Abbott drug gains European approval

LIBERTYVILLE TOWNSHIP -- Abbott Laboratories said on Thursday that European regulators had approved use of its blockbuster Humira arthritis drug as a treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition. U.S. regulators are also considering whether to approve use of Humira for psoriasis, a condition in which an overactive immune system attacks healthy tissue. Humira is already approved in Europe and the United States to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, a potentially dangerous inflammatory bowel ailment.

Siemens introduces new instruments

DEERFIELD -- Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics announced the introduction of the MicroScan WalkAway plus Systems for mid- and high-volume clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratories. The systems are the only instruments in the market that offer simultaneous automation of overnight, rapid and specialty panels that test for both gram negative and gram positive bacteria. The WalkAway plus Systems also offer advanced automation features that improve laboratory productivity by decreasing system maintenance activity.