Asthma treatment

Contamination spurs recall of inhalation drug A Massachusetts generic drug company said Wednesday that it is recalling millions of vials of an inhalation solution widely used by asthma patients and others with breathing problems. Copley Pharmaceutical Inc. said some of its 20-milliliter Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution was contaminated by microbial organisms. It poses special risks of serious infection to people with compromised immune systems, including those with AIDS, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive lung disease and …..

DRUG-MAKER SETTLEMENT COULD SPELL RELIEF IN STATE A Birmingham lawyer said at least 40 Alabama residents are eligible for payments as part of a proposed $150 million settlement in a class action lawsuit that charged that a drug company sold contaminated medicine. The accord with Copley Pharmaceuticals Inc. over its asthma drug albuterol must still win the final approval of a federal judge in Cheyenne, Wyo. A hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 31 on the matter. Birmingham attorney David Guin thinks the pact, affecting as many as …. Repository, The

Asthma sufferers fret about ban on ‘rescue’ inhalers Asthma sufferers will soon be paying more for increasingly scarce emergency inhalers as part of the price of protecting the environment. By the end of 2008, the government says, the makers of albuterol “rescue” inhalers — used by millions of people to reopen airways during asthma attacks — will have to stop using the ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbon propellants that power the devices. Three decades ago, scientists found that the

CUTTING MEDICINE COSTS For many Americans, the rising cost of prescription drugs can be a bitter pill to swallow. Government figures show that prices for all prescription drugs jumped 5. 8 percent last year — well above the overall inflation rate of 2. 7 percent. But there are some options available to bring down out-of-pocket drug costs. In recent years, hundreds of companies and organizations have started offering discount prescription drug cards. For a fee, enrollees are promised access to …..

Deaths Spur Asthma-Drug Warning Washington – Twenty users of a new drug for chronic asthma have died since it hit the market in April, possibly because they mistakenly tried to use it, rather than a fast-acting inhaler, to relieve an asthma attack. The drug, Serevent, is effective at preventing asthma attacks over a 12-hour period, and it has been proven safe if used properly, experts said. But it doesn’t treat actual asthma attacks, because it takes at least 30 minutes to begin working ….. . Disease Proof – July 4, 2008 Kids: Nebulization Ups Cardiac Injury Risk Jul. 3, 2008 ( Disease Proof delivered by Newstex) Albuterol nebulization often used to treat acute asthma attacks has been shown to increase cardiac risks in children.

http://www.healasthma.com – BUSINESS BRIEFS ENERGY Solarfun tops as shipments surge The Chinese solar products maker said its Q profit rose % to . mil, beating views. Revenue rose times to . mil, also above views. Solarfun Power shipped nearly three times as many solar modules than a year before. Increased selling prices helped the result. The firm said it expects improving shipments and higher pricing in Q , but high polysilicon costs will pressure profit margins throughout the year. It jumped . % to . …. . MondayMorning (USA) – Vioxx Charge Leads to Huge Merck Loss. Merck & Co. (Whitehouse Station NJ) posted a . billion fourth-quarter loss last week as a massive charge for its Vioxx litigation dragged down results. The maker of allergy and asthma pill Singulair and osteoporosis treatment Fosamax said the net loss amounted to cents per share, compared with a year-ago profit of cents, or . million. Merck’s fourth-quarter revenue rose % to . billion but came in below analysts’ expectations for . … . Merck posts loss Merck & Co. on Tuesday posted a . billion loss in the fourth quarter as whopping charges, mainly for its Vioxx litigation settlement, dragged down results. The maker of allergy and asthma pill Singulair and osteoporosis treatment Fosamax said the net loss amounted to cents per share, compared with a year-ago profit of . million, or cents per share.The fourth-quarter charges totaled . billion, or . per share; that included a charge for… . Turn off the drip, drip while eating with nasal spray Q My nose runs almost all the timel. It gets worse when I’m eating food or drinking. My pharmacist suggested over-the-counter antihistamines, and doctors have tried prescribed sinus drugs (Singulair, Allegra, Zyrtec) and Flonase and Advair. Nothing works, can you help? — M.S., Camp Douglas, Wis. Answer The nasal discharge or “rhinitis” you describe occurs because of the inflammation inside the nose. Finding out what causes the inflammation is… . TOP PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED AS OF The brand, what it’s prescribed for, and the food or drink to avoid LIPITOR high cholesterol; grapefruit TOPROL XL high blood pressure, heart failure and angina; take on an empty stomach SINGULAIR asthma and allergies; no restrictions LEXAPRO depression and anxiety; alcohol NEXIUM gastrointestinal reflux disease and gastrointestinal ulcers; no restrictions SYNTHROID hypothyroidism; no feeding through tubes PREVACID gastrointestinal reflux disease… . ABC – WATE (Knoxville, TN) – Local Weekend News – TIME START I SAW MY SHADOW NEXT TO YOURS SLOWLY FADE AWAY I SAW MY SHADOW NEXT TO YOURS JUST FADE AWAY HAD THIS CONVERSATION SO MANY TIMES BEFORE I KNOW THAT YOU ARE TIRED OF THE SAME QUESTIONS BUT BE IF I KEEP ASKING THEM THE SOUNDS FROM YOUR MOUTH WILL FORM THAT I WANT TO HEAR I SAW MY SHADOW NEXT TO YOURS SLOWLY IS FADE AWAY OH, MY GOODNESS.LOVE YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE.SO CUTE.AND OUR THANKS TO THEAND THE SUBMARINES PROVIDING THAT SONG ‘THE… Merck Reports Double-Digit Earnings-Per-Share Growth for Second Quarter — Second-Quarter Earnings Per Share (EPS) Were Cents, Excluding Restructuring Charges; Second-Quarter Reported EPS Were Cents — Company Results Were Driven by the Continued Strong Performance