Glaxo SmithKline

Merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham likely will not require divestiture of their smoking cessation products, companies announce Dec. 12. Firms have reached an agreement with FTC in which SB will sell worldwide rights for Rx antivirals Vectavir/Denavir (penciclovir) and Famvir (famciclovir) to Novartis. The consent decree has been submitted to FTC and awaits review and approval; Glaxo and SmithKline expect completion of merger Dec. 27