Charlotte, NC and South Jordan, UT– Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:MMSI), a manufacturer and marketer of proprietary disposable devices used primarily in cardiology and radiology procedures, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Alveolus, Inc., located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Alveolus produces non-vascular interventional stents used for esophageal, tracheobronchial, and biliary stenting procedures. Merit believes the current worldwide market for these types of products exceeds $200 million. (more…)

RICHMOND, Va., Feb 12, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Insmed Inc. (Nasdaq: INSM), a developer of follow-on biologics and biopharmaceuticals focused on niche markets with unmet medical needs, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Merck & Co., Inc. whereby Merck, through an affiliate, will purchase all assets related to Insmed’s follow-on biologics platform. Under the terms of the agreement, Insmed will receive a total of $130 million for the assets. After fees, taxes and other costs related to the transaction, Insmed expects net proceeds of approximately $123 million as a result of this agreement. (more…)