PHARMACEUTICAL giant AstraZeneca is to buy a US biotech company which is pioneering a treatment for gout for $1.2bn.The company, which is one of the largest employers in Cheshire with more than 3,000 scientists at the Alderley Park cancer research centre near Alderley Edge and 2,600 in manufacturing at nearby Macclesfield, is acquiring San Diego-based Ardea Biosciences for $32 a share.Ardea's clinically most advanced product is called lesinurad  and is currently in Phase III development as a potential treatment for the chronic......for the full story register now for free or login below...