Illumina ($ILMN) CEO Jay Flatley is stepping down after 17 years at the helm of a company that revolutionized the market for genomic sequencing. Illumina executive Francis deSouza is on tap to take his place, and Flatley will remain on the company's board as executive chairman. As Forbes notes, Illumina's revenue grew more than 4,000% during Flatley's tenure, and the company changed the game genetics with the debut of technology that can sequence a whole genome for $1,000. More
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> Lasergen, a developer of gene sequencing technology, sold a 48% stake in itself to Agilent Technologies ($A) for $80 million. Under the agreement, Agilent has the right to buy up the rest of the company by 2018 for another $105 million. News
> Benitec Biopharma ($BNTC) said its in-development hepatitis B therapy showed preclinical promise in clearing viral infections after a single dose. Release
> Eyegate Pharmaceuticals ($EYEG) is buying Jade Therapeutics, agreeing to cover the company's debts up to $300,000 and issuing 765,728 shares in exchange for control of the biotech. Item
> Argos Therapeutics ($ARGS) raised $60 million in a stock sale, picking up the cash it needs to wrap up a Phase III study on its lead cancer therapy. The company expects to report final data on AGS-003 by the second quarter of 2017. Release
Medical Device News
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@EmilyWFierce: Illumina is getting a new CEO. Release | Follow @EmilyWFierce
> Illumina CEO Flatley passes the exec baton on the heels of growth. Article
> NuVasive acquires its Brazilian distributor to perk up sluggish international sales. Report
Pharma News
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@CarlyHFierce: New rivals, formulary squeeze pose a double threat to Biogen MS sales. Article | Follow @CarlyHFierce
> Sanofi, Merck to split up their longstanding vaccines JV in Europe. Story
> Merck, Gilead wrestle in court over $3B-plus in hep C royalties. Report
> HHS says 'no' to 'march-in' request from Congress on rising drug prices. Article
Drug Delivery News
> ScPharmaceuticals reports strong PhIII trial of its subcutaneous antibiotic and wearable pump. More
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> J&J hosts drug delivery implant maker at its new Houston JLABS incubator. Story
> In vitro testing methods needed due to failure of animal models to predict drug delivery in humans. More
> Nanotech delivery system activates natural defense for damaged, diseased skin. Article
Pharma Manufacturing News
> Peregrine's Avid Bioservices unit wraps California biologics expansion. More
> Sagent recalls fluconazole contaminated with antibiotic. News
> Counterfeit Harvoni turns up in Switzerland, Israel. Story
> France's ANSM orders French biotech Theravectys to suspend manufacturing. Item
> Ranbaxy whistleblower pushing Indian regulators to do more. Article
Pharma Asia News
> CSL Behring gets U.S. FDA approval for hemophilia B therapy Idelvion. News
> WuXi AppTec says SynTheAll Changzhou facility out of the gate. Story
> PharmaEngine gets full Taiwan FDA nod to sell Onivyde. Report
> 3SBio gets China FDA IND nod for PEG-irinotecan candidate. Item
> HK-based Chi-Med $100M IPO set for March 14 as interest in China biopharma booms. Article