MEDICINE

Eli Lilly and Co posted third-quarter profit well above Wall Street expectations on Wednesday on strong performance of its major prescription drugs and lower taxes, but it said an inventory benefit that helped results might reverse in the fourth quarter.

Global efforts to immunize children against life-threatening diseases set a record high last year but failed to protect millions of youngsters in the world's poorest countries, health officials said on Wednesday.

Eli Lilly and Co posted third-quarter profit well above Wall Street expectations on Wednesday on strong performance of its major prescription drugs and lower taxes, sending shares up 1.9 percent.

A single pill containing the pain relievers tramadol and acetaminophen is as effective as the drug gabapentin for treating diabetes-related nerve pain, according to study findings presented Tuesday at the 20th World Diabetes Congress in Montreal.

Research presented Tuesday at the 20th World Diabetes Congress in Montreal provides further evidence that healthy behaviors reduce mortality in people with and without diabetes.

Half of those hospitalized with the new H1N1 virus are under 25, a clear illustration that the pandemic is affecting the young disproportionately, U.S. health officials said Tuesday.

Merck and Co's failed AIDS vaccine may not have worked, but it probably did not raise the risk of infection either, doctors said Tuesday.

Hooked on cocaine or cigarettes? The U.S. government wants drug companies to make a vaccine for that.

U.S. regulators are examining the growing number of nutrition claims found on the front of food packages after complaints that they give a misleading picture of their health benefits, officials said in a warning to food companies on Tuesday.

Sales of hand sanitizers, cleansers and face masks in the midst of the H1N1 flu pandemic may provide a profit boost this quarter, but are not expected to drive manufacturers' results long-term.

In a sharp policy shift, the Obama administration told federal attorneys not to prosecute patients who use marijuana for medical reasons or dispensaries in states where it has been legalized.

Plum Organics is recalling its apple-and-carrot flavored baby food over fears of botulism contamination.

More than 100 new cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy got infected with swine flu at July 4 barbecue and fireworks display but quick isolation measures got it under control within two weeks, researchers reported on Tuesday.

Doctors who surprised the world of AIDS research with a study showing a vaccine prevented some HIV infections released details of their findings on Tuesday and said careful review showed they held up.

The global financial crisis and a loss of interest in the AIDS epidemic may translate into less money in coming years for research, treatment and prevention of the virus, HIV experts said on Monday

A single doctor, nurse or technician with dirty hands can undo all the good work of an entire hospital staff trained to carefully wash their hands to prevent the spread of infection, French researchers reported on Monday.

Coca-Cola Co reported a third-quarter profit that topped Wall Street estimates by a penny, helped by higher sales volume and cost cuts.

Boston Scientific Corp on Monday reported a quarterly net profit, compared with a year-ago loss, but cut its full-year earnings outlook, citing weakness in the market for implantable heart defibrillators.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Monday that at least one pig has tested positive for the H1N1 virus.

Medical device company CareFusion Corp said on Monday it has begun shipping more than 3,900 ventilators to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for inclusion in its strategic national stockpile in preparation for the H1N1 swine flu pandemic.

Footballers are teaming up with governments, companies and international health campaigners to push for action against malaria ahead of next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.