of Key Products, Including SINGULAIR, VYTORIN, ZETIA, JANUVIA and Vaccines — Total Vaccine Sales, Led by GARDASIL, Achieved Billion for the Quarter — Merck Raises Full-Year EPS Guidance and Now Anticipates EPS Range of . to . , Excluding Restructuring Charges;… . M Presswire – Biotech News Current Research on Merck & Co. Inc Current Research on Merck & Co. Inc (NYSE MRK) Merck & Co., Inc. engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of various products for human and animal health. It offers Singulair for the chronic treatment of asthma, and relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis; Cozaar/Hyzaar and Vasotec for the treatment of hypertension/heart failure; Fosamax and Fosamax Plus D for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis; Zocor, an… . M Presswire – Biotech News Market Commentary on Merck & Co. Inc Market Commentary on Merck & Co. Inc (NYSE MRK) Merck & Co., Inc. engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of various products for human and animal health. It offers Singulair for the chronic treatment of asthma, and relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis; Cozaar/Hyzaar and Vasotec for the treatment of hypertension/heart failure; Fosamax and Fosamax Plus D for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis; Zocor, an… . Fool-ish Trivia Who am I? Based in New Jersey, I was established in the United States in by Germans. My �university-quality� research might have something to do with the Nobel Prizes won by some of my employees. Singulair is my top seller, and my other offerings include Cozaar, Hyzaar, Fosamax, Januvia, Vytorin and Zetia. In I spun off Medco, a pharmacy-benefi t manager, and in I withdrew Vioxx. I�ve donated medicine to the needy for decades and have lowered my… –

http://www.healasthma.com past six monthsthe past twelve months Search Hint Use the source navigation bar below to quickly narrow or broaden your search by geographic area. – . FD (FAIR DISCLOSURE) WIRE – Merck & Co., Inc. Conference Call – Final OPERATOR Good day everyone and welcome to the Merck guidance conference call. Today’s call is being recorded. At this time I’d like to turn the floor over to Mr. Mike Rabinowitz, Executive Director of Investor Relations with Merck. Please go ahead, sir. MIKE RABINOWITZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INVESTOR RELATIONS, MERCK & COMPANY, INC. Thank you, Felicia, and good morning, everyone. Welcome to our conference call.Continuing the practice we… . FD (FAIR DISCLOSURE) WIRE – Event Brief of Q Merck & Co., Inc. Earnings Conference Call – Final CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS . Michael Rabinowitz, Merck & Co. Inc., Executive Director, Investor Relations OVERVIEW MRK announced Q EPS of . per share, which incorporates impact of the withdrawal of VIOXX. Net income for Q was . b and . b YTD. Estimated cost of Vioxx withdrawal at . – . cents per share for full year, with . in Q . Q&A Focus corporate strategy, Arcoxia, Pneumovax increase, Fosamax European patent. FINANCIAL DATA A…. . FD (FAIR DISCLOSURE) WIRE – Event Brief of Q Merck & Co., Inc. Earnings Conference Call – Final CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS . Mark Stejbach, Merck & Co., Inc., IR Officer OVERVIEW MRK’s EPS for Q was in line with guidance at . on b total sales. Sales this quarter not affected by buyouts, but YoverY comparisions are affected by a net buyout a year ago of m.Five drugs are in Phase trials, and Viturin is expected to launch the second half of . Third quarter EPS is expected to be . – . per share. Q&A Focus … . Daily Telegraph (Sydney, Australia) – New respiratory drugs under PBS TWO new drugs to treat respiratory disease will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at a cost of million a year.From , Singulair, used to treat children with asthma, and Spiriva, a treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, will be covered by the PBS.Federal Cabinet approved the drugs for listing at its meeting on Monday.However, on advice from the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), it decided against… BOY CAUGHT IN A MEDICAL PREDICAMENT INSURANCE DETERMINES CARE Ethan Bortin gets his asthma medicine off the sample shelf at his doctor’s office because his health insurance won’t cover it.It’s that medicine, the -year-old explains, hands in the pockets of his baggy khaki pants, that keeps him out of the hospital and on his skateboard.But he never knows when he’ll run out.Ethan has been in the hospital times, the last time a year ago this month. His mother has lost count of emergency room… BOY CAUGHT IN A MEDICAL PREDICAMENT INSURANCE DETERMINES CARE Ethan Bortin gets his asthma medicine off the sample shelf at his doctor’s office because his health insurance won’t cover it.It’s that medicine, the -year-old explains, hands in the pockets of his baggy khaki pants, that keeps him out of the hospital and on his skateboard.But he never knows when he’ll run out.Ethan has been in the hospital times, the last time a year ago this month. His mother has lost count of emergency room… BOY CAUGHT IN A MEDICAL PREDICAMENT INSURANCE DETERMINES CARE Ethan Bortin gets his asthma medicine off the sample shelf at his doctor’s office because his health insurance won’t cover it.It’s that medicine, the -year-old explains, hands in the pockets of his baggy khaki pants, that keeps him out of the hospital and on his skateboard.But he never knows when he’ll run out.Ethan has been in the hospital times, the last time a year ago this month. His mother has lost count of emergency room… . Hamilton Spectator, The (Ontario, Canada) – New asthma drugs help after exercise, studies find Two new asthma drugs can help prevent attacks after exercising, but one loses its effectiveness over time and the other fails to work for one-in-four sufferers, recent studies say.Most people with asthma can exercise vigorously, but they risk an attack if their workout ends abruptly after three to eight minutes or if they exercise in cold, dry air.The studies, published in a recent edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, say the two drugs, approved in the U.S. earlier