Business & Industry News Channel
A detailed analysis of the Phase III ToGA study revealed an unprecedented survival benefit for patients whose tumours exhibited a particularly high level of HER2 when Herceptin (trastuzumab) was added to standard chemotherapy (Xeloda or intravenous 5-FU and cisplatin). The analysis evaluated patient benefit according to the level of HER2 identified in their stomach tumour. 
Following the release of linagliptin Phase II data earlier this year, Boehringer Ingelheim has now announced the conclusion of the linagliptin pivotal Phase III clinical trials. The company confirmed that first results from the Phase III clinical trials programme consistently support the favourable efficacy and safety profile already observed in earlier linagliptin investigational studies, such as the Phase II data which had shown significant results in HbA1c lowering (-0,73 percent, 5 mg dose) and a safety profile comparable to placebo.(1) 
Abbott today announced a definitive agreement with the Solvay Group for Abbott to acquire Solvay's pharmaceuticals business for EUR 4.5 billion ($6.6 billion) in cash, providing Abbott with a large and complementary portfolio of pharmaceutical products and a significant presence in key global emerging markets. The acquisition also includes full global rights to the fenofibrate franchise. Currently Abbott has U.S. rights to fenofibrate and pays royalties to Solvay.
Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has adopted a positive opinion recommending to grant a marketing authorization in the European Union for Multaq® (dronedarone - 400mg Tablets).
Bayer HealthCare AG and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the full results from their first collaborative group-sponsored randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled Phase II trial showing that Nexavar® (sorafenib tablets) in combination with the oral chemotherapeutic agent, capecitabine, significantly extended progression-free survival in patients with advanced breast cancer by 74 percent. Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical group of companies, together with its U.S. animal health business Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., has entered into an agreement with Pfizer to acquire certain assets of Wyeth Pharmaceutical's Fort Dodge Animal Health business upon the closing of the global Pfizer-Wyeth merger, which is expected to occur early in the fourth quarter. 
Nycomed today announced its decision to invest in a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical production plant near the city of Yaroslavl in Russia. The company plans to invest between €65 million to €75 million. The new facility will produce medicines for the local Russia-CIS market, which contributes 10% to Nycomed's turnover and plays an important role in the company's growth strategy.