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Risperdal lawsuits’ settlement costs J&J $800mn

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Johnson & Johnson, an American multinational corporation, has said that it settled most of the lawsuits regarding its anti-psychotic drug Risperdal.

Thousands of people filed cases against J&J, claiming that Risperdal caused them to develop excessive breast tissue.

The company that develops medical devices and pharmaceuticals said that the settlement agreement cost it $800 million in the third quarter.

In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday, J&J said that it reached a settlement in September and resolved almost all of the roughly 9,000 cases. Many of the cases were pending in Pennsylvania, California, and Missouri.

The claimers generally accused the New Jersey-based drugmaker of failing to warn of the risk of a condition called gynecomastia linked with Risperdal. The company denied the allegations.

Approved in 1993 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat schizophrenia and bipolar mania in adults, Risperdal was the only medicine in 2006 that was authorised to be used for irritability associated with autism in children.

The 135-year-old company separately agreed in 2013 to pay $2.2 billion to settle U.S. criminal and civil probes into its marketing of Risperdal and two other drugs.

In May, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a bid by Johnson & Johnson to overturn a $70 million jury verdict against the company for its failure to warn about risks associated with off-label uses of Risperdal. The court turned away the J&J’s appeal of a 2019 ruling by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania that maintained the verdict in favour of a Tennessee man who was prescribed the drug at the age of 4 in the early 2000s.

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Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

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Dubai Chambers launches one-stop digital platform to help businesses start, grow and expand

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Starting and growing a business in Dubai is set to become easier with the launch of Business in Dubai, a new digital platform by Dubai Chambers that brings together essential corporate services in one place.

Designed as a single gateway for companies, the platform connects businesses with trusted service providers, helping them access everything from financial solutions to technology, marketing and certification services without having to navigate multiple channels.

The initiative aims to simplify business operations while strengthening Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most competitive destinations for investment and entrepreneurship.

What does the platform offer?

The Business in Dubai platform currently provides 65 corporate services through seven accredited partners, offering companies a wide range of support as they establish or expand their operations in the emirate.

The services are grouped into four key categories:

  • Financial services
  • Marketing and business growth services
  • Technology services
  • Testing, inspection and certification services

The current network of partners includes ZENDATA Cybersecurity, FAST Ventures, Mamo, OCTA, SGS Gulf Limited, Vault, and Pemo.

Helping businesses grow

Dubai Chambers said the platform has been designed to save companies time and resources by bringing multiple business services under one digital roof.

Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to creating an environment that supports business growth both locally and internationally.

He said the platform will strengthen Dubai’s investment ecosystem by making it easier for companies to access the services they need to scale their operations and contribute to the emirate’s long-term economic development.

Boost for the digital economy

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said the platform will particularly benefit businesses operating in the digital economy by simplifying access to trusted service providers.

He added that the initiative creates a more flexible and efficient business environment, enabling entrepreneurs and companies across different sectors to focus on growth rather than administrative processes.

A single digital gateway

By consolidating key business services onto one platform, Dubai Chambers aims to reduce the time and effort companies spend searching for service providers, allowing them to concentrate on innovation, expansion and day-to-day operations.

The launch forms part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen its business ecosystem and reinforce its position as a leading global hub for trade, investment and entrepreneurship.

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Elon Musk Becomes world’s First Trillionaire Following SpaceX’s historic Listing

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Shares in Elon Musk’s aerospace and technology company SpaceX have surged on their trading debut in New York, in what is being described as the largest initial public offering in history.

The stock climbed as much as 30% in early trading on the Nasdaq, pushing the company’s valuation above $2 trillion and briefly placing it among the most valuable firms in the United States.

The listing, which raised more than $75bn, marks a dramatic milestone for the firm founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, who has become one of the most influential—and divisive—figures in global technology.

Speaking at a launch event in Texas, Mr Musk said the company’s ambitions extended far beyond Earth. “SpaceX wants to be able to take you to the Moon, take you to Mars, and ultimately beyond,” he said, adding that its teams would “make that happen” for customers.

The billionaire entrepreneur—Elon Musk—has reportedly become the world’s first trillionaire following the surge, according to market estimates cited in the offering’s early trading performance.

The IPO priced more than 555 million shares at $135 each, valuing the company at just under $1.8 trillion ahead of its market debut. Within hours of trading, prices peaked at around $175 per share.

The listing also allows for the potential sale of an additional 83 million shares, which could lift total proceeds beyond $86bn.

Investor demand was reported to be heavily oversubscribed, reflecting strong interest in both space exploration and the company’s expanding role in satellite communications and artificial intelligence.

SpaceX has increasingly evolved from a rocket launch provider into a broader technology conglomerate, incorporating satellite operations and artificial intelligence assets linked to Mr Musk’s wider business portfolio.

Market analysts say the listing is being closely watched as a potential benchmark for other high-profile technology firms, including artificial intelligence companies expected to pursue public offerings in the coming months.

The debut also comes against the backdrop of Mr Musk’s increasingly polarising public profile, shaped by his political commentary, business decisions, and ownership of social media platform X.

Despite the controversy, investor appetite for the company appears undiminished, with strong early demand signalling continued enthusiasm for Musk-led ventures.

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