Roche has approved extensive investment plans for its Penzberg, Mannheim and Kaiseraugst sites. Around 280 million Swiss francs will be invested in expanding biotech drug research and development activities at Penzberg. This decision will ensure that the company's own value added chain is exploited to its full potential in the development and production of biopharmaceuticals mainly for oncology applications.

Novartis achieved record results for the total Group in 2007, with net sales rising 8% (+3% in local currencies) and net income advancing 66% to USD 12.0 billion. Sandoz and Vaccines and Diagnostics led the expansion with double-digit net sales growth and strong contributions to operating income, while Consumer Health provided additional support with a solid performance.

Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) and Scil Technology GmbH (Scil) have signed a licensing agreement for worldwide collaboration on Scil’s cartilage specific growth factor CD-RAP. Under this agreement, Pfizer will obtain a worldwide exclusive license to develop and commercialize CD-RAP.

AstraZeneca announced the launch of a new clinical trial, SATURN, designed to measure the impact of CRESTOR™ (rosuvastatin) 40 mg and atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 80 mg on the progression of atherosclerosis in high risk patients.

Pharmion Corporation (Nasdaq: PHRM) announced the submission of a MAA with the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for Vidaza(R) (azacitidine for injection) in the treatment of patients with higher-risk MDS in the European Union (EU).

Pfizer Inc announced that a New York state court ruled in favor of the company on an important motion relating to litigation over Pfizer's Celebrex medication. New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley W. Kornreich ruled that the plaintiffs suing Pfizer in New York failed to present reliable scientific evidence necessary to prove that Celebrex can cause heart attacks and strokes at 200 mg daily - the most commonly prescribed dosage of the Pfizer pain medication.

Roche announced that it has entered into four new technology transfers with local manufacturing companies in Africa and Asia; Regal Pharmaceuticals in Kenya, CAPS Holdings in Zimbabwe, Shelys Pharmaceuticals in Tanzania and Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd in Bangladesh.