Valeant said to weigh a Salix buy; Ironwood's GERD drug moves into Phase IIb;

@FierceBiotech: Third Rock starts a $45M Revolution to soup up natural remedies. News | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: That Merck BTD on HCV--not looking so revolutionary after $GILD and $ABBV trendsetters. Third to market. Release | Follow @JohnCFierce

@DamianFierce: Here's Revolution Medicines cofounder Marty Burke on the concepts behind its synthetic chemistry platform. Video | Follow @DamianFierce

> Valeant Pharmaceuticals ($VRX) is reportedly weighing an offer for the troubled Salix Pharmaceuticals ($SLXP). News

> Ironwood Pharmaceuticals' ($IRWD) gastroesophageal reflux disease drug successfully reduced heartburn in patients with bile reflux in a Phase IIa trial, the company said, clearing the way for Phase IIb. Results

> The New Yorker examines the long, controversial history of psychedelics developed as therapeutic agents. More

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: T2 Biosystems scores $8.5M deal with Canon U.S. Life Sciences to develop Lyme disease test. FierceDiagnostics article | Follow @FierceMedDev

@VarunSaxena2: ICYMI yesterday: Google is making human skin to test cancer-detecting device. More | Follow @VarunSaxena2

@EmilyWFierce: Guardant Health ropes in $50M in Series C financing for tumor profiling test. More from FierceDiagnostics | Follow @EmilyWFierce

> NeuroPace reveals positive study results for neurostimulation epilepsy implant. More

> FDA approves Medtronic transcatheter valve to treat congenital heart disease patients. Article

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Ackman-led hedge fund Pershing Square scores seat on Zoetis board. FierceAnimalHealth story | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: FDA issues warning letter to a second Apotex plant in India. Data manipulation alleged again. More | Follow @EricPFierce

@CarlyHFierce: Valeant is kicking tires at Salix, but a rival Shire bid could quash the idea. More | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> GlaxoSmithKline blazes trail toward ViiV spinoff, with yea or nay expected midyear. More

> Gilead's Sovaldi, Harvoni push its full-year sales to $25B; earnings beat expectations. News

Drug Delivery News

> Cutting off ovarian cancer blood vessels improves chemo delivery. Story

> 3M seeking pharma licensing partner for its microneedle delivery devices. Report

> Drug delivery guru Robert Langer wins £1M prize for his contributions. Item

> Indian researchers use shock waves to deliver insulin, reducing need for injections. More

> FDA approves tamper-resistant reformulation of Zohydro in continuing battle against opioid abuse. Article

Diagnostics News

> BioNano Genomics hooks $68.4M for tech that spots 'inaccessible genome.' News

> Atlas Genetics reels in $20M in Series C round for rapid infectious disease tests. Report

> T2 Biosystems scores $8.5M deal with Canon U.S. Life Sciences to develop Lyme disease test. Story

> Guardant Health ropes in $50M in Series C financing for tumor profiling test. Item

> Quest Diagnostics teams up with CDC for hepatitis research initiative. Article

Pharma Marketing News

> Arena gets South Korea nod to market Belviq with local firm Ildong Pharmaceuticals. Story

> How big are Gilead's hep C drug discounts? Enough to spook investors. More

> Salix and its lead drug Xifaxan have Valeant sniffing around a deal. Item

> Wary Vertex preps payers for its pricey new CF treatment. Article

> Biogen signs on sports talent for a share-your-story MS contest. Report