• Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Ridgefield, Conn., part of Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, disclosed interim results from the RELY-ABLE trial, a long-term extension of the RE-LY study. During more than two years of randomized follow-up, key safety outcomes such as major bleeding, total bleeding and life-threatening bleeding were similar to the results of the dabigatran 110-mg and 150-mg arms of the pivotal RE-LY trial that evaluated Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) capsules in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. There were no new safety findings identified in the interim study results. The data were presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2012 in Dallas.

• Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Ridgefield, Conn., part of Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, and Eli Lilly and Co., of Indianapolis, said trial enrollment of patients for CAROLINA (Cardiovascular Outcome Study of Linagliptin versus Glimepiride in Patients with Type II Diabetes) has been completed. Linagliptin is currently the only DPP-4 inhibitor that is being compared to a sulfonylurea in a long-term cardiovascular outcome study. Linagliptin, marketed in the U.S. as Tradjenta, is a once-daily tablet used along with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with Type II diabetes. The study includes more than 6,000 patients in 43 countries at more than 600 sites around the world.

• Sanofi Pasteur, of Swiftwater, Pa., the vaccines division of Sanofi SA, said Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal published pivotal clinical trial data used by the FDA to support the license expansion for its meningococcal conjugate vaccine, Menactra (Meningococcal [Groups A, C, Y and W-135] Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine), to include a two-dose schedule for infants and toddlers 9 months through 23 months of age. The trial data showed the ability of Menactra to provide protection against four meningococcal strains using a two-dose series given during regularly scheduled pediatric visits.