Novartis sheds R&D jobs; MannKind files Afrezza app at FDA; Arrowhead raises cash;

@FierceBiotech: Parexel looks to Japan for  growth. Story from FierceCRO | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Merck KGaA scouts for deep-pocketed partners to leverage its R&D budget. Article | Follow @JohnCFierce

@DamianFierce: While "porcine whipworm" rolls off the tongue, it doesn't seem to do much for Crohn's. Story | Follow @DamianFierce

> Novartis' ($NVS) Vaccines & Diagnostics division plans to shed 50 jobs in Emeryville, CA, is it shifts away from vaccines R&D toward diagnostics. Story

> Shares of MannKind ($MNKD) jumped about 10% on the expected news that it has filed for an approval of Afrezza. The inhaled diabetes therapy has already been rejected twice but recently completed a new round of Phase III testing. Story

> Arrowhead Research ($ARWR) has raised $60 million through a private offering of shares. Release

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: CardioKinetix heart failure treatment device reaches China. More | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: St. Jude Medical snatches up a company and gets a leadless pacemaker (and possible market edge) in the process. Release | Follow @MarkHFierce

@MichaelGFierce: Gov't shutdown halts FCC's wireless med tech certification. ICYMI Friday | Follow @MichaelGFierce

> Biotronik kicks off absorbable stent trial as market crowds. Article

> CardioDx to hit public markets with planned $86.2M IPO. Report

> Natera expands prenatal test amid global push. News

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: ICYMI: Top 10 Drugmakers in Emerging Markets. Special report | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: Big forecasts for biologics like Kadclya, lead Roche to invest $900 million in biologics production. Article | Follow @EricPFierce

@CarlyHFierce: FiercePharma gets a shoutout in The New York Times (as a source for this asthma piece).  | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> Sanofi nabs OTC nod for Nasacort amid consumer healthcare push. More

> Roche to supersize biologics production to meet biologics' super forecasts. Story

> Irate Teva reps vow to strike against Israeli job cuts. Report

> FDA staff report puts hurt on Amarin. Report

CRO News

> Quintiles snags registry deal with Muscular Dystrophy Association. Report

> U.K. CRO Cmed expands its U.S. foothold. Item

> Yale partners up to run medical device trials. More

> Icon deepens adaptive trial work with patient-safety service. Story

> Catalent buys up Brazilian CMO with eye on growing market. Article

Biotech IT News

> EDC tops poll of R&D productivity technologies. Article

> From Hollywood to healthcare: How 3-D modeling is shaping drug development. More

> Sanger Institute taps DDN to help with Big Data boom. Article

> Venter outlines plan to print vaccines on Mars. Item

> New details on brains and budget behind Google's Calico emerge. Story