@FierceMedDev: Boston Sci is boasting a reduction in stroke risk with its Watchman implant. Details first broke at HRS Boston. More | Follow @FierceMedDev
> Cardiac ablation is more effective at treating atrial fibrillation, or an erratic heart rate, than drug therapy, a Johnson & Johnson-funded study has concluded. Story
> The governors of Pennsylvania, Indiana, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin want congressional leaders to repeal the 2.3% device tax set to begin next January, calling it a job killer and a measure that could harm medical innovation, a new Wall Street Journal editorial notes. Column
> The FDA is warning surgeons against using balloon angioplasty devices or stents to widen the internal jugular or azygos veins to treat cerebrospinal venous insufficiency. The lining around nerve fibers can be injured, causing disabling neurological problems. Alert
> Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA in Stuttgart, Germany have developed a new hip implant made from carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK, which is made of a high-strength, wear-resistant biocompatible polymer composite. Story
> Switzerland's Pulmonx is promoting positive research data that confirmed efficacy for its advanced emphysema device treatment. Release
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: Bundling dialysis payments, aimed at preventing overuse of anemia meds, promotes underuse instead--NYT. Report | Follow @FiercePharma
> FDA review questions long-term use of bone-building drugs. Article
> FDA advisory panel backs Truvada for HIV prevention. Story
> Merck notches a win in Vioxx litigation. News
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Preclinical breakthrough: Scientists beat rare skin cancer tumors. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech
@RyanMFierce: The Indian gov't has launched a probe into its drug regulator after a scathing parliamentary report. More | Follow @RyanMFierce
> Amgen pushes agenda for biosimilars on the FDA. News
> Google's Brin allies with Pfizer and GSK in war on Parkinson's. Article
> Arena Pharma's weight drug wins the day; shares soar. Item
And Finally... Medronic ($MDT) and Edwards Lifesciences ($EW) may have sued each other in the past over transcatheter aortic valve implantation technology, but Medtronic's vice president of business development wants Edwards to succeed because "success in a market floats all boats." Story