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Generic competition and soft sales of a new anti-depressant spur sell-off of pharmaceutical company's shares.

AP - The pharmaceutical industry is underwriting one of the biggest issue ad campaigns of the election season ? a $13 million televised thank-you to 28 lawmakers, most of them Democrats, who supported legislation last year to expand a children's health insurance program.

Covad revelations of reduced spending by pharmaceuticals clients sends its sector's shares reeling.

AP - Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Thursday it swung to a third-quarter profit on a surge in sales of its rare blood disorder drug Soliris.

Reuters - Stocks clawed back from five-year lows on Thursday, led by a bounce in energy and health-care stocks after oil recovered from a 16-month trough and top pharmaceutical companies posted reassuring earnings.

LAVAL, QUEBEC (MARKET WIRE) Savaria Corporation (TSX: SIS), the second largest company in the accessibility industry in North America, is pleased to announce the nomination of Mr. Robert Champagne to its Board of Directors. Mr. Champagne is a Chartered accountant who brings extensive manufacturing experience to the company. During his twenty-five years at Canplast, he has lead plant expansions across North America, has implemented major products re-engineering as well as Total Quality management initiatives.

AP - Eli Lilly and Co. and Bristol-Myers Squibb both beat earnings expectations and posted 14 percent third-quarter revenue gains Thursday, while the market responded with healthy increases for their stocks.

The pharmaceutical company reported a 15.2% increase in revenues and raised its full-year outlook.

French pharmaceuticals maker forced to suspend sales of drug in europe due to safety concerns.

Investor's Business Daily - The economic slump is spurring people to skip doctor visits, skimp on their medicine, and put off Pap smears and other tests. About 36% of Americans said they or a family member have put off needed medical care, up from 29% in April. That's according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll. Elective surgeries, diagnostic tests and outpatient procedures fell 1%-2% in recent months vs. the usual 2%-4% gain, says the Healthcare Financial management Association. Doctors worry the reductions will just lead to sicker patients who need more expensive treatment later.