Report: Vertex's Incivek was fastest drug launch ever; Gilead's sofosbuvir excels in study;

@FierceBiotech: Popular yesterday: Feds launch probe of AstraZeneca's controversial late-stage Brilinta study. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: NovaQuest lands $459M fund for goal-line dealmaking--That's $1.2B for today. More | Follow @JohnCFierce

@DamianFierce: GlobeImmune pulls plug on $75M IPO despite still-bubbling market. Article | Follow @DamianFierce

@EmilyMFierce: Scripps Research scientists reach major milestone w/ HIV research, paving wave for new vaccine efforts. FierceBiotech Research story | Follow @EmilyMFierce

> Gilead Sciences' ($GILD) sofosbuvir has shown promise for hepatitis C patients with transplanted livers, providing benefits for many with no other treatment options. More

> Vertex's ($VRTX) hepatitis C treatment Incivek has unseated Pfizer's ($PFE) arthritis therapy Celebrex with the fastest drug launch ever, according to EvaluatePharma. Story

> Quintiles ($Q), the world's largest CRO, is counting on an increase in industry-wide R&D to boost its profits this year. News

> Sequenom's ($SQNM) shares dropped more than 22% after a federal judge invalidated patents tied to its prenatal diagnostic test. Story

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: Sequenom vows to appeal court decision invalidating prenatal test patent. More | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: PerkinElmer said the government shutdown could, in part, affect revenue projections for the year. ICYMI yesterday | Follow @MarkHFierce

@MichaelGFierce:  | Follow @MichaelGFierce

> Boston Scientific closes $275M deal for Bard's electrophysiology arm. Story

> Gore begins long trek to pay back Bard in vascular graft patent ruling. Item

> Smith & Nephew reports improved Q3 and names new chairman. Article

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Thursday's top story: Novo Nordisk recruiting 400 U.S. sales reps as growth decelerates. Article | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: FDA has new plan to arrest drug shortages. Its ultimate solution is for drugmakers to improve quality. Story | Follow @EricPFierce

@CarlyHFierce: Once again, Bayer's new drugs power pharma sales upward. ICYMI yesterday | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> Mylan looks to 2014 for big growth. Report

> Teva says it may have violated bribery laws around the world. More

> Vertex's Incivek unseats Celebrex as fastest drug launch ever. Story