PLIVA d.d. announced that its German subsidiary AWD.pharma GmbH & Co. KG. ("AWD") has signed an agreement to acquire O.R.C.A.pharm GmbH ("ORCApharm"), a privately owned specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the oncology market in Germany. Upon closing of the transaction, AWD will pay a fixed purchase price of EUR 21m and up to an additional EUR 13m based on the achievement of profitability milestones for 2007 and 2008. 
Novo Nordisk ranks as best-in-class in healthcare - one of 18 global supersectors - in Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, the world's leading indexes for sustainability-driven investment portfolios. This ranking, effective at the opening of equity markets on 24 September 2007, is a result of the latest global analysis of corporate sustainability leadership, based on a thorough analysis of companies' economic, environmental and social performance. 
Abbott - the global health care company - was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for the third consecutive year. This selection recognizes Abbott's continued leadership in business, environmental and social performance. 
Avastin (bevacizumab), Roche's innovative anti-cancer drug, was approved today in Europe for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy. 
AstraZeneca announced today that it will start a Phase III programme for PN400, a new pain product under co-development with POZEN, Inc. The Phase III programme is scheduled to begin in 3Q 2007, with a US submission currently targeted for 1H 2009. 
Bayer AG intends to file for delisting of its American Depositary Shares (ADSs) from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). It is also planned to deregister with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and thereby terminate the respective reporting obligations. 