Merck combo helps hep C patients in HIV population; GSK and J&J to test once-monthly AIDS therapy;

@FierceBiotech: Read about the reasons that put these 15 cities at the top of U.S. Report | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Forest's CNS partner Adamas shoots for #IPO gold in $69M offering. Story | Follow @JohnCFierce

@DamianFierce: Endo wins FDA nod for a "low-T" drug just as safety controversy reaches fever pitch. News | Follow @DamianFierce

@EmilyMFierce: Super cool: A new kind of wristband could measure individual exposure to environmental toxins. More | Follow @EmilyMFierce

> A pair of Merck ($MRK) drugs--MK-5172 and MK-8742--proved very effective in treating hepatitis C patients who were also infected with HIV. Story

> GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) and Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ) are partnering on a study of a new, once-monthly AIDS drug. The combination of Glaxo's GSK1265744 and J&J's Edurant beat Sustiva in a head-to-head study. Report

> Ampio Pharmaceuticals ($AMPE) has raised $63.3 million from a stock offering. Story

> Hawaii Biotech has landed a $5.5 million DoD contract to further develop its anti-botulism drugs. Story

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: The vaginal mesh saga continues: Coloplast reportedly paid $16M to settle suits, sparking talk of a global settlement. More | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: Navidea is trying to move its Lymphoseek cancer imaging agent forward in the mkt, and this $30M loan will help. Story | Follow @MarkHFierce

@GalenMoore: Upheld: Former Spectranetics CEO's conviction for lying to the feds over device smuggling allegations. Story | Follow @GalenMoore

@EmilyWFierce: Pulse Therapeutics' magnet-based technology could help deliver drugs to stroke patients faster, improving outcomes. News | Follow @EmilyWFierce

> Researchers find silk could replace metal in surgical devices. More

> Study gives KCI's wound therapy device a marketplace boost. Article

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Study: Pro-vaccine messages can intensify immunization opposition - FierceVaccines. More | Follow @FiercePharma

@TracyStaton: Which city boasts the most biotech VC funding? Check out the top 15 list at FierceBiotech. Report | Follow @TracyStaton

@EricPFierce: Baxter says it discovered mold in a dialysis product. FDA sent it a warning letter last year related to mold. Story | Follow @EricPFierce

@CarlyHFierce: "The constant threat of compulsory licences hangs like a Damocles sword over patent-holders." Article | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> Endo finally wins a Low-T drug nod, but safety dispute could snarl its launch. Story

> Italian prosecutors jump into Roche, Novartis case with fraud probe. News

> Merck shores up Rebif defenses to fend off new MS rivals. More

Pharma Manufacturing News

> Baxter recalls a dialysis product due to mold. News

> Plant issues cost Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim a drug approval. Story

> Lilly and its partner Novast start work on a plant in China. Story

> Sagent recalls drug because of leaking bags. News

> Bloomberg: Worker safety also an issue with Ranbaxy plant. Article

> GSK shares grant to help U.K. on how to rebuild its drug manufacturing base. Brief

Vaccines News

> U.K. facing $100M compensation payout relating to GSK's swine flu vaccine. Report

> Study: Merck's Gardasil halves risk of precancerous lesions. Story

> Sanofi makes inactive polio vax available to poor countries for a buck a dose. Article

> CDC reports switch to 2-dose regimen of Merck's chickenpox vaccine a success. Story

> Pro-vaccine messages can intensify immunization opposition. Study

> Antibody discovery opens new avenue for HIV vaccine development. Brief