Sanofi on the hunt for acquisitions; Merck taps Zymeworks for antibody tech;

@FierceBiotech: Versant wraps up an over-stuffed $305M fund with eyes on Canada. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech

@DamianFierce: Fun thing about 2014's failed takeovers is drugmakers getting stuck with bluest-ever-sky sales projections. Story | Follow @DamianFierce

> Sanofi ($SNY) Chairman Serge Weinberg plans to keep up the company's diversification efforts in the post Chris Viehbacher-era, vetting acquisitions but stopping short of considering Bayer's on-the-market diabetes device business. Story

> Merck ($MRK) has deepened its ties with Canada's Zymeworks, signing up for expanded access to the biotech's platform for developing bi-specific antibodies. News

> A host of companies are developing depression treatments based on the oft-abused hallucinogenic ketamine, but some clinics have begun offering the drug outside of controlled trials. More

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: #ICYMI: Epigenomics scores Chinese marketing approval for innovative colorectal cancer test. More | Follow @FierceMedDev

@EmilyWFierce: VertiFlex faces regulatory setback for spinal implant as #FDA delays panel meeting. Story | Follow @EmilyWFierce

> GI Dynamics restructures, considers strategic options after EU shipment halt. Article

> Texas Instruments launches chip for use in medical devices, wearables. Item

> Healthcare industry groups seek compatibility standards for medical devices. News

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Goodbye Millennium brand, hello big commercial expansion for Takeda's cancer biz. More | Follow @FiercePharma

@CarlyHFierce: #ICYMI: Amgen hopes new data can give Kyprolis a jump on rival Pomalyst. Story | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> Kiss more pharma jobs goodbye: Pierre Fabre to cut 550 in sales, R&D. Story

> Mylan shells out $32.5M to execs to handle inversion-deal excise taxes. Article

> Mylan, Stada, Dr Reddy's drugs suspended after contractor's trial failures. News

Drug Delivery News

> Oramed raises funds for clinical development programs through stock sale. Story

> Unilife signs supply agreement for Depot-ject delivery system. More

> 3-D vaccine triggers immune response against cancer and infections. News

> Insys collects gastric cancer orphan designation for liposome-trapped paclitaxel. More

> NC State team creates 3-D printer for nanoparticles that offers low-cost production. Story

Diagnostics News

> British startup forges ahead with quick genome sequencing tech for rare childhood diseases. More

> Qiagen joins up with Altona to distribute Ebola diagnostic. News

> Epigenomics scores Chinese marketing approval for innovative colorectal cancer test. Report

> Eurofins Scientific gets in on specialized Dx with $140M Boston Heart purchase. Item

> Invitae scores CMS and Blue Shield of California coverage for genetic tests. Article

Pharma Marketing News

> Looking for a bright side to the Merck-Cubist merger? It's the power of the sales rep. Story

> Goodbye Millennium brand, hello big commercial expansion for Takeda's cancer biz. News

> Why spend money on awareness? A new study shows the campaigns actually work. More

> Amgen hopes new data can give Kyprolis a jump on rival Pomalyst. Story

> Novartis lays off 200 primary care reps as it preps for megablockbuster LCZ696 rollout. Article