special report

NEWTOWN, Pa., Oct. 6, 2011 - Despite losing patent protection in certain markets, Lipitor remained the world's top-selling prescription drug for the 10th consecutive year. The cholesterol medication generated global sales of $11.92 billion during 2010, with $10.73 billion recorded by Pfizer Inc. Astellas Pharma Inc., the drug's co-promoter in Japan, reported sales of $1.19 billion for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2011.

NEWTOWN, Pa., Aug. 24, 2011 - Neurodegenerative diseases are the sixth-leading cause of death in high-income countries, with 35.6 million people suffering from dementia worldwide. This patient population is predicted to reach 115.4 million people by 2050.
Up to 8% of all people over 65 years old have some form of dementia. Dementia prevalence about doubles for every five years of age starting at 60. Dementia caused by nervous system diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease, is increasing in frequency. Alzheimer's disease strikes nearly a half million new patients each year.