Drugmaker Allergan has said it remains "committed to Ireland" despite agreeing to be bought by US rival AbbVie in a $63bn (€55.3bn) deal.

AbbVie, the drugmaker buying Dublin-based Shire plc to lower its tax rate, reported profit that beat analysts’ estimates on strong sales of the arthritis drug, Humira.

Abbott Laboratories has reported earnings that beat analysts’ estimates and raised its 2012 forecast as sales jumped more than expected for its top product.

SIX people taking a drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis have died in Ireland, according to the Irish Medicines Board (IMB).