License Agreements, Strategic Partnerships, Regulatory Approvals, Acquisitions and Sale of Senior Notes - Research Report on Johnson & Johnson, Amgen, Gilead, MAKO, and Edwards Lifesciences

NEW YORK, October 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Editor Note: For more information about this release, please scroll to bottom.

Today, Analysts' Corner announced new research reports highlighting Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN), Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD), MAKO Surgical Corp. (NASDAQ: MAKO), and Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (NYSE: EW). Today's readers may access these reports free of charge - including full price targets, industry analysis and analyst ratings - via the links below.

Johnson & Johnson Research Report

On September 25, 2013, Janssen R&D Ireland (Janssen R&D), a part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, announced that it has signed a license agreement with PATH for the development of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) medicine rilpivirine in a long-acting injection (depot formulation) as potential pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection. Janssen R&D stated that under the terms of the agreement, a Drug Development program of PATH (an international nonprofit organization that transforms global health through innovation) has the right to develop rilpivirine long-acting formulation as a new way to prevent HIV infection. In addition, the Company said that PATH intends to conduct prophylaxis clinical trials in collaboration with partners including the HIV Prevention Trials Network. PATH and Janssen will evaluate entering into a late stage development agreement covering the use of rilpivirine as PrEP for uninfected individuals at risk of acquiring HIV, after the completion of clinical Phase 2 program. The Full Research Report on Johnson & Johnson - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/07a8_JNJ]

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Amgen, Inc. Research Report

On September 24, 2013, Amgen, Inc. (Amgen) and ShanghaiTech University announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form a strategic partnership for the advancement of biopharmaceutical discovery and translational research in China. Amgen stated that under the terms of the MOU, it will co-locate its China R&D center with ShanghaiTech University's two life sciences institutes- the Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS) and the iHuman Institute. Sean E. Harper, M.D., Executive Vice President of R&D at Amgen, said, "Amgen and ShanghaiTech University share mutual goals of scientific excellence and rigor and will benefit from each other's strength and expertise in advancing biopharmaceutical discovery in China. Expansion into China is a business priority for Amgen and opening this R&D center is another clear and important step forward in Amgen's commitment to the China market." Further, the Company stated that it expects its China R&D center to be fully operational in 2014. The Full Research Report on Amgen, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/e96b_AMGN]

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Gilead Sciences, Inc. Research Report

On September 25, 2013, Gilead Sciences Inc. (Gilead) announced that the European Commission has granted marketing authorization for once-daily Tybost (cobicistat 150mg tablets) - a pharmacokinetic enhancer that boosts blood levels of certain HIV medicines. The Company stated that Tybost is indicated as a boosting agent for the HIV protease inhibitors atazanavir 300 mg once daily and darunavir 800 mg once daily as part of antiretroviral combination therapy in adults with HIV-1 infection. Norbert Bischofberger, PhD, Executive Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer of Gilead, said, "Gilead is pleased to offer HIV patients who rely on protease inhibitors a new boosting option to help facilitate once-daily dosing - an important factor in supporting treatment adherence."  According to the Company, the aforesaid approval from the European Commission permits Gilead to market Tybost in all 28 countries of the European Union. The Full Research Report on Gilead Sciences, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/9898_GILD]

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MAKO Surgical Corp. Research Report

On September 25, 2013, MAKO Surgical Corp. (MAKO) announced a definitive agreement with Stryker Corporation (Stryker), under which Stryker will acquire all the outstanding shares of MAKO for $30.00 per share in cash, for an aggregate purchase price of c.$1.7 billion. According to the Company, the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the MAKO stockholders. Kevin A. Lobo, President and CEO of MAKO, said, "The acquisition of MAKO combined with Stryker's strong history in joint reconstruction, capital equipment (operating room integration and surgical navigation) and surgical instruments will help further advance the growth of robotic assisted surgery. Our combined expertise offers the potential to simplify joint reconstruction procedures, reduce variability and enhance the surgeon and patient experience. We look forward to welcoming the MAKO team to Stryker." The Full Research Report on MAKO Surgical Corp. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/7465_MAKO]

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Edwards Lifesciences Corp. Research Report

On September 24, 2013, Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (Edwards Lifesciences) announced that the Company has agreed to sell $600 million aggregate principal amount of 2.88% senior unsecured notes due October 15, 2018 at a price equal to 99.5% of the principal. The Company informed that the sale of the senior notes is expected to close on October 3, 2013, subject to customary closing conditions. According to Edwards Lifesciences, it intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to repay amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facility and any remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes. The Full Research Report on Edwards Lifesciences Corp. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/48b8_EW]

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