Sandoz Inc

Merz Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical firm that develops health care solutions for unmet medical needs. Its German-based research efforts consist of product development for the treatment of central nervous system disorders, as well as over-the-counter medications for illness prevention and health preservation. The company features the Naftin, Appearex, Mederma and Aqua Glycolic brands. Naftifine hydrochloride has been shown to exhibit fungicidal activity in vitro against a broad spectrum of organisms. Appearex stimulates healthy nail growth, smoothes brittle ridges and increases nail strength. Mederma is among the leading products for treating new and existing scars. It softens and smoothens scars that result from surgery, accidents, injuries, burns, acne and stretch marks. The Aqua Glycolic line of products is pH balanced to minimize irritation and includes facial cleanser, toner, face cream, shampoos and body lotion. Merz Pharmaceuticals also produces Erygel, Eldertonic, Eldercaps and Sedapap. The company was founded in 1908 and is based in Greensboro, N.C.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals designs, optimizes and develops novel small-molecule drugs that treat cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases and viral infections. BioCryst uses structure-based drug design, which incorporates multiple scientific disciplines, including biology, crystallography, medicinal chemistry and computer modeling. In structure-based drug design, scientists use detailed knowledge of the active sites of protein targets associated with particular diseases to design synthetic compounds that fight the disease. Structure-based drug design aims to create a molecule that will bind to the active site of a targeted enzyme, thereby preventing the normal chemical reaction and ultimately halting the progression of the disease. BioCryst was founded in 1986. The Company's stock is traded on the NASDAQ exchange under the symbol BCRX.

Established in 1923, Diosynth Biotechnology operates a manufacturing plant that utilizes cell culture and microbial production processes to manufacture drugs. The company offers a range of recombinant therapeutic proteins and vaccines for preclinical, clinical and commercial purposes. Its analytical development team works on various techniques, such as DNA sequencing, biophysical characterization, capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Diosynth Biotechnology manufactures products using mammalian, insect and microbial expression systems. In addition, the company s cell culture development technology utilizes hybridomas, murine myelomas and human cell lines. It undertakes real time stability studies for products, intermediates and reference standards. Diosynth Biotechnology maintains a location in Morrisville, N.C.