Sales in the first quarter increased by 4 percent at CER, or 10 percent on an as reported basis. Sales in the US were up 5 percent; the inclusion of MedImmune sales in the quarter more than offset the decline in Toprol-XL™ sales in the US market. 
Genzyme Corporation (NASDAQ: GENZ) reported results for the first quarter of 2008, which featured excellent revenue growth, continued operating leverage, a significant increase in non-GAAP profit, and strong progress across the company. 
On track for solid growth in 2008, Novartis reported higher net sales and double-digit earnings growth in the first quarter of 2008 from the Group's continuing operations now entirely focused on healthcare and reaffirmed its outlook for record sales and earnings for the full year. Novartis has announced a 20% average reduction in the price of Coartem® tablets (artemether/lumefantrine 20 mg/120 mg), the state-of-the-art artemisinin-based combination treatment (ACT) for malaria. Starting this Friday, which is World Malaria Day, this price reduction will increase access to Coartem for millions of malaria patients, especially children in low income regions of Africa. 
The Medicines Company (NASDAQ: MDCO) today announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2008. Financial highlights for the first quarter of 2008:
Genzyme Corp. (Nasdaq: GENZ) announced today that it will build a major new research and development center in Beijing. The initiative is an important element in Genzyme's ongoing global expansion and commitment to establishing a long-term presence in China. 
Protherics PLC, the international biopharmaceutical company focused on critical care and cancer, today announces that its placebo-controlled phase 2b Digoxin Immune Fab (DIF) Efficacy Evaluation in Pre-eclampsia ("DEEP") study in severe pre-eclampsia has met one of its two primary endpoints. 