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Staphyloma progression worsens with age, study finds

The morphologic features of staphylomas appear to worsen with age, according to a study by researchers in Japan.

Study identifies transporter protein responsible for delivering carotenoids to RPE cells

Retinal pigment epithelial cells appear to preferentially accumulate the xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin over beta-carotene by a process that is dependent on the protein SR-BI, according to a study.

Merck posts $6.1 billion in global sales in second quarter

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J — Merck reported $6.1 billion in worldwide sales for the second quarter, representing a 1% decline compared with sales from the same period in 2007, the company announced in a press release. Specifically, foreign exchange favorably affected global sales by 5% for the quarter, the release said.

Canadian Bio Med Systems to acquire licensing rights for AMD, glaucoma drugs

MONTREAL — Canadian Bio Med Systems has signed a preliminary agreement for the licensing rights to two new drugs with ophthalmic indications from Ocular Therapeutics., Canadian Bio Med Systems announced in a press release.

Health Canada issues warning about timolol ophthalmic solution in 0.25% and 0.5% concentrations

OTTAWA — Health Canada has warned patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma to discontinue using Sandoz timolol ophthalmic solution in 0.25% and 0.5% concentrations due to the increased risk of adverse events that could occur because some bottles may contain more timolol maleate than indicated on the label, the agency announced in a press release.

Study reports low recurrence rate using biologic adhesive during pterygium surgery

Using a biologic adhesive during pterygium surgery appears to yield a low recurrence rate and a short operation time, according to a prospective study by a researcher in Sweden.

Novartis reports 14% rise in second quarter net sales

BASEL, Switzerland — Novartis reported $10.7 billion in net sales for the second quarter, a 14% increase compared with net sales for the second quarter of 2007, the company announced in a press release.

Roche offers to acquire all outstanding shares of Genentech for $43.7 billion

BASEL, Switzerland — Roche has proposed to acquire the 44% publicly held interest in Genentech that it does not presently own for $43.7 billion, or $89 per share in cash, the company announced in a press release. Roche acquired a majority in Genentech in 1990 and currently owns 55.9% of all outstanding shares, the release said.

New device helpful for sizing capsulorrhexis, optimizing postoperative outcomes after cataract surgery

Using the data-injection ring system can lead to more accurate continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis diameters in relation to the scatter around a reference zone without increasing the duration of cataract surgery, according to a randomized study by researchers in Germany.

Autofluorescence photography may help detect diabetes, study suggests

Flavoprotein autofluorescence measurements may be useful for rapidly and noninvasively identifying diabetic metabolic tissue stress and disease severity, a recent study suggested.

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