AAN 2012: BG-12 remains main focus of Biogen's extensive MS portfolio

Biogen used the platform of the 64th American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting to provide updates on its extensive MS portfolio. Much time was devoted to its Phase III pipeline candidate BG-12, which looks set to be the next agent to enter the market, as well as the presentation of long-term safety data for Tysabri.

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AAN 2012: pooled data support future use of late-stage MS and epilepsy products

Teva, Eisai, and GlaxoSmithKline all used the opportunity of this year's American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting to showcase pooled analysis of their late-stage pipeline candidates. While not groundbreaking, the positive data for laquinimod (MS) and perampanel and Potiga (epilepsy) will bolster physician confidence and position the drugs well in their respective markets.

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AAN 2012: research shows value of early disease identification, but caution in treatment is advised

At AAN 2012, Merck Serono presented data from a long-term study showing that early Rebif treatment significantly reduced the clinical progression of multiple sclerosis. However, early intervention should be used cautiously to avoid unnecessary treatment.

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Pack-Track Innovation of the Month: Friels Pure Apple Cider

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Fears of the FATCA impacting cross-border investment grow

A number of private banks in Asia Pacific have made it public that they are turning prospective US clients away, deterred by the compliance burden of the soon to be effective FATCA. Conversely, some global funds that hold small positions in US securities for hedging purposes are weighing up the cost-efficiency of US exposure if they are subject to a 30% withholding tax.

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PLA Innovation of the Week: a new vodka product with a built-in aerator

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NBNK Verde bid lacks some of The Co-operative Group's qualities

Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it is no longer exclusively dealing with The Co-operative Group in the sale of 632 branches required under EU guidelines. The FSA has questioned The Co-operative Group's suitability regarding its mutual structure and financial capabilities. Yet, the alternative bids will not provide the increased competition that the FSA desires.

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The mobile money market must offer better value to replicate its success in the developing world

A survey carried out by the World Bank, the Gates Foundation, and Gallup reveals significant differences in mobile money usage between low- and high-income countries, with usage much higher in less developed economies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Higher-income countries are lagging behind in developing these services, but these markets pose a different challenge.

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Banks must look beyond rates if they want to cut the costs associated with attracting new savers

The retail savings market is under considerable strain at present. Banks' demand for deposits is rising in the wake of a shortfall in wholesale funding, but at the same time economic pressures mean that consumers have less capacity to save. In order to attract more inflows, banks need to introduce more imaginative tactics.

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New food review: energy products take a cue from medicine with capsule innovation

A new energizing powder sold in capsules and designed to be sucked through a straw rather than consumed as a drink or a shot is among the innovations to feature in this month's roundup of the latest food industry launches. In other news, cake mixes have taken a decorative turn, and a rival to peanut butter has hit stores in the US.

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