deCODE genetics has acquired privately-held Icelandic cancer research firm Urdur, Verdandi Skuld (UVS). The acquisition enables deCODE to broaden and enhance its cancer program by applying the company's unique gene discovery and drug development capabilities to an even larger set of population-based resources.

Iceland ranks fifth in the 2006 Index of Economic Freedom, published by Wall Street Journal and the World Heritage Foundation, achieving the same score as UK.