Addex Pharmaceuticals Ltd (SIX:ADXN) announced today that the Phase I studies required to commence Phase II testing of ADX71149 have been satisfactorily completed. Subject to regulatory authorizations, Phase IIa studies in schizophrenia and anxiety, are scheduled to start enrolling patients in the first quarter of 2011. Link: Click Here

Ascom has presented very good results for the first half of 2010. With revenue increasing year-on-year from CHF 235.2 million to CHF 281.2 million, the Group posted growth of 19.6%. Incoming orders rose by 31.8% to CHF 308.2 million. Ascom generated on EBITDA level CHF 33.9 million (prior-year: CHF 12.3 million) with an EBITDA margin of 12.1%. Thus, the profitability has been more than doubled compared to last year. At CHF 17.1 million, Group profit was well above the prior-year result of CHF 11.9 million. Link: Click Here

CFT: Revenue: CHF 656.4m. EBIDTA: CHF 65.8m. Consolidated revenue was down 9.8% at constant exchange rates. However, activity levels showed an improvement in the first half, with consolidated revenue up 7.0% on the second half of 2009 (at constant exchange rates). Operating results for the first six months of 2010 were impacted by an amortisation charge on an intangible asset of CHF 10.5m (2009: CHF 10.6m) as well as other net exceptional costs of CHF 7.1m (2009: CHF 6.3m). This brought the consolidated underlying operating margin to 9.2% of consolidated revenue. Link: Click Here

Economy
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Swiss Healthcare Sector: Regional Supply Withstands Heavy Cost Pressure. New Credit Suisse Study on Swiss Healthcare Landscape. Healthcare is one of Switzerland's most important economic sectors. One of its biggest challenges facing it is the balancing act between the growing trend toward concentration and ensuring the provision of unimpaired access to healthcare service providers. In this context, the economists at Credit Suisse have just published a study examining the structure and evolution of Switzerland's healthcare sector. Link: Click Here

France: Unions called for a one-day strike to protest against pension system reforms. Tensions in France are mounting. In a joint statement, seven unions called for a strike on 7 September, when Parliament starts debating the government pensions plan. Workers' representatives aim to gather private and public sector employees as well as retired people to protest against a measure which, in their view, would leave the burden of correcting France's fiscal position on workers' shoulders. Link: Click Here