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Bangalore-based Strides Arcolab, a global pharmaceutical company, has announced that it has got tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a combination drug containing Lamivudine and Stavudine, which is used in the treatment of AIDS.

In an announcement, the company said that the sanction for lamivudine and stavudine in 150-milligram/30-mg dosages in tablet form, was expedited under the provisions of the President`s Emergency Plant for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

In a latest development, Hyderabad-based drug developer Suven Life Sciences has informed that its molecule for Alzheimer's disease will soon enter phase two trials.

According to sources, the phase two trials will cost the company $20 million. The company is presently in the process of raising funds for the trials through a combination of debt, equity and strategic partner.

Last week, the company announced that more than half-a-dozen companies have shown interest in partnering the company for developing 'SUVN 502' molecule.

Reliance Communications informed on Tuesday that it will open 82 new exclusive mobile stores in Punjab under its expansion programme.

Under the arrangement, the company would undertake expansion drive across several districts of state including Amritsar, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala.

According to company officials, the latest move is to bring affordable services closer to the people of Punjab and provide easier and faster access to world class telecommunications solutions.

According to a recent study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), though there is a noticeable slump in demand for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) in the urban markets, the rising demand in rural areas is attracting manufacturers of consumer products and automobiles, and even organised retail businesses.

The Assocham study titled ‘The Rise of Rural India’ reveals that the global financial meltdown notwithstanding, rural India is being seen as a potential for healthy revenue growth for companies, thanks to a robust demand for products of FMCG, two-wheelers, passenger cars as well as retail sectors.