this… Big Movers in the Stock Market Some of the stocks that are moving substantially or trading heavily today on the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Stock Market, and American Stock Exchange.NYSE Merck, up / at / The Food and Drug Administration cleared the drugmaker to begin selling its Singulair asthma drug next month. Singulair is one of a new class of oral asthma drugs that targets the causes of the disease, rather than symptoms. The first such drug to win FDA approval was Zeneca… . ABC – KVUE (Austin, TX) – KVUE News at pm – TIME START SIDE EFFECTS ARE GENERALLY MILD AND VARY BY AGE AND INCLUDE HEADACHE, EAR INFECTION, SORE THROAT AND UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION.SINGULAIR.A DIFFERENT WAY TO TREAT ALLERGIES.WHAT ABOUT LIKE, ‘YOU’VE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME’?MOM, YOU’VE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME.RECORD SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE NOSTALGIC.EVER SINCE I WAS A LITTLE GIRL…( laughing ) I GOT ONE, I GOT… –

http://www.healasthma.com past six monthsthe past twelve months Search Hint Connecting terms with OR broadens your search to give more results …more on search operators – . Allergizer – Medicines for Your Allergic Rhinitis Aug. , ( Allergizer delivered by Newstex) — Don’t let yourself be backed down by allergies.Most allergy medicines work by blocking a chemical produced by the body called histamine, which is what causes allergy symptoms. The more popular brands (generic names in brackets) of antihistamines are Allegra (fexofenadine) Benadryl (diphenhydramine) Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) Clarinex (desloratadine) Claritin (loratadine) Dimetapp (brompheniramine) Zyrtec (cetirizine)… . BOMBED CHURCH MADE LANDMARK BIRMINGHAM, Ala – The church where four black girls died in a racist bombing in was designated as a national landmark yesterday, with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales recalling their memory amid a string of recent attacks against churches in Alabama.Speaking at the pulpit of Birmingham’s Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Gonzales likened the deadly bombing of the old brick building to a series of arsons that hit rural Baptist churches since Feb. .Gonzales called… Asthmatic needs close medical attention Dear Dr. Gott I have a daughter who has been an asthmatic since birth and is now years old. She is steroid-dependent. In addition, she is on theophylline, methotrexate, Singulair, albuterol, Azmacort, Zocor, diltiazem, and lisinopril daily, as well as a multitude of as-needed meds, including oxygen and epinephrine. Her steroid dosage varies according to her condition. Hospitalization occurs as needed, usually a minimum of five days on an average of one to two episodes yearly.She is… . Times, The (London, England) – A spoonful of help, Health ANY PARENT, or grandparent, who has tried to persuade an asthmatic toddler to inhale steroids would have no difficulty in agreeing that, as far as medicines are concerned, children cannot be treated as small adults. Not only there be problems of delivery but the immaturity of their metabolic system result in drugs being dealt with by their bodies less efficiently or in a way which will give rise to unexpected adverse effects. The changes in the present regulations referring to… . Express, The (London, England) – The Express Infant asthma granules PARENTS who find it difficult to persuade their asthmatic children to use inhalers or swallow pills have new help with a drug that can be sprinkled on food. The non-steroidal drug Singulair is designed for infants and toddlers and can even be mixed with baby food.It contains a milligram dose of the drug montelukast and comes in the form of white, tasteless granules. A six- week trial of the medicine among children aged between six months and two years showed significantly improved… . (Bellevue, WA) – BRIEFLY Microsoft names Gilmartin to board REDMOND — Microsoft Corp. yesterday named Raymond Gilmartin, chief executive of No. drugmaker Merck & Co., to its board.Gilmartin, , has headed Merck since . The company makes drugs such as Singulair asthma medicine.Gilmartin becomes the only chief executive from another company currently serving on the board of Redmond-based Microsoft. Directors from outside Microsoft include Safeco Corp. Chairman Gary Reed, venture capitalist David Marquardt and Ann… BRIEFLY Microsoft names Gilmartin to board REDMOND — Microsoft Corp. yesterday named Raymond Gilmartin, chief executive of No. drugmaker Merck & Co., to its board.Gilmartin, , has headed Merck since . The company makes drugs such as Singulair asthma medicine.Gilmartin becomes the only chief executive from another company currently serving on the board of Redmond-based Microsoft. Directors from outside Microsoft include Safeco Corp. Chairman Gary Reed, venture capitalist David Marquardt and Ann… ASTHMA DRUG NEXT IN MERCK PIPELINE LET’S GO TO PRESS! The pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. will unveil, subject to FDA approval, a new drug for treating asthma – perhaps by . The word on the drug, called Singulair, came from Eleanor Stathis and Lisa Burkholder, who greeted more than physicians and their guests at Giovanni’s on The Hill Wednesday evening. Stathis and Burkholder were there on behalf of their employer, Merck, to host a feedbag at which Dr. Peter Jones of Baylor University… . Drugmakers Ease Eligibility for Discounts In this tough economy, a few drug companies are broadening their programs that help people struggling to pay for prescription drugs. Last month, Merck, whose drugs include Januvia for diabetes and Singulair for asthma, increased the income eligibility of its assistance plan to percent of the federal poverty level, from its previous percent level.This means that patients in the contiguous United States qualify if they have an annual household income of , or less… . Allergizer – ASTHMyths Asthma Facts vs Myths Jan. , ( Creative Weblogging delivered by Newstex) Are you or someone you know recently diagnosed of asthma? Find out more about asthma from AsthMyths, a website put together by Merck (manufacturer of Singulair), to help patients separate fact from myths. Will moving to a dry climate improve your asthma?Can one outgrow asthma?Can one help prevent asthma symptoms from occuring? Find out the answers and more, here. … –

