The FDA approved AstraZeneca's Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) for short-term use in children ages one -11 years for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Sciele Pharma expaned its alliance with Sanofi-Aventis with a new exclusive, three-year agreement to market Allegra orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) and Allegra oral suspension in the pediatric market in the US.

Eli Lilly announced the launch of KwikPen, a new insulin pen prefilled with Humalog (insulin lispro injection).

The FDA has approved UCB and Sanofi-Aventis' NDA for Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 0.5 mg/ml oral solution, a prescription antihistamine indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with indoor and outdoor allergies, as well as the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Bentley Pharmaceuticals announced its European subsidiaries have received approvals to market their omeprazole capsule products, through their licensees, in various territories in Europe.

AstraZeneca submitted applications in the European Union for once-daily Seroquel XR (quetiapine fumarate), seeking approval for the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

Schering-Plough posted a fourth quarter loss on charges related to its acquisition of Organon and said it was ready to take action if sales of Vytorin and Zetia decline significantly.

FDA issued an "early communication" advising that it is looking into adverse reactions to Botox and Botox Cosmetic that have been blamed for hospitalizations and even deaths -- mostly in children treated for cerebral palsy-associated limb spasticity, an off-label usage.

The FDA has delayed approval of GlaxoSmithKline and SkyePharma's reformulated Requip XL (ropinirole) as a treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Schering-Plough announced that the FDA has approved Asmanex Twisthaler 110 mcg (mometasone furoate inhalation powder) for the maintenance treatment of asthma as a preventive therapy in patients 4 to 11 years of age.