Lixisenatide Significantly Reduces HbA1c Without Increasing Hypoglycemia in Patients Uncontrolled on Sulfonylureas
Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced that lixisenatide, a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist under development for people with Type 2 diabetes, achieved its primary efficacy objective of significant HbA1c reduction and improved glycemic control from baseline versus placebo. The top-line results also showed that people treated with lixisenatide had a significant decrease in body weight. 
The UK research community will soon have access to world-class medical imaging facilities in London with the signing of an agreement between an alliance of leading London-based universities, the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). In a unique partnership, the MRC, Imperial College London, King's College London and UCL become equal shareholders in a newly created joint venture that assumes responsibility for the facilities and operations at GSK's Clinical Imaging Centre (CIC). 
In the business year 2010, Boehringer Ingelheim almost compensated for the anticipated loss of turnover announced in advance last year, nearly achieving the previous year's level. Despite the sales loss of EUR 1.4 billion, due to the loss of exclusivity rights on important sales drivers in the US pharmaceuticals market, and the additional burden arising from healthcare reforms in the USA and Europe, business developed satisfactorily in 2010. 
Bayer HealthCare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have initiated the first of two Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of VEGF Trap-Eye (aflibercept ophthalmic solution), an investigational new agent for the treatment of certain eye diseases, in the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The companies are extending their development program for VEGF Trap-Eye in DME after promising results in the global Phase 2 DME program. 
Merck KGaA announced the initiation of a Merck Serono Israel Bioincubator Fund, a strategic and corporate initiative targeting Israeli biotechnology start-ups. The fund was announced during a visit by Karl-Ludwig Kley, Chairman of the Executive Board of Merck, in Israel, where he met Shalom Simhon, Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour, and Avi Hasson, Chief Scientist.