http://www.healasthma.com – . M Presswire – Biotech News In- Depth Research on Merck & Co. Inc In- Depth Research on Merck & Co. Inc (NYSE MRK) Merck & Co., Inc. engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of various products for human and animal health. It offers Singulair for the chronic treatment of asthma, and relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis; Cozaar/Hyzaar and Vasotec for the treatment of hypertension/heart failure; Fosamax and Fosamax Plus D for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis; Zocor, an… . Patents expiring in * Claritin by Schering-Plough * Augmentin by GlaxoSmithKline * Intron A by Schering-Plough * Axid by Eli Lilly * Relafen by GlaxoSmithKline Patents expiring in * Cipro by Bayer * Singulair by Merck & Co. * Flovent by GlaxoSmithKline * Flonase by GlaxoSmithKline * Engerix-B by GlaxoSmithKline Patents expiring in * Lovenox by Aventis Pharmaceuticals * Diflucan by Pfizer * Lupron by Tap Pharmaceutical * Lamisil… . Times, The (London, England) – Breathe easy, the family pet can stay, Body and Mind Kim, an aged but friendly labrador, is now too stiff and arthritic to accompany his master out shooting, but he thoroughly enjoys life. Kim, who wags his tail with huge enthusiasm whenever he greets his family, is unaware how they were planning the final treachery – to put him down. This was not entirely because of Kim’s age but because of the moderately severe but uncontrolled asthma suffered by the -year-old son of the house. Kim’s life was saved, and the… . The Kansas City Star – The morning memo BankAmerica brokerage jobs BankAmerica Corp. said Friday that it will eliminate jobs from its brokerage unit that sells investments to retail customers as the nation’s largest bank consolidates units after its merger with NationsBank Corp. Charlotte, N.C.-based BankAmerica will eliminate the broker and support staff jobs across the country from both NationsBanc Investments Inc. and BA Investment Services, said spokeswoman Ann Anderson.Anderson said she didn’t… FDA delves into possible side effect Suicide By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar The Associated Press WASHINGTON Cody Miller was a high school football player who was allergic to ragweed. Douglas Briggs was a doctor coping with pain from an old back injury.Both are now dead, hanging victims driven to suicide, their families believe, when drugs prescribed to relieve physical symptoms upset their mental and emotional balance.Federal drug regulators are investigating to see whether the families could be right.Until now, the… Suicide risks studied in medications By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar The Associated Press WASHINGTON � Cody Miller was a high school football player who was allergic to ragweed . Douglas Briggs was a doctor coping with pain from an old back injury.Both are now dead, hanging victims driven to suicide, their families believe, when drugs prescribed to relieve physical symptoms upset their mental and emotional balance.Federal drug regulators are investigating to see if the families could be right.Until now,… . Hidden dangers of medicine WASHINGTON — Cody Miller was a high school football player who was allergic to ragweed. Douglas Briggs was a doctor coping with pain from an old back injury. Both are now dead, hanging victims driven to suicide, their families believe, when drugs prescribed to relieve physical symptoms upset their mental and emotional balance.Federal drug regulators are investigating to see if the families could be right.Until now, the Food and Drug Administration’s attention to the… WPEC (West Palm Beach, FL) – CHANNEL NEWS – TIME START A MA R DECISION JUST MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY VOTES WILL COUNT.(( TAKE WX GFX)) THE FIRST TROPICAL STORM OF THE SEASON IS SWEEPING THROUGH THE CARIBBEAN.A LOOK AT WHERE ARTHUR IS ALREADY MAKING LANDFALL.(VO) THE SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY LIFTS OFF FROM THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER.WE TAKE YOU LIVE FOR DETAILS ON ITS LATEST MISSION (VO) PLUS A LOCAL EAGLE SCOUT RALLIES HUNDREDS TO HONOR A FALLEN DEPUTY SOT STEPHANIE BREAKING NEWS…… . ABC – ABC (USA) – Good Morning Americ – TIME START >WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING TO BE HERE IN NEW YORK CITY IN BRYANT PARK, GETTING READY FOR USHER.IT’S FANTASTIC, THIS CROWD.UNBELIEVABLE.DO YOU FEEL IT THERE AT HOME AS WE SAY GOOD MORNING, AMERICA.WE’LL GET YOU READY FOR THE WEEKEND THIS FRIDAY MORNING.GOT THE NUMBER ONE SONG IN THE COUNTRY.NUMBER ONE STAR.WE WELCOME YOU BACK, DIANE SAWYER WITH ROBIN ROBERTS.AND COMING UP AS… . FD (FAIR DISCLOSURE) WIRE – Event Brief of Q Merck & Co., Inc. Earnings Conference Call – Final PARTICIPANTS . Graeme Bell, Merck & Co., Inc., VP, Investor Relations . Richard Clark, Merck & Co., Inc., Chairman, President & CEO . Ken Frazier, Merck & Co., Inc., EVP & CFO . Peter Kellogg, Merck & Co., Inc., EVP, CFO . Tim Anderson, Sanford Bernstein, Analyst . Roopesh Patel, UBS, Analyst . Jami Rubin, Morgan Stanley, Analyst . Norman Fidel, Alliance Capital, Analyst . Tony Butler, Lehman… –

