RTP-based GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) (www.gsk.com), a research-based pharmaceutical company, has bought Reliant Pharmaceuticals, a privately held biotechnology company based in New Jersey, for $1.65 billion in cash. Reliant markets cardiovascular drugs including Lovanza, a treatment for adult patients with high levels of triglycerides, fatty substances in the blood. Lovanza sales were reported to be $206 million at the close of the third quarter of 2007.
GlaxoSmithKline is a CED member.