Bayer received approval in Japan for Nexavar® (sorafenib) tablets for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Nexavar, an oral anti-cancer drug, jointly developed by Bayer HealthCare AG and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is the only drug therapy shown to significantly improve overall survival in patients with the disease.

Two of the most recognized names in diabetes management - Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) - announced a strategic marketing collaboration to bolster each company's commitment to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar using insulin therapy.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has announced the company's schedule of major events and news announcements during EuroPCR 2009 in Barcelona, May 19 - 22. These include the presentation of new data from the SPIRIT V post-approval, single-arm study of the company's market-leading XIENCE V(R) Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System, as well as new details of Abbott's next-generation drug eluting stent in development, the XIENCE PRIME(TM) Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System.

GSK is committed to supporting governments and health authorities around the world to respond to the emergence of the new A (H1N1) influenza strain. Since the outbreak, the company has been in continuous discussions with governments and public health authorities, including the WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Department of Health and Human Services and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to help develop appropriate options to respond to the emergence of the new A (H1N1) influenza strain.

Novartis announced today that Prevacid® 24HR (lansoprazole delayed-release capsules 15 mg) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first over-the-counter (OTC) Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of frequent heartburn since 2003. Prevacid 24HR is expected to be available over-the-counter in 2009.

Pfizer Inc will launch an innovative program to help eligible unemployed Americans and their families who have lost their health insurance maintain access to their Pfizer medicines for free. The inspiration for the new program, called MAINTAIN™ (Medicines Assistance for Those who Are in Need), was generated by Pfizer employees who were witnessing friends, family and neighbors struggle to make ends meet after losing their jobs.

Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany, is starting the European roll-out of its new oral contraceptive Qlaira® (estradiol valerate/dienogest). From May 15, 2009, Qlaira® will be available in several European countries, including Germany. More European countries will follow from autumn 2009 onwards.