STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: AbbVie will buy Allergan for $63 billion; Trump administration eyes candidates to run FDA

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AbbVie (ABBV) will pay $63 billion to buy Allergan (AGN), the latest megamerger between two pharma giants seeking new ways to grow, STAT reports. For AbbVie, the acquisition may ease investor concerns about long-term growth, since patents expire in a few years on its franchise product, the Humira rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Allergan sells a portfolio of aesthetic drugs, notably Botox, a $3.6 billion seller, but has struggled with pressure from investor over its own growth plans amid a failed move to extend patent life for an eye treatment.

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