GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has signed an exclusive Cooperation Agreement with Shenzhen Neptunus Interlong Bio-Technique Co. Ltd. (NIBT) as a preliminary step in forming a Joint Venture (JV) between the two companies. The agreement outlines the proposed terms for establishing a JV company, which will seek to co-develop seasonal influenza vaccines and pre-pandemic/pandemic influenza vaccines, firstly targeting against strains of the virus specific to China, Hong Kong and Macau.

AstraZeneca has announced the divestment to GlaxoSmithKline of a portfolio of over-the-counter (OTC) products predominantly sold in Sweden. The decision reinforces AstraZeneca's strategy to focus on innovation in prescription medicines.

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has been formally notified by Pfizer Limited of its decision to withdraw its application for a change to the marketing authorisation for the medicine Viagra (sildenafil) 50 mg film-coated tablets.

On 19 November 2008, AstraZeneca was granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, halting sales of Teva's budesonide inhalation suspension product, a generic version of AstraZeneca's PULMICORT RESPULES treatment.

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, announced that Russia has chosen inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) from Sanofi Pasteur for primary immunization of all infants. The IPV doses are provided by M.P. Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Virus Encephalitides through a manufacturing agreement with Sanofi Pasteur.

Pfizer today announced the launch of a new research unit known as Pfizer Regenerative Medicine. This independent research unit will build on recent scientific progress in understanding the biology of stem cells and the opportunity that provides, to discover and develop a new generation of regenerative medicines for major medical needs.

AstraZeneca has announced that the once-daily formulation SEROQUEL XR (quetiapine fumarate extended release tablets) and SEROQUEL (quetiapine fumarate) have been approved under the European Mutual Recognition Procedure (MRP) for new indications in bipolar disorder. SEROQUEL XR and SEROQUEL have been approved for the treatment of major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.