Wellstat Therapeutics and Sanofi Aventis have signed a global licensing agreement to develop, manufacture and commercialize PN2034, an oral insulin sensitizer for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. PN2034 was discovered by Wellstat and is currently in Phase II clinical trials to reverse insulin resistance in the liver of diabetic patients.

Merck has begun disclosing payments to U.S. medical and scientific professionals who speak on behalf of the company or its products, detailing approximately $3.7 million in payments for the third quarter, as part of its voluntary commitment to increase transparency.

Implantation of the Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve (Medtronic, Minneapolis) for right ventricular outflow tract conduit dysfunction can be performed by experienced operators at multiple centers, appears safe, and has encouraging acute and short-term outcomes, according to a study in the Oct. 27 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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.