Medivir splits R&D; BioMarin launches late-stage study of Pompe drug;

 @FierceBiotech: From FierceBiotechResearch.com: New database a boon for genomics research. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Moderna will now triple its staff in Cambridge, MA, if you're looking for a job. Article | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: Celgene makes big splash in gene therapy with two cancer collaborations. News | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Sweden's Medivir has decided to split its R&D operation into two groups--discovery research and development. The research organization will be helmed by Richard Bethell, who will assume the position as Executive Vice President Discovery Research on April 22. Release

> BioMarin Pharmaceutical ($BMRN) is moving forward with plans to launch a late-stage study of its experimental drug for Pompe disease. Story

> The U.K.'s cost-effectiveness watchdog has turned away Novartis' ($NVS) Afinitor for breast cancer. Story

Medical Device News

 @FierceMedDev: More worry for Intuitive as MA questions robotic surgery. Item | Follow @FierceMedDev

 @MarkHFierce: Our latest special report: Med Tech's 2012 R&D big spenders. Who made the list? Feature | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: A House Dem has taken up the medical device tax repeal cause, introducing a bill to kill the charge. Report | Follow @DamianFierce

> St. Jude claims 'landmark study' quells concerns over heart plug benefits. Article

> Abbott's MitraClip draws mixed vote from FDA panel. News

> Swiss develop multitasking, implantable Dx chip. More

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Novartis CEO Joe Jimenez's latest interview with a big media outlet. How $NVS forges ahead, from CNN. Report | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: Canada's Apotex, already in NAFTA fight with US over 2009 FDA import ban, finds itself back in the FDA doghouse. Article | Follow @EricPFierce

> Novartis breast cancer drug Afinitor nixed by U.K. gatekeepers. Story

> Compounding pharmacy yanks sterile drugs after repacked Avastin triggered eye infections. News

> AstraZeneca to shed 2,300 jobs in sales, admin as it targets new growth. Report

Pharma Manufacturing News

> Teva returns to market with propofol. Story

> India has plan to meet Europe's new API regs. Report

> Sanofi again having manufacturing issues involving TB drug. Article

> FDA again on Apotex's case for plant problems. More

Vaccines News

> Flexible flu threatens pandemic preparedness. Report

> Anthrax vax vexes bioethics committee. Story

> U.K. smallpox rethink prompts stockpiling criticisms. Article

> Struggle against HPV vaccine skepticism intensifying. More

And Finally… A new study concludes that the last few meals you eat ahead of surgery could dictate the length of your recovery. Release