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NEW YORK — AstraZeneca and Targacept released results of the first of four phase-3 clinical trials that investigated the efficacy and tolerability of a drug that could serve as an adjunct therapy to major depressive disorder patients that had an inadequate response to initial antidepressant therapies.

BASEL, Switzerland — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted a new drug application for a skin cancer treatment developed by Roche.

Roche said that the FDA accepted its NDA for vismodegib, designed to treat advanced basal cell carcinoma in adults for whom surgery is considered inappropriate. The application was granted priorit review status and has a confirmed action date of March 8, 2012.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Salix Pharmaceuticals has entered a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding stock of a provider of gastroenterology and urology therapeutics.

Salix said its acquisition of Oceana Therapeutics' outstanding stock is valued at $300 million in cash. The transaction is subject to customary conditions to closing (including U.S. antitrust approval) and is expected to be completed in December.

PITTSBURGH — Generic drug maker Mylan has bought rights to a drug delivery platform made by Pfizer that will allow it to make generic versions of two GlaxoSmithKline respiratory drugs, Mylan said Wednesday.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe flu shots prevent the flu, but only half plan to get the shot this year, according to the "Safeway Seasonal Wellness Survey," conducted by Kelton Research.

This is especially surprising, given that 89% said getting a flu shot is “as important” (50%) or “more important” (39%) than it was five years ago.

NEW YORK — According to the most recent consumer snapshot survey by Interclick, 42% of Americans are planning to be immunized this year.

The survey, released Wednesday, explores consumer behaviors ahead of flu season, including sentiment on the shots, preferred treatment brands and where they go for the latest news on the flu.

STAMFORD, Conn. — Purdue Pharma has launched a new way for fighting pharmacy crime, the drug maker said Tuesday.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday launched a website for patients and caregivers on the safe disposal of needles and other “sharps” that are used at home, at work and while traveling.