Novartis: The Swiss health authority Swissmedic has granted approval for Tasigna (nilotinib) 300 mg twice daily for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. Tasigna is the first new therapeutic option for newly diagnosed patients since the introduction of Glivec (imatinib)*, providing a major advance for patients with this blood cancer. Link: Click Here

Novartis: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved Tekamlo (aliskiren and amlodipine) tablets, a single-pill for the treatment of high blood pressure combining the only approved direct renin inhibitor, Tekturna (aliskiren) with the widely used calcium channel blocker, amlodipine. Link: Click Here

 
EMS Group: As already stated on July 9, 2010, the consolidated net sales rose by 54.3% to CHF 836 million (541). This is an increase of 58.4% in local currencies. The net operating income (EBIT) rose by 116.3% to CHF 154 million (71). Net financial income amounted to CHF 2 million (2). Net income for the first half of 2010 amounted to CHF 128 million (58) which is 118.8% above previous year. Link: Click Here
 

ABB: Tarak Mehta, the global head of ABB’s Transformers business, has been appointed to ABB’s Executive Committee as head of the Low Voltage Products division as of Oct. 1, 2010. He replaces Tom Sjökvist, who is retiring at the end of September. Link: Click Here

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Refuse to File letter for accelerated approval for the company’s trastuzumab-DM1 (T-DM1) Biologics License Application (BLA). As planned Roche will continue with its ongoing Phase III EMILIA registration study. Roche will continue to work with the FDA and expects a global regulatory submission of T-DM1 mid 2012. Link: Click Here

Adval Tech reports return to positive operating earnings. In the first half of 2010 Adval Tech can again report positive operating earnings for the first time since mid-2008. Total income increased by 12% compared with the same period of the previous year. The main sales markets have made a steady recovery since registering their low point in the first quarter of 2009. This is especially true of the automotive market. Link: Click Here

Cicor Technologies (SIX Swiss Exchange: CICN), a leading group of companies active on the international stage in the areas of printed circuit boards, microelectronics and electronic solutions, with its head office in Boudry (Switzerland), considerably improved net result and operating profit in the first half of 2010. The net result increased by 10.3% to CHF 88.4 million (1st half of 2009: CHF 80.2 million). Link: Click Here

Basilea (SIX:BSLN) announced today that Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd. has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Actelion Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. for Basilea's Toctino (alitretinoin), a once-daily oral treatment for adults with severe chronic hand eczema unresponsive to potent topical corticosteroids. Link: Click Here

Evolva (SIX: EVE) today announces that its CEO, Neil Goldsmith, received the Biotech Builders Award for 2010 at the annual Biotech Builders meeting yesterday evening. Biotech Builders is a Danish and Swedish networking organisation for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technology companies and brings together executives, venture capitalist firms and pharma representatives from within the Nordic Medicon Valley region. Link: Click Here

Implenia is setting trends for sustainable development in urban planning. The step-by-step renovation of the residential development Gutstrasse 85-127 in Zurich-Wiedikon, for which the «Im Gut» building cooperative appointed Implenia as total contractor in March 2010, entered a crucial phase today with the laying of the foundation stone. Link: Click Here