Pigs fly: China pork producers surge as swine disease cuts supply

Shares in China's leading pig producers have soared to record levels despite one of the worst disease outbreaks in years, as investors bet on tightening pork supplies and strong government support for leading producers.

Pfizer unit Meridian under civil investigation by U.S. Attorney

Pfizer Inc said on Thursday it received a request for documents as part of a U.S. investigation related to quality issues involving the manufacture of auto-injectors at its Meridian Medical Technologies site.

No added health risks for pregnancy within a year of a stillbirth

(Reuters Health) - Women who become pregnant within a year of having a stillbirth are no more likely than those who wait longer to have a second stillbirth, a preterm birth or a small-for-gestational-age baby, a large new study suggests.

Chemical exposure in womb and early childhood tied to worse lung function

(Reuters Health) - Exposure to certain common chemical pollutants, even before birth, may be permanently reducing kids' lung function, a study of European children suggests.

Vaginal laser treatment tied to complications like scarring

(Reuters Health) - Vaginal laser treatments may help relieve problems associated with menopause, like dryness, pain and sexual dysfunction, but the safety of this technique is not clear, suggest the authors of a small study describing complications including scarring and penetration injuries.

After attacks, MSF suspends Ebola treatment in epicenter of Congo outbreak

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has suspended medical activities at the epicenter of an Ebola epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo after two of its facilities were torched by unidentified assailants, the French charity said on Thursday.

Yoga linked to lowered blood pressure with regular practice

(Reuters Health) - Adults who practice yoga with breathing and relaxation exercises at least three times a week may have lower blood pressure than people who don't, a research review suggests.

U.S. Senator Sanders urges FDA to allow older versions of $375,000 drug

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders this week urged regulators to allow pharmacies and manufacturers to resume distributing unbranded, lower-cost versions of a drug used to treat a rare neuromuscular disorder, according to a letter provided by his office to Reuters.

FDA flags concerns at Akorn's Amityville plant, shares slip

Generic drugmaker Akorn Inc said on Thursday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had raised concerns about its manufacturing plant in Amityville, New York, that included a lack of records on the maintenance and cleaning of equipment.

Radioactive cancer drugs could pose risk to cremation workers

(Reuters Health) - Cancer patients often receive radioactive drugs that target tumor cells. A new case report suggests there could be unanticipated fallout if these patients die and their bodies are cremated.

J&J resumes production of baby talc in India after tests find no asbestos

Johnson & Johnson has resumed production of its baby powder at plants in India after government tests found no asbestos in the product, the company said on Thursday.

BAT CEO says supports FDA on youth vaping, challenges idea there is basis for menthol ban

British American Tobacco does not believe there is scientific evidence to support potential U.S. restrictions on menthol cigarettes and believes such restrictions would have no impact on smoking rates, its chief executive told Reuters on Thursday.

Novavax shares plunge 65 percent as respiratory vaccine fails in late-stage trial

Novavax Inc shares crashed 65 percent on Thursday after data showed its vaccine failed to prevent RSV disease, a leading cause of respiratory infections in infants, missing the main goal of a late-stage study.