J&J posts positive simeprevir data; Dynavax plots another run at the FDA;

@FierceBiotech: VC funding follows tepid pace in Q3 as first-time rounds shrivel. Special report | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Seamus Fernandez is downgrading Sanofi. Likes PCSK9 but thinks prospects are overblown. Lotso competition coming. Very sensible assessment. | Follow @JohnCFierce

@DamianFierce: The third time is not whatsoever charming as Alimera, pSivida get another FDA rejection for Iluvien. Article | Follow @DamianFierce

@EmilyMFierce: Mini pancreas grown in lab using mouse cells. Story from FierceBiotech Research | Follow @EmilyMFierce

> Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ) and partner Medivir reported some positive Phase III results for the much-hyped hepatitis C drug simeprevir in patient subpopulations. News

> Dynavax is plotting an 8,000-patient Phase II trial of Heplisav, its hepatitis B vaccine, with eyes on FDA approval. Article

> Valeant ($VRX) has to cough up $100 million in a breach-of-contract dispute with Anacor Pharmaceuticals. More | Story from FiercePharma

> UCB's Cimzia won FDA approval to treat active ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory rheumatic disease of the spine. Item

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev:  buying implant outfit for $80M with eye on Europe. ICYMI yesterday | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: Roche is closing down its 454 Life Sciences gene sequencing division. FierceDiagnostics story | Follow @MarkHFierce

@MichaelGFierce: ICYMI: FierceMedicalDevices' 2013 Fierce 15. Special report | Follow @MichaelGFierce

> LabCorp grew revenue despite Dx reimbursement challenges. Item

> Fierce 15 winner Veracyte discloses IPO details and boosts maximum offering. Story

> Med tech VC spending grew in Q3, but deal numbers declined. Report

> Boston Scientific paying $30M to settle Guidant claims. More

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Biggest story this a.m. online: Pharma dealmakers, listen up; Ireland may close a popular tax loophole. Story | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: Another gut check for Amarin and its fish oil drug . F panel votes against wider use. Article | Follow @EricPFierce

@CarlyHFierce: Q3 earnings: Abbott ups dividend, Actelion confirms growth, Baxter hurt by merger costs. More | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> Valeant ordered to pay Anacor $100M. Story

> EP Vantage: Eliquis projected sales off 60% for 2014. Article

> NICE panel likes Astellas' Xtandi. More