The weak consumer confidence report that hit U.S. stocks on Tuesday is having a lingering effect this Wednesday, with global stock markets falling and stock index futures pointing to another lower open on Wall Street.

Swiss drug giant Novartis says it has redeployed 300 workers from other divisions into its vaccines unit to meet what Chairman and CEO Dr. Daniel Vasella calls the "huge demand" for H1N1 shots.

Mylan Inc. and two other drugmakers will pay $124 million to settle claims they did not properly reimburse Medicaid for drugs, officials said Monday.

Vaccine makers praised the U.S. response to the swine flu pandemic on Wednesday but said regulatory delays and public suspicion have held up innovative ways to speed and stretch the U.S. influenza vaccine supply.

AstraZeneca PLC said Thursday it has applied to U.S. regulators to market its blood clot preventer Brilinta, a potential new big seller for the company.

Stocks rallied Thursday, logging the highest close since November, despite a late-afternoon pullback.

Stocks rallied Thursday as investors were encouraged by the latest jobless report and round of corporate earnings.

Stocks rallied Thursday as investors were encouraged by the latest jobless report and round of corporate earnings.

Futures indicated a higher open for Wall Street on Thursday as investors were encouraged by the latest jobless report and round of corporate earnings.

Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration say three psychiatric drugs appear safe and effective for children and adolescents, despite side effects that can increase the risk of diabetes.