Merck: Schering-Plough integration is track

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. (AP) - Drugmaker Merck & Co. says its integration of Schering Plough Corp. is off to a good start, with sales and other operations already combined in the top 20 companies where they operate.

Merck says it's been building sales of key products and launching new products since the Nov. 3 acquisition.

The Whitehouse Station, N.J., company is giving analysts the first briefing on its business since then.

Executives will discuss business developments and their research portfolio.

Merck now has four drugs awaiting approval, including ones for schizophrenia, contraception and irregular heartbeat.

More than 20 other drugs are in final-stage testing, including ones for osteoporosis, allergies and heart disease.

A new leadership team also is being assembled.