In addition to lowering blood pressure, the implantable carotid body stimulator Rheos (CVRx, Minneapolis) may be economical, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio between $50,000 and $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-years, according to a study in this months Journal of Clinical Hypertension.

Galapagos has expanded its global strategic alliance in metabolic diseases with an affiliate of Merck to incorporate the development of new therapies for atherosclerosis.

Baxter International has positive financial results for the third quarter of 2009, which ended Sept. 31.

Pfizer has completed its acquisition of Wyeth following the receipt of regulatory approval from all government authorities required by the merger agreement and approval by Wyeth shareholders.

The Medicines Company has filed lawsuits against Teva Parenteral Medicines, Pliva Hrvatska and APP Pharmaceuticals over Angiomax (bivalirudin) patent infringement.

Edwards Lifesciences, a developer of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring products, is developing a new manufacturing facility in Draper, Utah, which will enable the company to expand its manufacturing and R&D capability.

The value of the global pharmaceutical market in 2010, driven by stronger near-term growth in the U.S. market, is expected to grow 4-6 percent on a constant-dollar basis, exceeding $825 billion, according to report from market research firm IMS Health.

For years, the Lucas automated chest compression device was powered only pneumatically. However, the company now released the Lucas 2 with a lithium ion polymer battery that lasts up to 45 minutes, which was showcased at the 21st annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference.