The Lancet published online the results of the first study comparing the once-daily human GLP-1 analogue, Victoza® (liraglutide) with a DPP-4 inhibitor, Januvia®. The 26-week trial showed that Victoza® produced significantly greater reductions in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and body weight than Januvia®, with similar or better overall treatment satisfaction.[1]

Pfizer Inc. announced the discontinuation of the SUN 1170 Phase 3 open-label study of Sutent(r) (sunitinib malate) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer.

Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.30 for the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 20 percent compared to $1.08 for the first quarter of 2009.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010. Worldwide sales increased 14.6 percent to $7.7 billion, including a favorable 4.1 percent effect of exchange rates.

Sandoz has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Oriel Therapeutics, a privately held US pharmaceuticals company, gaining exclusive rights to a portfolio of generic drug candidates and related technologies targeting medicines in the inhalable respiratory drug market.

To mark World Hemophilia Day, Bayer HealthCare is reaffirming its commitment to the global hemophilia community by pledging EUR 250,000 to the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).

Novo Nordisk announced today the start of a global survey into the psychological and social effects of haemophilia. The study, named HERO (Haemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities), will assess factors such as the attitudes of patients and their families to diagnosis and treatment, their aspirations and the social context of haemophilia.