Wyeth Wins Fen-Phen Case

Wyeth (WYE ) says a jury in Atlanta ruled in favor of the company in a case brought by Linda Eichmiller, who claimed to have suffered heart-valve injury from the use of Wyeth's diet drug, known as fen-phen. The combination drug was taken off the market in 1997 because of patients who developed heart-valve damage, and has forced the drugmaker to take $16.6 billion in charges so far. Earlier this month, a Texas jury awarded $1.36 million to a woman claiming injuries from fen-phen. The shares rose in afternoon trade.

H&R Block (HRB ) rose after posting 6 cents second-quarter earnings per share, vs. a 21 cents loss on a 23% revenue rise. The tax-return preparation company sees $3.65 to$3.85 fiscal 2004 earnings per share, up from the previous guidance of $3.56 to $3.72. S&P upgraded to hold from avoid. Morgan Stanley raised its estimates and target.