Independent experts have condemned the Swiss pharmaceuticals company Novartis for trying to force the NHS to buy an expensive drug to treat patients suffering from a degenerative eye disease, rather than using a cheaper, unlicensed alternative.

Novartis has announced plans to cut around 2,000 jobs, with its Swiss and US operations bearing the brunt of the move.

The possible discovery of flowing water on Mars is yet another example of how science fiction is becoming science fact. And it's not just in outer space.

Health campaigners have expressed disappointment after the medicines watchdog rejected the first pill to treat multiple sclerosis.

The market for exchange traded derivatives – which are different from the over-the-counter variety traded directly between two parties – has seen strong growth in recent times. Earlier this year, a report from the World Federation of Exchanges, an industry association whose membership features 52 exchanges around the world, showed that, despite the impact of the global financial crisis, trading in derivatives on regulated exchanges surged by 25 per cent in 2010.

As the top-tier index moved above the 6,000-point level for the first time in nearly eight weeks, Reckitt Benckiser was pushed forwards last night after the re-emergence of speculation that the Cillit Bang manufacturer could be in line for an approach.

Medical Life

There are about 1,600 cases of meningococcal disease caused by meningitis B each year and about 120 deaths

Novartis dealt a fresh blow to the pharmaceutical sector yesterday by unveiling moves to shed around 500 jobs at its Horsham site in West Sussex.

Age: 91

Offers from KNOC, BHP Billiton, Intel and Vedanta take week's bids total to £60bn

The record fine handed down to JP Morgan marked the latest stage in the FSA's attempts to crack down on the City, but the watchdog suffered a setback yesterday when two lawyers and a former finance director were acquitted of insider dealing charges that it had brought against them.