Sanofi-Aventis' experimental chemotherapy drug Jevtana gave a 30 per cent boost to the survival rate of men with prostate cancer whose tumors no longer respond to standard treatment.

Prospects of the drug are bright and the drug might be able to offset the French drugmaker's loss of patent protection on its existing blockbuster cancer medicine Taxotere later this year following these results based on an international Phase III clinical trial.

The three largest U. S. drug makers, Eli Lilly and Co., Merck & Co. and Pfizer Inc., announced on Tuesday that they have allied to set up a not-for-profit company dedicated to investigating and treating the growing problem of gastric and lung cancers in Asia.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Bayer HealthCare, a U. S. unit of Germany's Bayer, announced Thursday their experimental drug VEGF Trap-Eye, to treat retinal swelling brought on by diabetes, fulfilled its primary aim in a mid-stage study.

Hundreds of research and development jobs in the UK will shift to GlaxoSmithKline as Europe’s biggest pharmaceuticals company stops researching anti-depressant medicines a pivotal part of its historical neuroscience activity, to save £500m a year in costs by 2012. Andrew Witty , chief executive revealed about an 18 per cent rise in full-year pre-tax profits to £7.9bn on sales up 16 per cent to £28.4bn in the 12 months to December 31.

For treating a type of pancreatic cancer, which is rare, Pfizer Inc (PFE. N) said on Friday, it has asked U. S., European and Canadian regulators for permitting to market Sutent, its already approved medicine.

According to Pfizer, the approval was sought to market the pill for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. This type of cancer has afflicted Apple Inc (AAPL. O) Chief Executive Steve Jobs.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has conveyed its orders to the doctors across the continent to stop prescribing sibutramine and review its use in patients already taking it.

The country's most commonly prescribed anti-obesity drugs has faced a ban across Europe after it was accused of increasing patients' chances of suffering a heart attack or a stroke. In addition, pharmacists have also received orders, not to dispense the drug, which is marketed in the UK as Reductil.

In an attempt to control growing trend of regional trade in counterfeit products, the UAE government has been working out a law for making re-export of medicinal drugs illegal.

The proposed Federal Pharmacy Law (Amended) would be incorporated with provisions of strict jail term and fines to the offenders.

Dr. Amin Al Amiri, CEO, Medical Practice and License at the UAE Health Ministry told media persons, “Both registered and unregistered medicines will not be allowed in the country for re- export.”