IRELAND will play an evolved role in the newly expanded healthcare corporation Merck & Co Inc, which yesterday completed its merger with Schering-Plough Corporation.

THE loss of 170 jobs at a large pharmaceutical plant is being blamed on rationalisation and a major fall in sales of an anti-cancer drug.

Mary Harney has said she regrets the loss of 170 jobs at the Schering-Plough facility at Inishannon, Co Cork.

An asthma gene has been discovered by British and American scientists which could lead to the development of more effective treatment.