The World Health Organisation (WHO) has awarded global prequalification to GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals' vaccine against rotavirus, Rotarix™.Additionally, the WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) also recommended that rotavirus vaccination be included in all national immunisation programmes.

Amgen Inc. (Nasdaq: AMGN) released the results of a new study comparing Nplate(R) (romiplostim) to the medical standard of care (SOC) in non-splenectomised adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Chronic ITP is a serious autoimmune disorder characterised by low platelet counts in the blood (thrombocytopenia), which can lead to serious bleeding events.

AstraZeneca and Abbott have entered into an agreement for AstraZeneca to co-promote Abbott's TRILIPIX, a medication for use alone or in combination with a statin to treat certain lipid disorders. Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will obtain the non-exclusive right to co-promote TRILIPIX alongside Abbott in the United States, excluding Puerto Rico. Specific financial terms were not disclosed.

Reclast® (zoledronic acid 5 mg) Injection[*] has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first and only therapy to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis for two years with a single dose[1].

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.