Idera Pharma chief upbeat despite setback in Merck KGaA pact; InSite Vision raising $22.2M in financing;

@FierceBiotech: Superbug antibiotics: New drugs advance amid R&D investment shortfall. Special Report | Follow @FierceBiotech

> Xconomy caught up with Idera Pharmaceuticals ($IDRA) after the developer of drugs that target Toll-like receptors suffered a setback last week in its collaboration with German drug maker Merck KGaA. Idera, as the story notes, is still working with the other Merck ($MRK) and has money in the bank to continue its research. Article

> InSite Vision ($INSV), a developer of eye treatments, says that expects to receive gross proceeds of $22.2 million through a private placement of the firm's common stock and warrants. Release

> Array BioPharma ($ARRY) said has licensed a cancer drug called ARRY-543, which is entering Phase II trials, to Singapore-based ASLAN Pharmaceuticals. Item

> PharmaGap, an Ontario-based developer of peptide drugs, said it has competed the first close of a private financing for a total of $500,000. Announcement

> Montreal-based Thallion Pharmaceuticals ($TLN) said it has temporarily stopped the screening and enrollment of a high-dose cohort in a Phase II study of an antibody treatment in patients with STEC infections, as a precautionary measure after observing an "out-of-specification" finding in stability testing. Release

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Novartis mulls IPO on China's planned int'l board. News | Follow @FiercePharma

> Studies: Gilead HIV drugs prevent transmission. Report

> Justice hits J&J with misdemeanor in Natrecor probe. Article

> Note to Pfizer: Bayer shopping for vet buys. Item

> Penn prof files complaint over ghostwritten Paxil study. News

> As rumors swirl, Shire eyes Vyvanse for binge eating. Article

> Hospitals want action on 'unprecedented' drug shortages. Report

Drug Delivery News

> Alnylam applies for trial of RNAi delivery tech for high cholesterol. Item

> MIT's Langer discusses targeted drug delivery. Report

> EnGeneIC, scientists search for antibodies to grab hold of tumors. Item

> Multitasking gel, polymer chain could deliver many drugs at once. Article

> Instant nano-delivery vehicle for brain cancer, just add water. Story

Medical Device News

> Kinetic Concepts to be bought for $4.98B. News

> Medtronic asks for $2.5M to expand Jacksonville ops. Article

> Shuren talks CDRH performance, staffing in Boston. News

> Representatives discuss Scottish device, diagnostic biz. Story