Guerbet Group is one of Europe's leading makers of contrast agents used in medical imaging. Most of the company's products, such as Xenetix, Hexabrix, and Dotarem, are substances that are injected into the body to make internal organs visible during X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Subsidiary Simafex manufactures specialty chemicals for use in pharmaceuticals. Guerbet has operations in some 15 countries and is targeting growth in the US. Marcel Guerbet, grandfather of chairman Michel Guerbet, developed the first iodinated contrast agent around the turn of the century; his descendants control the company.

Axcan Pharma Inc. company develops and sells drugs mainly to treat gastrointestinal ailments. Its Urso line treats chronic liver disease, while two of its products (Canasa and Salofalk) offer relief for inflammatory bowel diseases. Axcan's Ultrase and Viokase are digestive aids for patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a condition associated with cystic fibrosis. The firm also owns the global rights to Photofrin, a photodynamic drug developed by QLT with applications for esophageal, gastric, and lung cancers. Other products include ulcer and diarrhea treatments, as well as chewable multivitamins. Axcan was acquired by TPG Capital for $1.3 billion in early 2008.

Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals is looking to flow powerful drugs into the vast sea of customer affordability. The drug maker develops, manufactures, and distributes specialty pharmaceutical products for the treatment of chronic conditions, particularly viral and fungal ailments. Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals makes and markets two hepatitis C treatments in the US market: Ribasphere (a generic version of the antiviral Ribavirin) and Infergen (a branded antiviral therapy). The company also sells an injectable antifungal medication, Amphotec (also known as Amphocil), in more than 40 countries.

Cambridge Laboratories Limited company was founded in 1987 and is now owned by its board of directors. Cambridge Laboratories develops and distributes pharmaceuticals to treat the central nervous system, cancer, vitamin deficiency, and other niches. Its product line includes ImmuCyst (for treatment of superficial bladder cancer), Nabilone (chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting), and Gelclair (oral ulcers and inflammation). Cambridge Labs has distribution alliances to market its products in over 40 countries.

Lonza Biologics plc, one of The Lonza Group's four biologic contracting manufacturing sites, is a leading contract manufacturer of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and diagnostic monoclonal antibodies that are used to produce pharmaceuticals. Lonza Biologics conducts research and development on mammalian cell culturing involving cloning from non-animal origins. From its manufacturing facility near London, the company also supplies its products to other biotechnology companies.

Perlegen deciphers genetic signatures. The biotech research company performs whole genome scans to help drugmakers improve drug safety and efficacy and optimize clinical trials. The company also researches the genetic causes of disease and drug response. Using DNA probe arrays from Affymetrix, which owns some 20% of the firm, Perlegen examines multiple whole genomes at a time, looking for variations (single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) that are responsible for disease. SNPs and groups of SNPs, known as haplotypes, are also responsible for the response, or lack of one, to a drug. Drugmakers hope to use this information to develop genetically targeted medicines.

Elan Pharmaceuticals is part of the the brains behind the brawn of drugmaker Elan Corporation. The US-based subsidiary provides research and discovery services, such as the identification and development of new drug candidates, to its Irish parent, which specializes in treatments for neurological and autoimmune diseases, as well as severe pain and infectious disease medications. The company investigates possible treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple myeloma. The subsidiary also handles marketing of Elan's approved products in the US, including multiple sclerosis/Crohn's disease treatment Tysabri and chronic pain medication Prialt.

Laboratoires Arkopharma's products offer a glimpse of modern worries: ampoules of fat reducers, tablets to help quit smoking, creams to tackle cellulite, and capsules to alleviate anxiety and stress. Arkopharma produces plant-derived OTC drugs and nutritional supplements. The company also manufactures homeopathic remedies and cosmetics. Arkopharma markets its products under a variety of brands, including Arkocaps, Arkofluide, 4.3.2.1. Slim, Phyto Soya, and Plante System. Subsidiaries of the company can be found in Australia, Europe, and the UK. The founding Rombi family controls the company through its holding company Imarko.

STADA Arzneimittel AG (STADA) is a Germany-based company active in the pharmaceutical sector, concentrating on the development and marketing of products with off-patent active pharmaceutical ingredients. The Company’s primary business segments are: Generics, comprised of low-priced and active-ingredient products, and Branded Products, focusing on multisource products that are accessible without active ingredient research. STADA’s generic drugs are marketed by the Group subsidiary, STADApharm GmbH, through a sales network including Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Its branded products are distributed internationally as well, in such countries as Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. The Company operates through subsidiaries located in Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland, as well as in the United States.

Xceed Molecular is working to exceed the expectations of researchers performing gene expression tests. The company's flow-thru chip technology allows biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to conduct genetic screening research. Its Ziplex system is used for automated gene expression analysis. Other products include assay reagent kits, sample preparation reagents, and its TipChip disposable microarrays. The company also produces chips to detect specific diseases and is working to speed up the time needed to process samples. Xceed Molecular, which was established in 2001, has facilities in Canada and the US.

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