Novartis is discontinuing a Phase III trial of Tasigna® (nilotinib) for investigational use in the first-line treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) based on the recommendation of an independent data monitoring committee.

In the business year 2010, Boehringer Ingelheim almost compensated for the anticipated loss of turnover announced in advance last year, nearly achieving the previous year's level.

Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) and Medivation, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDVN) announced results from the Phase 3 HORIZON trial of the investigational drug dimebon (latrepirdine*) in patients with Huntington disease. Dimebon did not achieve statistical significance for either of the co-primary endpoints,

Bayer HealthCare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have initiated the first of two Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of VEGF Trap-Eye (aflibercept ophthalmic solution), an investigational new agent for the treatment of certain eye diseases, in the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).

Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), the world's largest biotechnology company, announced the expansion of its operations in Brazil, including the acquisition of Bergamo, a privately-held Brazilian pharmaceutical company.

Novartis has signed an agreement to sell to Meda the global rights to manufacture, market and commercialize Elidel® (pimecrolimus) Cream 1%, a medicine to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.

AstraZeneca today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the orphan drug vandetanib for the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or that has spread to other parts of the body.