Business

Lixisenatide Significantly Reduces HbA1c Without Increasing Hypoglycemia in Patients Uncontrolled on Sulfonylureas

sanofi-aventis

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.

Unique Research Alliance Expands Collaboration Opportunities

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

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).

Boehringer Ingelheim maintains sales level/course set for the future: product pipeline well-filled

Boehringer Ingelheim

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 and Regeneron Announce Start of Phase 3 Clinical Program in Diabetic Macular Edema

The Bayer Group

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.

Sanofi-aventis Successfully Completes Exchange Offer for Genzyme Corporation

sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) has successfully completed its exchange offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Genzyme Corporation (NASDAQ: GENZ). The exchange offer and withdrawal rights expired at 11:59 p.m, New York City time, on April 1, 2011. The depositary for the exchange offer has advised sanofi-aventis that, as of the expiration time, 224,528,469 shares of Genzyme common stock (including 43,285,259 shares subject to guarantees of delivery) were validly tendered and not withdrawn.

Merck Strengthens Research Cooperation With Israel

Merck KGaA

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.

GSK statement on Avodart™ (dutasteride) for prostate cancer risk reduction

GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced that it will no longer pursue global approval (marketing authorisation) for the use of Avodart™ (dutasteride) to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The Company will withdraw applications from regulatory review where procedures are ongoing and, in the limited number of countries where dutasteride is already indicated for use in prostate cancer risk reduction, GSK will work with regulatory agencies to remove this indication from the product's licence and support physicians to communicate appropriately to patients.

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