As the “Father of Medicine,” Hippocrates, once said: “If medicine cannot cure, then use iron; if iron cannot cure, then use fire. If fire cannot cure, then there is no remedy.”

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Dr. Richard Pazdur, Director of the Office of Oncology Products at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, stated: “Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among U.S. men, and these patients need more treatment options.” Currently, treatment for prostate cancer can be tailored to the disease stage and may include radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

With the expiration of patents on “blockbuster” drugs and increasingly conservative stances adopted by drug regulatory authorities, major pharmaceutical companies appear unable to sustain their current levels of R&D spending. Consequently, 2008 witnessed a wave of large-scale mergers and acquisitions as well as corporate restructuring. Let us now review these developments one by one, arranged in order of the announced acquisition values. Key Players: Roche and Genentech Event: In July, Roche sought to acquire Genentech for US$43.7 billion On July 21, 2008, Roche announced plans to acquire the remaining 44% stake in Genentech at a total price of US$43.7 billion—equivalent to US$89 per share—thereby gaining full control of the company.1

Enterprises actively voiced their opinions and offered constructive suggestions, working in tandem with the government to weather the “financial chill.” Dr. Song Fang, head of Kehua, noted at the meeting that Kehua was founded on diagnostic reagents and is currently enjoying steady growth. However, the financial crisis has undeniably had a certain impact on the company. At present, Kehua’s main product categories include clinical diagnostics, blood collection and supply, inspection and quarantine, and health check-ups. Among these, the health-check-up segment has been hit the hardest. Due to the financial crisis, companies have become less eager to hire, leading to a marked decline in workplace medical examinations—this trend is particularly pronounced in Guangdong Province. On the other hand, voluntary health check-ups are also becoming simpler and more budget-friendly.

Warm Congratulations on the Launch of the Suzhou Acupuncture Products Co., Ltd. Website! Warm Congratulations on the Launch of the Suzhou Acupuncture Products Co., Ltd. Website!