http://www.healasthma.com – Merck posts . B loss for the fourth quarter Merck & Co. posted a . billion fourth-quarter loss Wednesday as a whopping charge for its Vioxx litigation settlement dragged down results.The maker of allergy and asthma pill Singulair and osteoporosis treatment Fosamax said the net loss amounted to cents per share, compared with a year-ago profit of cents, or . million.Merck’s fourth-quarter revenues were below analysts’ expectations and the drug maker’s shares closed… KCNC (Denver, CO) – News AT PM – TIME START ARICEPT IS WELL TOLERATED BUT NOT FOR EVERYONE.PEOPLE AT RISK FOR STOMACH ULCERS…OR WHO TAKE CERTAIN OTHER MEDICINES…SHOULD TELL THEIR DOCTORS…BECAUSE SERIOUS STOMACH PROBLEMS…SUCH AS BLEEDING GET WORSE.SOME PEOPLE PERIENCE FAINT G.SOME PEOPLE HAVE NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIARRHEA, BRUISING OR NOT SLEEP WELL.SOME PEOPLE HAVE MUSCLE CRAMPS OR LOSS OF APPETITE…OR FEEL TIRED.IN… . ASTHMA DRUG FOUND TO REDUCE COLD SYMPTOMS An asthma drug is showing promise as a treatment for the common cold.In a new study from Allegheny General Hospital, adults who took the drug montelukast, marketed as Singulair, when they came down with a cold experienced a percent reduction in nasal secretions and their symptoms resolved about / days sooner than those who took a placebo.The findings were presented yesterday in San Diego at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology…. . Age, The (Melbourne, Australia) – Asthma drug to get PBS listing Canberra Children with asthma and sufferers of chronic lung disease will benefit from dramatic cost reductions to new drugs, but those with type two diabetes miss out under changes federal cabinet has approved.Cabinet has decided to list on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme a tablet for the treatment of asthma in children, called Singulair, and Spiriva which is used for sufferers of chronic lung disease. This will cost million over four years.But fearing a cost surge to… . Guardian, The (London, England) – THE GUARDIAN FINANCE MERCK NOTEBOOK AS Glaxo Wellcome/ SmithKline Beecham forge their pounds billion merger, their closest rival, Merck, has stolen a in the asthma market with an FDA approval. Its new drug, Singulair, which is seen as revolutionising asthma care, is one of those rare creatures of which ethical drug companies dream – a Dollars billion-a-year product which will put pressure on all its leading rivals. … At A Glance Merck and Schering-Plough NAME Merck & Co. LOCATION Whitehouse Station, N.J.TOP EXECUTIVE Chairman and Chief Executive Richard Clark EMPLOYEES , . MAJOR PRODUCTS Asthma and allergy treatment Singulair, blood-pressure drug Cozaar, osteoporosis drug Fosamax, diabetes drug Januvia, and human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil. NAME Schering-Plough Co. LOCATION Kenilworth, N.J. TOP EXECUTIVE Chairman and Chief Executive Fred Hassan EMPLOYEES … . USA TODAY (Arlington, VA) – Profits at Merck and Boeing plunge; AT& T’s earnings increase . % Merck said Wednesday that it will slash , positions, % of its workforce, and narrowed its earnings outlook because of disappointing sales of some of its key drugs. It said % of the job cuts would come from the U.S. and many from its executive ranks. Merck, maker of allergy and asthma drug Singulair and now-defunct painkiller Vioxx, has cut , jobs since .The cuts were announced along with Merck’s third-quarter earnings. Because of a big restructuring… . ABC – KTRK (Houston, TX) – Eyewitness pm – TIME START STAY TUNED.THERE’S MORE ‘INSIDE EDITION’ TO COME.IT SEEMS LIKE NO MATTER WHAT ANTI-AGING TREATMENT YOU USE…YOU CAN BARELY SEE A DIFFERENCE.IF I’M GOING TO DO THE WORK, THEN I WANT TO SEE THE RESULTS.NEW NEUTROGENA HEALTHY SKIN REJUVENATOR.EACH PUFF’S ULTRA-FINE CRYSTALS…GENTLY CREATE MORE LUMINOUS SKIN TODAY…WHILE MICRO-VIBRATIONS BOOST CIRCULATION…AND… Vioxx deal drags Merck’s results into the red, Fourth-quarter loss totals . B TRENTON � Merck & Co. posted a . billion fourth-quarter loss Wednesday as a whopping charge for its Vioxx litigation settlement dragged down results.The maker of the allergy and asthma pill Singulair and the osteoporosis treatment Fosamax said the net loss amounted to cents per share, compared with a year-ago profit of cents, or . million.Merck’s fourth-quarter revenue was below analysts’ forecasts, and its shares closed… Merck posts . billion Q loss due to Vioxx deal, other charges Merck & Co. posted a . billion fourth-quarter loss Wednesday as a whopping charge for its Vioxx litigation settlement dragged down results. The maker of allergy and asthma pill Singulair and osteoporosis treatment Fosamax said the net loss amounted to cents per share, compared with a year-ago profit of cents, or . million.Merck’s fourth-quarter revenues were below analysts’ expectations and the drug maker’s shares… –

http://www.healasthma.com past six monthsthe past twelve months Search Hint Connecting terms with AND narrows your search to give more precise results …more on search operators – . McClatchy-Tribune Regional News (USA) – BRIEF Barclays sees court ruling against Teva on Merck patent “Based on testimony offered and the tone of the proceedings, in our view the most likely outcome is that Merck’s patent no. , , will be upheld.” Mar. Barclays Capital has reviewed the transcripts of the patent trial between Merck & Co. (NYSE MRK) and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq TEVA; TASE TEVA) about Merck’s Singulair asthma and allergic rhinitis treatment.Barclays Capital noted, “Based on testimony offered and the tone of the proceedings, in our view the most likely outcome is that Merck’s patent no. , , will be upheld should there be no out-of-court… . Globes (Tel Aviv, Israel) – BRIEF Barclays sees court ruling against Teva on Merck patent “Based on testimony offered and the tone of the proceedings, in our view the most likely outcome is that Merck’s patent no. , , will be upheld.” Mar. –Barclays Capital has reviewed the transcripts of the patent trial between Merck & Co. (NYSE MRK) and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq TEVA; TASE TEVA) about Merck’s Singulair asthma and allergic rhinitis treatment. Barclays Capital noted, “Based on testimony offered and the tone of the proceedings, in our view the most likely outcome is that Merck’s patent no. , , will be upheld should there be no out-of-court… BRIEFS Basketball skills event set Saturday Hope Youth Development is hosting the Junior NBA and WNBA Skills Challenge Saturday at Gonzales Middle School.The free event, sponsored by Singulair, is a basketball skills competition for boys and girls ages – .Youth will complete in shooting, dribbling and passing contests.Hope Youth Development Director Mark Peters said the challenge is designed to encourage youth participation in sports and promote sportsmanship.Registration… . Chemical Business NewsBase (United Kingdom) – Chemical Business NewsBase – Chemical and Engineering News Schering-Plough, Merck end venture. Merck & Co and Schering-Plough have cancelled their respiratory jv following the pullout of their New Drug Application for a pill that mixes the active ingredients in Merck’s Singulair and Schering-Plough’s Claritin. The termination was made two months following the FDA’s statement that it will not permit the combination drug. Merck will pay M to Schering-Plough for the termination. … . Financial Times (London, England) – Merck and Eli Lilly in profits jump Merck and Eli Lilly, two of the largest US pharmaceuticals companies, on Monday both reported earnings that nearly doubled compared with last year.Merck, which makes the allergy drug Singulair, said net income in the first quarter to the end of was . bn, or . per share, up from . bn, or cents a share, a year ago.Excluding a . bn gain from an arrangement with AstraZeneca, the British drugmaker, and other one-off items, Merck earned cents per share in the… KCNC (Denver, CO) – News @ PM – TIME START It is very simple.As far as I’ m concerned…you are free to go.Just like that, huh?Yes.Just like that.But…you should know, you made a lot of enemies the last time you were in Rio.And this is your way of saying “good luck.” I admit to nothing.But…good luck.(several guns cocking) (gunshot echoes) (footfalls, gun cocks) Captioning sponsored by , C.S.I…. Four North Coast hoop shooters advance to regionals North Coast youngsters between the ages of and had the opportunity to participate in the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Skills Challenge Saturday.The event sponsored by Singulair provides boys and girls, competing separately, a free opportunity to showcase their excellence in the basketball skills of dribbling, passing and shooting.Over participants competed in the Challenge, hosted by the Astoria Parks and Community Services.The following participants – all from Astoria – took first… . Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia) – Asthma drug listed TWO new drugs will soon be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in a move that will save sufferers of juvenile asthma and emphysema up to a month.Singulair and Spiriva will be on the PBS from after a decision by Federal Cabinet. Cabinet also agreed to list type diabetes drug Avandia as soon as it can be sure that it will not be wrongly prescribed…. . NJ – AstraZeneca gets OK to sell asthma pills to kids Drug approval first since merger By CHERYL MEYER Staff reporter AstraZeneca Plc received federal approval to sell a new formula of its asthma-fighting pills to children as young as years old, company executives said Monday.Previously, adults and children ages and older could take Accolate, AstraZeneca’s oral drug for the respiratory disease. Accolate was officially launched for sale in .For years, many children under age have relied on inhalers… NIGHTLY NEWS for BRIAN WILLIAMS, NEWS ANCHOR On the broadcast here tonight — how safe? The government is investigating a possible link between a best- selling asthma drug and suicide. Crackdown in Baghdad. A new curfew coming after thousands of angry Iraqis filled the streets. While President Bush says again, the surge is working.Working women. A growing number of them working older and longer and wondering if they will ever retire.The French connection. The supermodel who is now a first… –

http://www.healasthma.com past six monthsthe past twelve months Search Hint Connecting terms with AND narrows your search to give more precise results …more on search operators – . Daily Dispatch, The (Henderson, NC) – Suicide risks studied in drugs prescribed for physical ills WASHINGTON – Cody Miller was a high school football player who was allergic to ragweed. Douglas Briggs was a doctor coping with pain from an old back injury. Both are now dead, hanging victims driven to suicide, their families believe, when drugs prescribed to relieve physical symptoms upset their mental and emotional balance.Federal drug regulators are investigating to see if the families could be right.Until now, the Food and Drug Administration’s attention to the… . U.S. & WORLD NEWS TO KNOW Former political foes Mitt Romney and John McCain campaigned together to push McCain’s presidential bid. Other political coverage. A The FDA is investigating a possible link between the allergy and asthma drug Singulair and suicide. A Tibetan monks interrupted an event staged by Chinese authorities for foreign reporters, proclaiming there was no freedom in their country. A A virus is killing salmon raised by the millions in cramped pens in… Top prescriptions dispensed As of BRAND prescribed for; food or drink to avoid LIPITOR high cholesterol; grapefruit TOPROL XL high blood pressure, heart failure and angina; take on an empty stomach SINGULAIR asthma and allergies; no restrictions LEXAPRO depression and anxiety; alcohol NEXIUM gastrointestinal reflux disease and gastrointestinal ulcers; no restrictions SYNTHROID hypothyroidism; no feeding through tubes PREVACID gastrointestinal… . Investopedia Advisor – Merck Building Its Street Cred (MRK) Oct. , ( Investopedia Advisor delivered by Newstex) Merck’s (NYSE MRK ) head turning third-quarter results have given the company some serious “Street cred” – Wall Street cred that is. The drug giant is on the right track, both in terms of earnings and in terms of its relationship with Wall Street analysts. For , in its third quarter, the company earned cents per share (excluding one-time restructuring costs and… . Times, The (London, England) – A complement for asthma sufferers, Health FRANCIS BACON’s life was well rendered in a recent BBC Two documentary. His early days were spent in Ireland, where his English father, a traditionalist and a keen horseman, kept a stable. Bacon’s childhood was blighted by severe asthma. If he had been physically stronger, and able to join in all the family pursuits without wheezing, would his life have turned out differently? It seems unlikely that his authoritarian father was the sort of man to show much… . Hunterdon County Democrat (Flemington, NJ) – Merck Cites Research Costs To Account For Income Dip READINGTON TWP Despite rising