GENEVA, September 4 /PRNewswire/ --

- Merck Serono and Ablynx to Equally Contribute to Discover and Develop Nanobodies(R) Against two Targets in Oncology and Immunology and Equally Share the Resulting Profits

Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Ablynx (Euronext Brussels: ABLX), to co-discover and co-develop Nanobodies(R) against two targets in oncology and immunology. The agreement includes an upfront cash payment to Ablynx of EUR10 million.

INGELHEIM, Germany, September 4 /PRNewswire/ --

- For Non-US Healthcare Media

INGELHEIM, Germany, September 4 /PRNewswire/ --

- Global QUEST Study Reveals Dogs With Congestive Heart Failure Have Significantly Improved Survival Outcomes With Vetmedin(R) (pimobendan)

Veterinarians and dog owners are today welcoming new research that delivers the promise of an extended happy life together for millions of dog owners and their pets. The three-year study demonstrates that dogs suffering from the most common type of heart failure live on average 91% (267 days vs. 140 days) longer when treated with the product Vetmedin(R) (pimobendan) compared with another common treatment option(1).

TORONTO, September 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Therapure Biopharma Inc., a Canadian biopharmaceutical company, announced that it is open for business and has its first contracts with customers in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing.

Located in Mississauga, Ontario, just 30 minutes from Toronto's Pearson International Airport, Therapure Biopharma provides clients with customized solutions for the development and manufacture of complex biological products. Leveraging its unique and flexible, 130,000 square foot cGMP manufacturing facility, its extensive quality systems, and the dedication of its highly experienced staff, Therapure Biopharma is able to develop effective and innovative solutions to advance therapeutic proteins from the lab to the market.

LONDON, September 4 /PRNewswire/ --

In the most recent Petplan Pet Census, an annual study of pet ownership in the UK, 97% of vets reported that a lack of funds had led to owners choosing euthanasia over treatment.

As many households start to feel the financial pinch, there is greater concern than ever that pets with treatable conditions are at risk. Whilst some cases are the result of one-off 'emergency' treatment, manageable long-term conditions are often at the root of much unnecessary euthanasia because owners simply cannot afford the cost of ongoing treatment. Reported increases in pet obesity and diabetes, arthritis and behavioural problems have all been cited in the Pet Census as common causes of increased and ongoing vet bills.

LONDON, September 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fresh Prepared Salads Producer Group (FPSPG), which supplies washed and ready to eat salad packs to all the major UK supermarkets, supported by the CFA and FSA, completely refutes suggestions in the press that prepared salads are unsafe to eat.

At the same time, Prof. Bill Keevil, professor of environmental health care at the University of Southampton, who was at the conference in Aberdeen where the salad research which sparked the stories was presented, said: "I was extremely disappointed by the quality of the data presented and its interpretation. We have known for a long time the various mechanisms that bacteria can use to attach itself to a range of surfaces, including plants. This is not new."

NEW YORK, September 3 /PRNewswire/ --

Tech Briefs Media Group, (TBMG), a leading B2B publisher of content for engineering and technical professionals announced today the sixth annual National Nano Engineering Conference 2008 (NNEC), the premier event focused on current and future developments in engineering innovations at the nanoscale, as well as the commercialization of nanotechnology. The event is now open for registration. Limited press badges will also be available. For more information, please visit www.nasatech.com/nano.