Other generic makers face some serious court challenges over the deals they have made with the drug giants.
The drug giants, of course, have not abandoned antibiotics.
It would also provide a handsome annuity for one of the drug giants.
The two drug giants have spent much of the last year discussing a possible deal, but have only recently begun to complete the details.
Since few have the resources to do so on their own, many are turning to alliances with multinational drug giants.
Indeed, a merger with two drug giants would be a dramatic departure for a historically conservative company.
Many of those drugs belong to established biotechnology companies or traditional drug giants.
Protect the drug giants' patents - and harm the health of the poor?
The British drug giant is seeking two more approvals this week.
But neither of these two drug giants is a slouch on the pharmaceutical side.