Reexamination of CHMP Opinion for Cladribine Tablets in MS
Merck KGaA announced that following its request for reexamination, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) confirmed its previous position and adopted a final negative opinion regarding the marketing authorization application (MAA) for Cladribine Tablets as a treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The majority of CHMP members were of the opinion that the benefits of Cladribine Tablets do not outweigh its risks based on data submitted. 
A 2010 GOOD DESIGN(TM) Award[1] has been awarded to Novo Nordisk for NovoPen Echo(R), the latest innovation in pen development - designed specifically with the needs of children in mind. Judging is made based on product design which is new, visionary and innovative and that may enrich people's lives. 
Erich Hunziker (born 1953), Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer and Deputy Head of the Corporate Executive Committee has decided to retire from Roche at the end of March 2011 and plans to focus on a number of board memberships. The Board of Directors of Roche Holding Ltd thanks Erich Hunziker for his many years of exceptional service and outstanding contributions to the Group's success. 
Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced that the European Commision has cleared sanofi-aventis' proposed acquisition of Genzyme Corporation unconditionally under EU merger control rules. Sanofi-aventis welcomes this decision, which is a great requisite step in satisfactin of the condition to the tender offer relating to antitrust approvals. 
Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced a global agreement to jointly develop and commercialize a portfolio of diabetes compounds currently in mid- and late-stage development. Included are Boehringer Ingelheim's two oral diabetes agents - linagliptin and BI10773 - as well as Lilly's two basal insulin analogues - LY2605541 and LY2963016 as well as the option to co-develop and co-commercialize Lilly's anti-TGF-beta monoclonal antibody. 
Sandoz announced that it has begun a phase II clinical trial in patients for biosimilar rituximab (Roche's Rituxan® / Mabthera®), a leading monoclonal antibody indicated in conditions including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. The phase II study in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis aims to demonstrate bioequivalence to the reference product, and will collect data on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as well as efficacy and safety data. 
Nycomed, a privately owned global pharmaceutical company, and Eurand N.V. (NASDAQ: EURX), a global specialty pharmaceutical company, announced that Eurand has entered into an exclusive commercialization, license and supply agreement with Nycomed for Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as Georgia and Mongolia. Financial terms were not disclosed.