By Jason Derry —

Medicines Co. to Buy Targanta

The Medicines Company and Targanta Therapeutics have announced that Medicines Co. will buy Targanta for $42 million.  Medicines Co. has agreed to increase the purchase price by an additional $1.20 a share if Targanta's oritavancin, a product for treating skin infections, is approved by the FDA as a single dose infusion product. 

Abbott to Acquire Advanced Medical Optics 

On January 12, 2009, Abbott Laboratories and Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) announced an agreement under which Abbott will purchase AMO for about $2.8 billion.  The acquisition of AMO will expand Abbott's business into the ophthalmic medical device field.  AMO currently markets products for cataract surgery, laser vision correction surgery (LASIK), and other eye care products.