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MAYWOOD, Ill. — On average, 20,000 children under the age of 5 years are hospitalized due to flu symptoms each year, the Loyola University Health System announced Thursday in a press release encouraging parents to have their children inoculated.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Former Bristol-Myers Squibb executive Anthony Hooper has joined Amgen as EVP global commercial operations.

In his new role, Hooper will be responsible for the drug maker's global commercial operations and will report to Amgen president and COO Robert Bradway.

"As we continue to grow, Tony's track record of delivering results and his passion for serving patients across the globe make him an outstanding addition to Amgen's leadership team," Bradway said.

WASHINGTON — The Senate voted 55-45 Thursday to scrap an appropriations bill amendment that would have allowed personal importation of prescription drugs.

The amendment had been proposed for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The Senate's vote drew applause from an organization representing retail pharmacy chains.

INDIANAPOLIS — A diabetes drug made by Eli Lilly and Amylin Pharmaceuticals has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for use with an insulin product made by Sanofi.

Lilly and Amylin said Byetta (eventide) won approval from the FDA as an add-on therapy for patients with Type 2 diabetes taking Sanofi's Lantus (insulin glargine [rDNA origin]) who have not achieved adequate blood sugar control on Lantus alone.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Vertex Pharmaceuticals has filed for Food and Drug Administration approval of a drug for cystic fibrosis, the company said.

Vertex announced the submission to the FDA of an application for approval and priority review of Kalydeco (ivacaftor), which it said was potentially the first medicine to target the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis, namely mutations in the CFTR gene that causes defective or missing CFTR proteins that inhibit the flow of salt and water across cell membranes and lead to mucus buildup.

RARITAN, N.J. — Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, in partnership with the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, on Wednesday released a survey that determined consumers would more likely discuss health-and-wellness plans with their doctors, and take action, if they understood their blood test numbers.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott on Wednesday morning announced plans to separate into two publicly traded companies, one in diversified medical products and the other in research-based pharmaceuticals.

"Today's news is a significant event for Abbott, and reflects another dynamic change in our company's 123-year history, strengthening our outlook for strong and sustainable growth and shareholder returns," Abbott chairman and CEO Miles White said.

BOSTON — ParaPRO on Saturday presented data showing the effectiveness of Natroba (spinosad) topical suspension, 0.9% against head lice and nits following one treatment without nit combing. Those data about the pediculicide, derived from a naturally occurring soil bacterium, were presented in a poster session at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition here.