Roche wins FDA nod for tool in Hep C race; Acceleron advances blood-disorder drug;

 @FierceBiotech: In case you missed it yesterday: Sirtris co-founder fires back against resveratrol critics. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: J&J planning 5 new clinical studies for Xarelto, including CHF. | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: Failed ALS study haunts Biogen in lawsuit from unhappy partner. Story | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Enanta Pharmaceuticals, a 2012 Fierce 15 company, focused on new hepatitis C compounds, has revealed terms for a $60 million IPO. Item

> Pfizer scraps development of hepatitis C candidate filibuvir as Gilead and AbbVie run free. More

> Acceleron began a Phase II study of its investigational protein therapeutic, ACE-536, to treat patients suffering from beta-thalassemia, a genetic hematologic disorder which causes chronic and life-threatening anemia. Release

> Gilead Sciences ($GILD), the top HIV drugmaker in the world, reported upbeat results from a mid-stage study of the HIV candidate TAF as Phase III development progresses. Release

> The FDA stamped an approval on Roche's ($RHHBY) test for the hepatitis C virus amid a surge in development of a new oral drugs against the liver-damaging disease. Article

> Mesoblast, a biotech from Down Under, is raising $153 million to develop a stem cell therapy for patients with degenerative spinal discs. Article (sub. req.)

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: In case you missed it: More job cuts at Merck as mfring in Rathdrum, Ireland, is phased out. 280 positions to go. Report | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: JNJ withdraws 2.3 million packs of K-Y sex lubricants and won't bring them back. FDA says no safety risk. More | Follow @EricPFierce

> Patheon's Banner buyout adds to losses. Item

> Eisai fires back at G-BA rebuff of Fycompa. Story

> Bayer, J&J test Xarelto uses, even as ACS indication eludes. Article

> WHO finds Syrian situation grim, drug shortages critical. Report

Medical Device News

 @FierceMedDev: St. Jude eyes FDA approval with trial for stroke-stopping heart plug. News | Follow @FierceMedDev

 @MarkHFierce: Sequenom's Down Syndrome prenatal Dx juiced revenue tremendously in 2012. Release | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: Florida's OrbusNeich is suing Boston Scientific, saying the device giant violated its stent patents. Story | Follow @DamianFierce

> Sequenom's prenatal Down syndrome Dx supercharges 2012 revenue. News

> Study: Excess weight-loss risks harming CRT-D heart failure patients. Report

> EpicGenetics rolls out first fibromyalgia-specific blood Dx. More

And Finally… Scans provide early peek at Alzheimer's years before the dementia destroys memory. Article