revenues, Merck & Co. reported a slight drop in second quarter income, citing increased expenses in research and development. The pharmaceutical giant, which has headquarters here and produces the cholesterol drug Zocor, allergy medicine Singulair and osteoporosis treatment Fosamax, said net income was . billion, or cents per share, compared to . billion for the same quarter last year.Worldwide sales were up % or billion for… Dangerous dose Wrong pills sold Pharmacist’s error discovered by mom SAYREVILLE When she shook the pills out of the prescription bottle, Stacy Steiner could tell that something wasn’t right.The shape of the pills caught her eye. They simply looked different from the mg tablets of Singulair, an asthma medication that she gives her two sons before bedtime.So the borough mom held off on the medication and hit the Internet – only to find that the Sayreville Drug Fair had inadvertently given her mg of the asthma drug, rather than the dosage… . MondayMorning (USA) – Merck Q Profit Nearly Doubles. Merck & Co. (Whitehouse Station NJ) reported it nearly doubled its first-quarter profit, with the drugmaker citing a . billion payment from a partner drug company and sales up slightly from last year. The maker of allergy and asthma pill Singulair and cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil posted net income of . billion, or . per share, up from . billion, or cents, a year earlier. The . billion gain from AstraZeneca Plc, . billion before taxes, was a scheduled… Merck profit almost doubles in Q on gain; sales edge up Merck & Co. reported Monday it nearly doubled its first-quarter profit, with the drugmaker citing a . billion payment from a partner drug company and sales up slightly from last year. The maker of allergy and asthma pill Singulair and cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil posted net income of . billion, or . per share, for the – period, up from . billion, or cents a share, a year ago.The . billion gain from AstraZeneca PLC, . billion before… . Nelson’s Broker Summaries – MERCK & COMPANY INC EPS Estimated At . Company MERCK & COMPANY INC Report Headline “Merck & Co. Singulair Potential Suicidality Already in Label” Report Date Current FY EPS Estimate [FY ] . Previous EPS Estimate for Current FY [FY ] . Current Quarter EPS Estimate [Q ] . Next FY EPS Estimate [FY ] . Previous EPS Estimate for Next FY [FY ] . Current Recommendation OVERWT/IN-LINE Research Firm … –

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- Merck Announces Full-Year Earnings Per Share -EPS- of . , Fourth-Quarter EPS of Cents Merck & Co., Inc. Media Contacts Tony Plohoros, – - Anita Larsen, – - or Investor Contact Graeme Bell, – - Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE MRK) — Merck Reaffirms Full-Year EPS Range of . to . — Merck Anticipates First-Quarter EPS of to Cents — Merck Reserves an Additional Million in the Fourth Quarter Solely for Future Legal Defense Costs for VIOXX, Bringing Total Reserve to Million … . FD (FAIR DISCLOSURE) WIRE – Q Merck & Co., Inc. Earnings Conference Call – Final OPERATOR Good day, and welcome to the Merck nd quarter earnings conference call. Today’s call is being recorded. At this time I’d like to turn the floor over to Mr. Mark Stejbach, Senior Director of Investor Relations with Merck. Please go ahead, sir. MARK STEJBACH, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF IR, MERCK & CO. INC. Thank you, and good morning everybody. Welcome to our nd quarter call. You should have the press release by now.If you are on our email… ‘Richer than God,’ and playing it too When our -year-old son, newly graduated from a two-year college and not yet working, went to the pharmacy for asthma medication Thursday, he left empty-handed.His pill-a-day prescription for Singulair, an allergy drug, was ready and waiting. But he didn’t have the he needed to pay for a three-month supply and that’s with HMO prescription coverage, which he won’t have much longer. It’s far more costly without.Since he’d… . HEALTH NEWS BRIEFS Renamed health project gears up The th annual Project Healthy Living (formerly known as Project Health-O-Rama) will begin Sunday and run through at more than sites in the city of Detroit and the counties of Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne.The project, mounted by , volunteers and agencies, offers free or low-cost health screenings. Free tests at all sites include blood pressure, height and weight, vision,… . The Hartford Courant – HOSPITAL TO PARTICIPATE IN ASTHMA DRUG RESEARCH New Britain General Hospital has been chosen as one of the first hospitals in the country to be involved with new research on controlling asthma.The hospital has enrolled patients in a clinical trial being conducted by Merck pharmaceutical company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The study involves the use of the drug montelukast, also called Singulair. The drug is on the market as a treatment for asthma, but the trial is using it in intravenous form to treat people suffering… . Stuart News, The DISCUSS TREATMENT FOR ASTHMA WITH PHYSICIAN Editor On page D of the Feb. News, in the health column, Dr. Peter Gott mentions new medicines for asthma. Although these medications were described as antagonizing the actions of leukotrienes, zafirlukast (Accolate) and montelukast (Singulair) block the leukotriene inflammatory process by a different mechanism from zileuton (Zyflo).In the column, Gott mentions “… my consultants tell me that the medicines are very useful in preventing the wheezing and difficulty… . Asian News International – Girls, kids exposed to tobacco smoke respond well to montelukast Report from Asian News International brought to you by HT Syndication.Washington, — Researchers at National Jewish Medical and Research Center have found that girls and children exposed to tobacco smoke respond particularly well to montelukast (Singulair).Nathan Rabinovitch, MD, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, and his colleagues also identified two biomarkers that might help doctors predict even more precisely which patients will benefit from montelukast…. KTHV (Little Rock-Pine Bluff, AR) – Early cut-in – TIME START ONE PILL, ONCE A DAY SIDE EFFECTS ARE GENERALLY MILD A ND VARY BY AGE AND INCLUDE HEAD ACHE, EAR INFECTION, SORE THROAT AND UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION.SINGULAIR.A DIFFERENT WAY TO TREAT ALLERGIES.