Amgen, biotechs target Russia for trials; Biotech Investment Group forms Formex in San Diego;

@FierceBiotech: $1.3B VC cash surge buoys biotech as analysts point to a rebound. More | Special Report: The Top 15 Biotech VC firms | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @JohnCFierce: Novartis buries a PhIII kidney cancer failure behind Q2 successes. News | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: After Nobel Prize, Japan wants to take lead in iPSC therapy with approval of clinical trial. Article | Follow @RyanMFierce

 @EmilyMFierce: The latest at FierceBiotechResearch.com: Revalesio drug alters Alzheimer's progression in animal model. Story | Follow @EmilyMFierce

> Amgen ($AMGN) and smaller biotech outfits have targeted Russia for new clinical trials and ventures. Item

> Biotech Investment Group revealed that it has wrapped up the asset buyout of PharmaForm and started operations of Formex, a provider of small-molecule formulation services in San Diego. Release

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: Stryker's sales up 5%, but recalls swallow profits. Report | Follow @FierceMedDev

 @MarkHFierce: ArthroCare's ex-CEO and former CFO both face multiple charges in a $400M fraud scheme. ICYMI yesterday | Follow @MarkHFierce

@DamianFierce: A House group has introduced the FDA SOS Act, designed to save user fees from sequester cuts. Report | Follow @DamianFierce

> LabCorp lowers outlook as profits slide. Article

> Intuitive's surgical robot juggernaut shows some cracks in Q2. More

> Hologic CEO resigns, citing personal reasons. Item

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Peace treaty in Vivus proxy war: $VVUS hands board control to rebels, with new CEO Zook poised to step in. Report | Follow @FiercePharma

 @EricPFierce: From FierceVaccines.com: ABC's appointment of Jenny McCarthy sparks media furor. Story | Follow @EricPFierce

 @CarlyHFierce: Vivus, First Manhattan reach agreement - Wilson out as CEO and 6 FMC candidates join board. Article | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> GSK sends contingent to China, even as country prevents one exec from leaving. Article

> Bristol-Myers Squibb moving 575 jobs to Tampa. Report

> J&J's Simponi approved for RA as it heads for blockbuster stratosphere. Story

And Finally… Imperial College London researchers have tested a surgical knife armed with sensors to detect tumors in the midst of cutting. Article