Abbott

Alzheimer's has been a tough area for medical research, resulting in little help to date for the millions of sufferers. But a new database of patient information from failed trials, built by competing drugmakers, may yield clues to a treatment breakthrough.

With drug sales stalling in developed countries, Abbott Laboratories has made a bold play to harness pharma's strong growth in emerging markets. Its purchase of a Piramal Healthcare unit in India gives Abbott the largest market share in the country.

As a volatile trading week lands the market in correction territory, all eyes are again on Wall Street today. Bank stocks are certainly in focus after the Senate passed its version of the financial reform bill. Other stocks to watch include Dell, Pepsi and Abbott.

Thanks to rising affluence, more sedentary populations and Westernized diets, the demand for drugs that combat cardiovascular diseases is growing in the developing world. And Western pharmaceutical companies are paying attention.

Abbott Labs announced it would acquire Facet Biotech for $27 per share. The friendly deal, which will enhance Abbott's pharmaceutical pipeline, is expected to close in the second quarter of this year and has been approved by the boards of both companies.

An FDA advisory panel recommended approval of Bristol-Myers Squibb's belatacept, an experimental drug used in kidney transplants -- with at least one caveat. It recommended further long-term studies after a full FDA approval.

A round-up of news that could affect stock prices today, including Cambell's Soup quarterly profit is up 11% over last year, Lowe's quarterly profit rose 27%, and Smith International agrees to Schlumberger buyout.