Spine surgery has gone from the pariah of the orthopedic industry to that sector's fastest growing segment. Large companies have looked to capitalize on spine's rapid growth by acquiring their way into this space, a pattern of consolidation that has left the industry without a major pure play spinal company. SpineVision is looking to fill that void by developing a complete line of spinal products, starting with innovations on core technology, rather than relying on a typical start-up strategy of focusing on a particular device or clinical niche. The company's strategy will bring it immediately into competition with the market leaders' well-established product lines. But SpineVision is counting on experienced management and the current frustration among spine surgeons resulting from recent industry consolidation to attract physicians' attention.

This is an update of recommendations from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use on the authorization of new medicines in the EU, and updates on EU marketing authorization changes recommended by the CHMP.

France's Pierre Fabre is enhancing its presence in the women's health market by taking a stake in dietary supplements and cosmetics firm MiYé.