Editor's note: BioWorld has always kept a watchful eye on big pharma developments as they relate to the biotech space. Now we're making it easier for readers by separating pharma business and clinical news into these columns of brief news.

• Eli Lilly and Co., of Indianapolis, reported data from a Phase III study showing that both Cialis (tadalafil) and tamsulosin significantly improved scores on the International Prostate Symptom Score, compared to placebo, in men with signs and symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Cialis improved erectile dysfunction (ED) in those men who had both signs and symptoms of BPH and ED. Data were published in European Urology.

• Merck & Co. Inc., of Whitehouse Station, N.J., reported top-line results from the TRA-2P (Thrombin Receptor Antagonist in Secondary Prevention of atherothrombotic ischemic events) study of vorapaxar, showing the drug, an oral protease activated receptor 1 thrombin receptor angonist, met the primary endpoint in preventing clot formation and reducing cardiovascular events. Data showed the addition of vorapaxar to standard of care significantly reduced the risk of the protocol-specific primary endpoint of the composite of cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke or urgent coronary revascularization compared to standard of care alone. The firm did report, however, that there was a significant increase in bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), among patients in the vorapaxar group, though there was a lower risk of ICH in patients without a history of stroke.