Bayer Schering Pharma Enhances U.S. Research Strategy with New Innovation Center
Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany, will establish a U.S. Innovation Center in San Francisco, Calif. with the goal to expand its global research network and build its specialty pharmaceutical pipeline. The model introduces a newly formed "Science Hub" for innovation sourcing in the U.S. creating collaborations with academic research scientists and small biotech firms to realize product development and commercialization of new therapies through partnerships with Bayer. 
Nycomed's performance was driven by strong growth of Key Products and in most emerging markets. This overall positive performance could not fully offset the expected negative impact of pantoprazole's patent expiry in Europe. Daxas® (roflumilast) is advancing well: Nycomed received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), recommending the approval of Daxas® in the European Union. With Merck & Co., Inc. (MSD) a co-promotion agreement for five European countries and Canada has been signed. 
Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced the initiation of a multinational, randomized, double-blind Phase IIIb trial, PALLAS, to assess the potential clinical benefit of Multaq® (dronedarone) in over 10,000 patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events. The announcement was made during Heart Rhythm 2010, the Heart Rhythm Society's 31st Annual Scientific Sessions. 
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) hosted its first R&D and Business Briefing since completion of the Merck and Schering-Plough merger and outlined the company's strategy to drive global business growth. With a diverse product portfolio, robust pipeline and expanded worldwide presence, the company is well positioned to continue to grow and achieve its goal of becoming a global leader in health care, Merck Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard T. Clark told investors and analysts at the briefing. 
Novo Nordisk announced details of the company's cardiovascular outcomes trial for Victoza® (liraglutide) which is set to start in the autumn of 2010. The trial named LEADER™ (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results) aims to assess and confirm the cardiovascular safety of the company's new once-daily human GLP-1 analogue Victoza® and potentially show the ability of Victoza® to improve cardiovascular outcomes. The trial also satisfies the new FDA guideline for type 2 diabetes treatments.