Novartis executives trumpeted robust growth across most emerging markets, while cautioning a slowdown in China due to the industry-wide compliance probe. For Amgen, a play to expand internationally is said to be paying off though questions remain about its plans for Japan.

Amgen is juggling both ends of its strategy, one focused on biosimilars and the other on new R&D-driven products. Further details have emerged about each, as Amgen tries to make the case it's a revenue growth story.

Three years into the ACA, the biopharma industry takes stock of its near-term wins and losses as the law’s critical expanded insurance coverage takes effect beginning in 2014. Pharma still isn’t sure whether the increase in covered lives from the exchanges will boost prescription sales enough to offset the rebates, taxes, and fees it agreed to pay out, or what kind of patients constitute this new market.