Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has validated (accepted for review) the company's Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for SYCREST(R) (asenapine) sublingual tablets for the treatment of schizophrenia and manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.

Novo Nordisk has announced the first patient visit in a new head-to-head clinical trial of once-daily Levemir® against insulin glargine. This study is the first time the two basal insulins will be directly compared in an exclusively once-daily regimen. Outcomes measured in the study will include efficacy, effect on weight and hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes patients.

Genzyme Corp. (Nasdaq: GENZ) has completed the transaction with Bayer HealthCare to acquire the worldwide rights to Campath®/MabCampath® (alemtuzumab), giving Genzyme primary responsibility for the development and commercialization of this promising multiple sclerosis (MS) therapeutic candidate. Genzyme is conducting two rapidly progressing phase 3 studies of alemtuzumab in relapsing-remitting MS patients.

AstraZeneca and Merck & Co., Inc. will collaboration to research a novel combination anticancer regimen composed of two investigational compounds, MK-2206 from Merck and AZD6244 (ARRY-886*) from AstraZeneca. Preclinical evidence indicates that combined administration of these compounds could enhance their anticancer properties.

Bayer HealthCare AG and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have begun enrolling patients in an international Phase III trial to evaluate Nexavar® (sorafenib) tablets in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have failed two or three previous treatments.

Bayer HealthCare AG and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have begun enrolling patients in an international Phase III trial to evaluate Nexavar® (sorafenib) tablets in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have failed two or three previous treatments.

Abbott was recently named one of the Top 10 companies on The Scientist magazine's "Best Places to Work in Industry" list. Abbott was ranked No. 6 on the list of Large Companies (more than 5,000 employees). This is the sixth time that Abbott has been on the list since The Scientist first started ranking companies in 2003. This prestigious list is based on a detailed survey of scientists at life-science companies and research institutions worldwide.