Among the candidates for the stockmarkets top honours is a raft of former Footsie members, among them Shire Pharmaceuticals, Associated British Foods, Rolls-Royce, Hanson and Psion.

BBC: Freeserve ejected from FTSE 100

In a surprise move, Shire Pharmaceuticals has ended its bid for FDA approval for its Replagal biologic for treating Fabry disease, a rare, but life-threatening genetic disorder.

FORBES: Shire Ends Fabry Drug Bid, Giving Sanofi A Boost

Other major players include Alexion Pharmaceuticals, BioMarin, and Shire PLC.

FORBES: Pfizer Enters Market For Super-Expensive, Ultra-Rare Disease Drugs -- With A Price Cut