Genentech inks $111M discovery deal; Burrill backs India's Strand; Shire launches PhIII;

 @FierceBiotech: New special report: 25 most influential people in biopharma today. Report | Last year's list: More | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: StemCells is jumping on very early, positive results from tiny spinal cord study. Release | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: Burrill backed India-based outfit with diagnostics biz ambitions. Burrill & Co. landed $505M for latest VC fund. News | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Genentech has inked a $111 million discovery deal with Avalon Ventures' RQx Pharmaceuticals. The two companies kept most of the details private, including what they will be working on together. RQx was set up by Scripps' Floyd Romesberg to develop broad-spectrum small molecule antibiotics, a serious issue given the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. Release

> Burrill & Co. is investing in Bangalore, India-based Strand Life Sciences, buying out its investors. No figures were released. Story

> Shire ($SHPG) launched a Phase III study designed to evaluate the "efficacy and safety of ABH001, its dermal substitute therapy, for the treatment of non-healing wounds in patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a group of rare genetic skin disorders." Release

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Daiichi sales reps sue for discrimination. $100M damages sought. Same law firm that handled Novartis case. Story | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: Merck to whittle away further at its manufacturing network. More | Follow @EricPFierce

@AlisonBFierce: Feds nail supplier of unapproved cancer drugs. This after authorities found counterfeit Altuzan making the rounds. News | Follow @AlisonBFierce

> Celgene wins China's blessing for Revlimid launch. Story

> Bristol licenses OTC brands to Reckitt for 'eye-watering' $482M. News

Medical Device News

 @FierceMedDev: Biodegradable plastics + stem cells rebuild broken bone. Item | Follow @FierceMedDev

 @MarkHFierce: U.K. researchers developed a stem/cell device hybrid device that repairs broken bones and then biodegrades. Release | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: Endo's likely headed for a sale, and some analysts say device giant Covidien would be a perfect match. Report | Follow @DamianFierce

> Swiss stent developer grabs $4.3M series B in crowded EU market. Story

> Stimatix looks for partner, buyer as it eyes stoma market. News

> Nanomix rolls out U.S. trial for heart attack blood Dx. Article

Biotech Research News

> Stem cell discovery could drive new bone repair therapies. Article

> Acorda drug boosts motor functions in rats after stroke. Report

> Compound preserves heart cells, tissue after heart attack or stroke damage. Story

> Dogs with diabetes 'cured' with gene therapy. Item

Pharma Manufacturing News

> Japan's Eisai sells Taiwan plant in revamp of manufacturing. Story

> Feds nail supplier of unapproved cancer drugs. News

> More Merck manufacturing cuts on the way. Report

And Finally….A new study concludes that music lessons for the young boost their brain development. Story