MODAFINIL is just the latest ‘smart drug’ or ‘nootropic’ to be used illicitly to enhance intellectual performance.

A near-$30 billion (€22.8bn) bid for Shire could emerge as the standout deal in the European pharmaceutical sector this year, a highlight for bankers in a market otherwise likely to be dominated by bolt-on acquisitions.

RUSSIAN gangs and their Chinese associates are making billions of dollars from selling fake and unlicensed medicines over the Internet, putting thousands of people at risk, police and medical regulators have warned.

An all-time record US trade deficit and a surprising drop in consumer confidence sparked profit-taking on Wall Street today, sending stocks lower despite the week’s bullish economic news from the Federal Reserve.

Elan and stockholders of its subsidiary, Athena Diagnostics, have agreed to sell all outstanding stock of Athena Diagnostics to Behrman Capital for $122m (€122.6m).