The Prix Galien USA recognizes excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development that can make significant improvements in the human condition. This Annals volume presents the scientific achievements by winners and finalists of the 2012 Prix Galien USA. Contributions include scholarly summaries from biopharmaceutical industry leaders (GlaxoSmithKline, MethylGene, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Bayer, Merck, UCB Pharma, Medtronic, and Novocure) on pharmaceutical advances in the treatment of a wide range of diseases including advanced melanoma, C. difficile associated diarrhea, partial-onset seizures, chronic hepatitis C infection, recurrent glioblastoma, and thrombosis-mediated conditions, as well as advances in transcatheter valve technology and ventricular assist devices.