>IN OUR NEXT HOUR, WE’RE GOING TO TAKE A LOOK AT T HIS STUDY, A LUNG CANCER STUDY FUNDED BY A TOBACCO COMPANY.TALK ABOUT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST.WE’LL TAKE A CLOSER LOOK…. . ABC – WLS (Chicago, IL) – ABC News @ PM – TIME START Woo-Woo The Astelins?It could be Allergies Gettin’ To you But Irritants can cause your Symptoms too TIME START Caused by Irritants.Nasonex, Singulair and Zyrtec aren’t.Astelin is for People and over.TIME START Or Irritants do you in…Ask your Doctor ‘Bout…Astelin TIME START A Fire Truck responding to a call Collides with a School Butts…. Research And Markets The Novel Mechanism Proposed By Rigels R For The Treatment Of Allergic Rhinitis Has A Solid Scientific Rationale, And Is Favored By Opinion Leaders. Research and Markets Laura Wood press@researchandmarkets.com Fax + Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c ) has announced the addition of Rigels Allergic Rhinitis Candidate – R to their offering In a therapeutic area where mature products dominate, R is a promising treatment with a novel mechanism of action, likely to demonstrate clinical superiority to Mercks Singulair (montelukast) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The main… –

http://www.healasthma.com – WCCO (Minneapolis, MN) – Rosen’s Sports Sun TIME START h# ( j~ TIME START !!ex}}~ } }>c TIME START I’M STILL STUCK HERE, WITH CABLE.CABLE MAN– MAKES ME WANT TO SHUT DOWN FOR GOOD.WITHOUT AN ALL-DIGITAL CONNECTION, WHAT GOOD AM I?CHEER UP, FELLAS.I HEARD YOU’RE GETTING QWEST FOR THE HOLIDAYS.ALL RIGHT!YAY!QWEST!GET YOUR HIGH-TECH TOYS THE CONNECTIONS THEY NEED.BUNDLE NOW WITH QWEST AND BE… WDEF (Chattanooga, TN) – Local News – TIME START THANKS FOR JOINING US. PEOPLE HAVE NOW DIED THIS YEAR ON CHATTANOOGA ROADWAYS.THE LATEST DEADLY CRASH HAPPENED ABOUT LAST NIGHT.MORE NOW IN OUR TOP LOCAL STORY…CHATTANOOGA POLICE SAY – YEAR-OLD JOHN GRAVES LOST CONTROL OF HIS SAAB CONVERTIBLE AS HE TRAVELLED NORTH IN THE – HUNDRED BLOCK OF HIXSON PIKE.THE CAR CROSSED OVER INTO THE SOUTHBOUND LANES, SLID ALONG A ROCK WALL, AND THEN – AN ONCOMING S-U-V HIT IT IN THE… . ABC – WZVN (Ft. Myers, FL) – NEWS AT PM – TIME START Dr.Phil We have one polygraph that says you were being deceptive and one says truthful.announcer And the dramatica is far from over.Dr.Phil Until we have clear and concise answers, this child needs to be protected.announcer New allegations.I remember and I was hoping she would come forward.Dr.Phil What are you doing .what are you doing?Molesting children.Dr.Phil Did you sleep with a -year-old girl… . ABC – WATE (Knoxville, TN) – Local News – TIME START It’s called exercise.ABC@ar@h@the view it will get you from here to there, I allow you to spend time with your family ew@kuk h@abcthe view@ar and meet new people–oh!H ABC@kukthe viewh cut inches from your waist line, ABC@ar@h@the view even help improve your self-image.Iew@kuk h@ab sexy.So when you’ve got to choose betwee ab or lying on the couch, choose exercise.C@ar@h@the view k pd“ thp’ r call… WVLT (Knoxville, TN) – Local News – TIME START And nellie, you are our runnerup!And they want to see the first showcase, if you please.rich This showcase begins with this new living room!This family room from the elk river collection by broyhill brings together the grandeur of nature in soothing designs straight out of America’s rustic preserves.From broyhill, celebrating years.Plus, new carpeting. square yards of ‘good… . EDGAR Online -K Glimpse (USA) – -K MERCK & CO INC Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. FORM -K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section or (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) Merck & Co., Inc. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) New Jersey (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) – - (Commission File Number)… . FD (FAIR DISCLOSURE) WIRE – Event Brief of Q Merck & Co., Inc. Earnings Conference Call – Final PARTICIPANTS . Graeme Bell, Merck & Co., Senior Director, IR . Dick Clark, Merck & Co., CEO & President . Judy Lewent, Merck & Co., EVP & CFO . Ru Pesh-Patel, UBS, Analyst . Tim Anderson, Prudential, Analyst . David Moskowitz, Friedman Billings Ramsey, Analyst . Jami Rubin, Morgan Stanley, Analyst . James Kelly, Goldman Sachs, Analyst . Steve Scala, Cowen & Co., Analyst . David Risinger,… . FD (FAIR DISCLOSURE) WIRE – Q Merck & Co., Inc. Earnings Conference Call – Final OPERATOR Good day, everyone, and welcome to Merck’s first-quarter earnings conference call. Today’s call is being recorded. At this time I would like to turn the call over to Mr. Graeme Bell, Senior Director of Investor Relations with Merck. Please go ahead, sir. GRAEME BELL, SENIOR DIRECTOR, IR, MERCK & CO. Thank you, Amanda, and good morning. Thank you very much for joining us on Merck’s first-quarter earnings conference… . Winchester OTC Drug Works as Well on Hay Fever With spring comes a stuffy nose for many people as seasonal allergies kick in. Certain drugs target nasal congestion, a symptom generally not helped by antihistamines. How does an over-thecounter anti-congestion drug compare with one that requires a prescription?A new study randomly assigned adults with ragweed allergies to take Sudafed (pseudoephedrine hydrochloride) or the prescription drug Singulair (montelukast sodium) every morning. After two weeks, symptoms – including sneezing,… . FD (FAIR DISCLOSURE) WIRE – Merck & Co., Inc. at Lehman Brothers Global Health Care Conference – Final OPERATOR Good morning, and welcome to the second day of the Lehman Brothers Health Care Conference. I’m Tony Butler, and with us this morning is Carline Dorsa, whom you know is the VP and Treasurer at Merck. Merck is clearly undergoing some interesting challenges in the marketplace, today. And we’re certainly thankful for Caroline and Head of IR, Graham Bell, for joining us today to perhaps elucidate on their strategy, going forward. Caroline, thanks very… –