Icahn backs off Amylin challenge; Pierre Fabre and Forest tout PhIII depression data; Omthera posts positive late-stage data;

 @FierceBiotech: Txt msg reminders swell flu vaccine uptake--gr8! Item | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @JohnCFierce: The new CEO at AZ should get a 3-5 year shot at a turnaround in R&D. That leaves Lilly's Lechleiter in the hot seat on pipeline strategies. | Follow @JohnCFierce

 @RyanMFierce: Illumina to open app store for genomics, releases iPad app. Story | Follow @RyanMFierce

 @MarkHFierce: Australia is actively promoting a new R&D tax credit beneficial for biotech research and drug development. More | Follow @MarkHFierce

> Carl Icahn is backing off on his attempt to force a sale at Amylin ($AMLN), dropping a suit intended to let him field candidates for the board. There's no word on just what agreement Icahn reached with the company, but The New York Times speculates that he's been assured that the board is pushing for a deal to sell the company at a premium. Story

> Pierre Fabre and partner Forest Laboratories ($FRX) say another positive Phase III study has provided sufficient data for an approval of their depression drug, levomilnacipran. They're planning a third-quarter NDA. Story

> Omthera Pharmaceuticals announced positive top-line data from its EVOLVE clinical study for Epanova, its lead compound for lowering very high triglycerides. Release

Pharma News

 @FiercePharma: No hiving off units for incoming J&J chief Alex Gorsky. Instead: M&A in devices, emerging markets--Bloomberg. Story | Follow @FiercePharma

> BMS delivers sales, profit growth in Plavix's final quarter. More

> Icahn calls a truce with Amylin after CEO chat. Story

> Watson formally unveils its $5.6B-plus deal for Actavis. Article

Medical Devices News

@FierceMedDev: EU Parliament takes action: PIP breast implants: "learn the lessons of this fraud." Release | Follow @FierceMedDev

> J&J's Gorsky will target device deals for emerging markets. Item

> Cadence lands more cash for device to improve walking ability. Article

> FDA panel widely supports HeartWare's LVAD. Article

> Qiagen's molecular diagnostics buys boost Q1 sales. News

CRO News

> Tom Pike joins Quintiles as new CEO. Item

> INC Research to close another facility, laying off around 30. News

> Warnex repays debentures and sells analytical services division. Article

> Cetero and FDA reach resolution over the CRO's questionable reports. Story

Vaccines News

> Celebrating vaccines: World Immunization Week 2012. Commentary

> Nigeria commits to AIDS vaccine development. News

> 'Hypervirulent' salmonella could overwhelm a vaccine. More

> Shingles shot safe and well tolerated, study finds. Story

Pharma Manufacturing News

> Fixing OTC production problems is a top priority for new J&J CEO. Story

> FDA, industry differ on level of track and trace needed in U.S. Article

> Amgen VP warns FDA about quashing manufacturing innovation of biosimilars. More

> Novartis remediation drags on longer than expected. Report

And Finally… Investigators say an experimental drug relieved symptoms in mouse models of autism. Story