Pfizer looks to 'American Idol' for HR tips; J&J deepens its ties to Molecular Partners;

@FierceBiotech: Amicus eyes a 2015 EU filing for its rare disease drug with FDA in sight. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech

@DamianFierce: The @nytimes digs into the medicinal ketamine issue, with cameos from Naurex, Cerecor and $JNJ. More | Follow @DamianFierce

> In Sweden, Pfizer's ($PFE) human resources team has taken an unconventional approach to hiring, taking a cue from "American Idol" and quizzing candidates about their personalities and core beliefs. Story

> Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ) has expanded its alliance with Molecular Partners, exercising an option to acquire exclusive rights to a drug program and handing over $2 million in the process. More

> Vectura's in-development drug-device combo for severe asthma met its primary endpoint in a late-stage trial, the company said, demonstrating that its proprietary delivery technology performed better than a conventional nebulizer. News

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: Startup gains FDA clearance for breast surgery guidance system. Story | Follow @FierceMedDev

@EmilyWFierce: C.R. Bard battling bid from plaintiffs to consolidate pelvic mesh suits. More | Follow @EmilyWFierce

> St. Jude gains CE mark for first pacemaker with MultiPoint Pacing. Article

> Omron partnership to give AliveCor more retail punch. News

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Germany bans dozens of drugs made by Dr. Reddy's, Unichem, others because of issues at GVK Bio. Story | Follow @FiercePharma

@CarlyHFierce: New financing helps Anergis take allergy vaccine to Phase III. More | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> Pfizer tosses out HR rules with 'American Idol' recruiting in Sweden. News

> Gilead's $84,000 Sovaldi pricing goes to court with payer-led class action suit. Article

> Teva sets 2015 sales forecast up to $1B lower than analysts expected. More

Vaccines News

> Amgen tests T-Vec's combo potential in trial with Merck's Keytruda. More

> Merck Vaccines president Gerberding leaving post for EVP role. Item

> Ebola vaccine makers Merck, GSK, J&J get legal protections in U.S. thanks to HHS declaration. Report

> Merck wins FDA approval for Gardasil follow-up. Story

> PaxVax meets primary endpoints in PhIII cholera vaccine trial. Article

Pharma Manufacturing News

> AstraZeneca closing U.S. plant, costing 180 jobs. Story

> More Novartis jobs cut in New York as plant suffers drawn-out drawdown. Report

> Romark building $110M plant in Puerto Rico. More

> Indonesia's Indofarma and Kimia combine manufacturing, supply chain strengths. News

> Indian drugmakers lambast proposed PET packaging ban. Article