FDA advisory panel recommends HIV-preventive Truvada; Depomed gets $1M milestone from Ironwood;

 @FierceBiotech: Preclinical breakthrough: Scientists beat rare skin cancer tumors. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @RyanMFierce: The Indian gov't has launched a probe into its drug regulator after scathing parliamentary report. More | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Radnor, PA-based Polymedix announced that it is no longer enrolling patients in two clinical trials for its anticoagulant reversing agent PMX-60056. The company cited a side effect--reduced blood pressure--in patients as the reason for the discontinued enrollment. Article

> An FDA advisory panel has recommended 19-3 that Gilead's Truvada be approved as a preventive treatment for people at high risk of contracting HIV. The FDA will consider the panel's recommendation when deciding whether or not to approve the drug; the regulator is expected to make its final call by June 15. Release

> Depomed, a specialty pharma company that formulates its products using its proprietary Acuform technology, announced today that it has received a $1 million milestone payment from Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. Depomed licensed its Acuform gastric retentive drug delivery technology to Ironwood for use in a program directed at gastrointestinal afflictions. Release

Pharma News

 @FiercePharma: Bundling dialysis payments, aimed at preventing overuse of anemia meds, promotes underuse instead--NYT. Report | Follow @FiercePharma

> FDA review questions long-term use of bone-building drugs. Article

> FDA advisory panel backs Truvada for HIV prevention. Story

> Merck notches a win in Vioxx litigation. News

Medical Devices New

 @FierceMedDev: A Kensey Nash shareholder, claiming a raw deal, is suing to block the company's $360M sale to DSM. News | Follow @FierceMedDev

> Boston Sci boasts stroke risk reduction for Watchman implant. More

> Ariosa Diagnostics inks deal with LabCorp for prenatal test. Item

> St. Jude Medical: Long-term ICD survival rates higher than with drugs alone. Article

And Finally… PROLOR Biotech announced today the pricing of a previously underwritten IPO; the company is offering 6.5 million shares at $5.00 per share. Release