Harvard lands $50M for translational drug projects; FDA approves Kcentra to control warfarin-related bleeding;

@FierceBiotech: From FierceBiomarkers.com: Brain atrophy could predict multiple sclerosis, study finds. More | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Henri Termeer is joining the board at Moderna (big pact with AstraZeneca). Moderna gets my vote for fast co. status. I hope they pull it off. | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: Sanofi teams with BigData outfit NextBio to research drugs for diabetes and cancer. More | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Harvard University has landed a $50 million gift to finance the Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator, which will spur along translational medicine by finding promising therapeutic programs and putting them on the path to a possible approval. Story

> The FDA has approved Kcentra, a new drug designed to reverse the effects of warfarin and control the bleeding risks associated with the old drug. Story

> Expanding from small molecules to biologics, San Diego-based Ligand Pharmaceuticals ($LGND) has snapped up a portfolio of future milestone and royalty payments for more than 15 biologic programs from Selexis. Release

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: Experts: Taiwan, Israel should form med device alliance. Item | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: Today's DxExtra: LipoScience is moving head with development of a cardiovascular Dx that relies on gut flora. More | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: HeartWare's sales leapt 87% in Q1 thanks to a successful U.S. ventricular pump launch. Article | Follow @DamianFierce

> Asthma devicemaker Aerocrine nabs $50M. More

> German court sides with Boston Scientific rival in stent patent fight. Article

> Qiagen buys Ingenuity Systems for $105M. News

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Pfizer stock down on Q1 shortfall, lowered profits forecast. Sales down 9% to $13.5B. EPS expected at up to $2.24 now, down from $2.30. Results statement | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: Novartis to expanded Swiss OTC plant while taking ax to its troubled consumer facility in Lincoln, NE. Article | Follow @EricPFierce

> Pfizer cuts forecast as Q1 sales fall $550M short of estimates. News

> Regeneron execs score $140M payday as Eylea mints money. Article

> Merck wins bellwether Fosamax femur-fracture trial. More

Biotech Research News

 @EmilyMFierce: Investigators explore inflammation's role in Parkinson's development. Article | Follow @EmilyMFierce

> Malaria parasite protein could be used to prevent disease transmission. Item

> Gilead drug clears hep B virus in chimpanzees. More

> Zoonotic virus kills human melanoma cells in animal model. Story

> Harvard scientists discover hormone that could treat diabetes. Article

Pharma Manufacturing News

> FDA uncovers foreign-made Botox disguised as U.S. product. News

> Alexion brings in hired guns for troubled plant. Article

> Lonza API plant problems undermine Ipsen's Increlex supplies. More

> Blocking a gene's activity could clear beta-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's. Story

And Finally… The death of an 89-year-old man from a new strain of bird flu has brought the death toll in Shanghai to 13, the highest of any Chinese city. The city is a global business hub, which has also attracted a number of major biopharma operations. Story