Collaborations, Survey Results, Appointments, and Approvals - Research Report on Merck, Aetna, HCA, Medtronic, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals

NEW YORK, October 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Today, Analysts' Corner announced new research reports highlighting Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK), Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET), HCA Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HCA), Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) and Valeant Pharmaceuticals Int'l Inc. (NYSE: VRX). Today's readers may access these reports free of charge - including full price targets, industry analysis and analyst ratings - via the links below.

Merck & Co., Inc. Research Report

On October 8, 2013, Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck) reported that according to the results of a new Harris Interactive consumer awareness survey, sponsored by the Company, flu tops the list of diseases older adults plan to ask about. Merck stated that most (68%) of the more than 600 surveyed adults age 60 and older are at least somewhat likely to ask their healthcare professional about preventing the flu in 2013 and are significantly more likely to ask about this than prevention of other potentially serious diseases like shingles. In addition, Merck informed that the survey indicated that 79% of older adults would be at least somewhat likely to receive shingles vaccine if it were recommended by their doctor or pharmacist. Merck said that adults aged 60-plus were 58% more likely to receive the shingles vaccine if recommended by their healthcare professional than to ask for the vaccine proactively. The Full Research Report on Merck & Co., 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/430d_MRK]

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Aetna Inc. Research Report

On October 10, 2013, Aetna Inc. (Aetna) announced a new Metabolic Syndrome risk-reduction pilot project with Newtopia, a health company that uses genetic testing and the latest behavioral science to build personalized lifestyle plans. According to Aetna, the companies aim to reduce a person's Metabolic Syndrome risk factors, particularly abdominal size, through online food logging, activity tracking, behavior management, and one-on-one sessions with a personal coach. Michael Palmer, Vice President of Innovation at Aetna, said, "During the course of the last year, Aetna Innovation Labs has successfully piloted an analysis of Metabolic Syndrome and the creation of predictive models for Metabolic Syndrome. This prior work showed significantly increased risk of both diabetes and heart disease for those living with Metabolic Syndrome. With this new pilot program with Newtopia, we are aiming to help members address Metabolic Syndrome through specific actions, before more serious chronic conditions arise, like diabetes and heart disease." The Full Research Report on Aetna 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/cbe9_AET]

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HCA Holdings Inc. Research Report

On October 7, 2013, HCA Holdings Inc. (HCA) announced the appointment of William B. Rutherford as CFO and Executive Vice President of the Company, effective January 1, 2014. HCA said that he will succeed R. Milton Johnson as CFO when Johnson, current President and CFO, becomes President and CEO at the end of 2013. Commenting on the appointment, Johnson stated, "Bill is well-prepared to assume the role of CFO. His history with the Company and breadth of experience in the hospital, outpatient and behavioral health sectors have shown him to be a solid leader with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, the financial markets, and, equally important, a knowledge of our patient-centric culture. As CFO, Bill will lead a deep and talented team of financial professionals The Company informed that Rutherford currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of HCA's Physician Services Group." The Full Research Report on HCA Holdings 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/be59_HCA]

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Medtronic, Inc. Research Report  

On October 9, 2013, Medtronic, Inc. (Medtronic) and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (Apollo) announced a collaboration to bring to market an innovative, affordable and portable hemodialysis system in India to help improve access to care for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients who need Renal Replacement Therapy. Medtronic stated that this collaboration will leverage a technology platform, supported by clinical insight from Apollo. Also, the Company intends to develop and manufacture key components of this system in India, with an investment of more than $25 million (INR 1.50 billion). According to Medtronic, both companies do not expect the collaboration to materially impact their earnings in the respective company's fiscal year.The Full Research Report on Medtronic, 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/bc94_MDT]

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Valeant Pharmaceuticals Int'l Inc. Research Report

On October 3, 2013, Valeant Pharmaceuticals Int'l Inc. (Valeant Pharmaceuticals) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Valeant Canada LP, has received notice that the New Drug Submission for Jublia^® has been approved by the Canadian regulatory authority, Health Canada. The Company stated that Jublia^® (efinaconazole 10% topical solution) is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate onychomycosis, a common and destructive nail infection caused predominantly by dermatophyte fungi. Commenting on the approval J. Michael Pearson, Chairman and CEO of Valeant Pharmaceuticals, said, "Jublia^® represents the first new topical onychomycosis treatment approved in more than a decade, and we are very excited to bring this new treatment option to patients in Canada. An effective topical therapy like Jublia^® is a logical treatment option to avoid drug interactions and systemic side effects, and we believe Jublia^® will position us well to address a growing unmet need." The Full Research Report on Valeant Pharmaceuticals Int'l 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/9fdd_VRX]

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