Business in 2006

Companies set up by academics are proliferating — but can they secure the investment they need to succeed? Ichiko Fuyuno investigates.

More and more drug trials are being farmed out to contractors, but who's benefiting from the change? Meredith Wadman investigates.

A global merger will put the long-suffering Bell Labs through the wringer yet again. But could joint ownership benefit the world-famous facility in the long run? Kurt Kleiner investigates.

Cambridge is revamping its approach to technology transfer — but will it work? Colin Macilwain reports.

Biotech start-ups face a struggle to survive. Virginia Gewin reports on an initiative that brings cash and experience together to improve their chances.

China's drug market is booming, and will soon be the fifth largest in the world. But despite this potential, global companies are being advised to approach the country with caution, as Colin Macilwain reports.

Merger fever has finally reached Germany's drug firms. But can it cure the industry's woes? Alison Abbott reports.

US regulators are moving sharply to ease the early stages of drug development, despite safety concerns. Meredith Wadman reports.