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BERLIN — A new study conducted by Bayer HealthCare suggests that an investigational treatment for acne may be suitable for patients with dark complexions whose acne includes a condition that causes irregular discoloration of the skin known as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH.

OSAKA, Japan — Two diabetes drugs made by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. have been pulled from the market in France due to evidence that their use may increase the risk of bladder cancer, Takeda said.

Takeda said its French subsidiary, Laboratoires Takeda, would withdraw Actos (pioglitazone) and Competact (pioglitazone and metformin). In addition, Takeda said it was cooperating with the European Medicines Agency in a pan-European of pioglitazone. Competact is marketed in the United States under the brand name Actoplus Met.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — A team comprised of scientists from drug maker Merck and several U.S. universities will look for ways to eradicate HIV, Merck said.

INDIANAPOLIS — Eli Lilly & Co. and Disney are collaborating to produce a dedicated lifestyle website and publications for families affected by Type 1 diabetes, the two companies said Thursday.

NEW YORK — Taking drugs for treating HIV might reduce the risk of infection among heterosexual couples, according to two new studies conducted in Africa.

One study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and conducted among 4,758 couples in Kenya and Uganda, found that when taken daily, Gilead’s Viread (tenofovir) reduced the rates of infection by at least 62% compared with placebo. Truvada (tenofovir and emtricitabine), another drug made by Gilead, reduced infection risk by 73%.

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Upsher-Smith Labs has launched a topical medication for itching and inflammation of the skin resulting from such conditions as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, the company said Monday.

Upsher-Smith announced the launch of Trianex (triamcinolone acetonide) ointment, which the company described as a prescription topical corticosteroid that offers the feel of a cream and the strength of an ointment.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Novo Nordisk could be outpacing Eli Lilly and Amylin Pharmaceuticals in the diabetes wars, according to an analysis by healthcare market research firm Decision Resources.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk will work with advocacy group Children with Diabetes to distribute materials to children newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, the two said Thursday.

The approximately 7,000 kits, designed to help them learn to live with the condition, include a booklet, savings offers and patient-support videos, and were created based on feedback from CWD members with Type 1 diabetes. Patients can order the kits through their doctors.