MALVERN, Pennsylvania, December 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- Solstice Neurosciences, Inc. Launches a Self-Guided Lesson as Prep for In-Person Workshops

In recognition that physician comfort and knowledge with techniques around botulinum toxin injections lead to the best results for patients with cervical dystonia (CD), Solstice Neurosciences, Inc. (Solstice) has created MYOBLOC(TM) University, an online, self-study resource that incorporates new learning technology. The course integrates multi-dimensional, life-like animation throughout the content -- with anatomy based on real patients with CD and actual injection technique demonstrations with Myobloc(R) (Botulinum Toxin Type B) Injectable Solution. The course can be accessed at www.myoblocuniversity.com.

LONDON, December 13 /PRNewswire/ --

Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies and data solutions, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), a leading European technical university. According to the agreement, Qualcomm now owns certain intellectual property rights directed to signal processing and will provide a research grant to EPFL. The research grant will enable EPFL to continue its pioneering research and work with Qualcomm to generate research ideas that can ultimately lead to commercial products.

SAN FRANCISCO, December 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Synosia Therapeutics today announced the appointment of Antony Blanc, Ph.D., as the company's new chief business officer, effective immediately.

Dr Blanc, who will serve as head of Synosia's office in Basel, Switzerland, joins from Syngenta, where he created and led the biopharmaceuticals business unit. A molecular biologist by training and an experienced biotech entrepreneur, Dr. Blanc helped biotech and pharma clients with R&D, commercial and strategy issues as associate partner with the business consultants McKinsey & Company.

BASINGSTOKE, England and PHILADELPHIA, December 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY, TSX: SHQ), the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announces its Board succession plans. Dr James H Cavanaugh (age 70) will retire as Non-Executive Chairman; Matthew Emmens (56) will succeed him as Non-Executive Chairman. Angus Russell (51) will be appointed Chief Executive.

These Board changes will become effective at Shire's AGM in June 2008. Also, at that time, David Kappler will be appointed as Deputy Chairman in addition to his existing role as Senior Independent Director. These appointments have the unanimous support of the Directors.

GENEVA, Switzerland, December 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- Trial Will Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of Atacicept in Lupus Nephritis and is Intended to Support Marketing Authorizations

Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, and its partner ZymoGenetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZGEN) announced today the initiation of a Phase II/III clinical trial of atacicept in lupus nephritis, a severe form of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The kidneys are affected in at least 30% of the estimated 1.5 million people suffering from SLE worldwide. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of atacicept for the treatment of patients with active lupus nephritis.

ROCKFORD, Michigan, December 12 /PRNewswire/ --

- Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Styles of Children's Shoes

Wolverine has become aware of a risk of the black plastic tab at the end of the shoelaces on Caterpillar(R) brand children's Sheltered, Equate and Kudos models (pictured below) coming off the laces when pulled. Wolverine has not received reports of any incidents from any consumer, but is voluntarily recalling the styles listed above in EU children's sizes 23-29 (equivalent to US children's sizes 7-12) as a precaution because of the potential choking hazard to young children.