@FierceBiotech: VC dips in Q1, but biotech still leads the pack. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Vienna meeting whets appetite for late-stage hep C drugs. Some patients waiting for approvals. Story | Follow @JohnCFierce
> Novartis's generic drug unit Sandoz has forged a deal to buy the generic drug developer Oriel for an undisclosed sum. The buyout gives Novartis some prospective asthma generics and new drug delivery tech. New Leaf Venture Partners, Thomas, McNerney & Partners and HealthCare Venture are in line to receive milestones on Oriel's therapies. Novartis report
> With revenue for Byetta flagging, Amylin says that it now plans to file its response to the FDA's rejection of the long-acting version of the drug later this week. The new diabetes drug, dubbed Bydureon, is a once-weekly version of Byetta, which is given twice a day. Report
> The FDA has approved BioAlliance Pharma's oral anti-fungal tablet miconazole Oravig, triggering a $20 million payment from Strativa, which licensed the therapy for the U.S. Strativa Release
> Sagent Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA approved its mesna injection, a prophylactic agent used to reduce the incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis caused by ifosfamide chemotherapy. Sagent Release
> The FDA's decision to approve wider use of Tarceva won't spur Astellas to raise its bid for OSI, said the Japanese pharma company. Report
> HIV gene therapy developer Virxsys has boosted the amount it plans to round up in its next financing round by $5 million, raising the target to $45 million. Story
> Alimera Sciences plans to roll out its $87 million IPO this week. Story
And Finally... Scientists have developed a brain implant that essentially melts into place, snugly fitting to the brain's surface. Release