein 1 (VAP-1), a cell-adhesion molecule that may be effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

To mark World AIDS Day, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation today announced 16 grants totaling $3.5 million for programs in Africa that strengthen HIV services for adolescents and the elderly, raise awareness and access to health care for women co-diagnosed with HIV and breast or cervical cancer, and build community capacity and integrate treatment for HIV/tuberculosis (TB) co-infection.

The European Commission has approved Praxbind® (idarucizumab), a treatment to rapidly and specifically reverse the anticoagulant effects of Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate) in cases of emergency surgery /urgent procedures or in situations of life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that the European Commission has approved CotellicTM (cobimetinib) for use in combination with Zelboraf® (vemurafenib) for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation.

AstraZeneca today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Perrigo Company plc for the divestment of US rights to Entocort® (budesonide), a gastroenterology medicine for patients with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease, an area of medicine outside AstraZeneca's strategic focus.