Covidien sees healthy device sales growth in 2013; South Koreans develop laser-based needle device;

 @FierceMedDev: Tandem Diabetes Care raked in $36M to further market its super-slim insulin pump. News | Follow @FierceMedDev

 @MarkHFierce: Covidien expects medical device sales to grow 4% to 7% in FY 2013. Release | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: U.K. engineers have come up with an ultrasound scanner that can made for about $65, targeting developing countries. More | Follow @DamianFierce

> Covidien ($COV) told investors this week that it is on track spinning off its pharmaceuticals business by mid-2013, and that medical device net sales should grow 4% to 7% in fiscal 2013. Release

> Scientists at Seoul National University in South Korea have developed a laser-based needle device that blasts microscopic jets of drugs into the skin, pain free. Release

> Canadian medical device startup Innovative Trauma Care is opening its U.S. headquarters in Texas to drive commercial sales of a clamp that stops bleeding from open wounds within seconds. Story

> The Sorin Group recently gained Chinese FDA approval of its Reply and Esprit families of pacemakers. Release

> Amedica is expanding biomaterial claims for its 510(k)-cleared spinal and reconstructive device implants. Release

> Diagnostics firm Qiagen ($QGEN) is expanding into China, teaming up with Lepu Medical to provide its ESEQuant lateral flow system to test for cardiac biomarkers. More

> The University of California, San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering has launched a master's program designed to train students for careers in the medical device industry. News

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: Neural stem cells partially restore mobility in paralyzed rats. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @RyanMFierce: My conversation with biotech heavy hitter and NEA partner David Mott about investing big in therapeutics startups. Editor's Corner | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Pharma counts just 3 Alzheimer's drug wins in 13 years (101 losses!). Article

> Massachusetts tops in U.S. for growth in biotech research jobs. Story

> Zambon, Italian pharma partner clash over CNS deal. Report

Pharma News

 @FiercePharma: Bayer picks up Teva's animal health biz for $145M. News | Follow @FiercePharma

 @EricPFierce: Health Canada says it will rank drug manufacturing issues by risk of product and by 3 levels of concern. FiercePharmaManufacturing article | Follow @EricPFierce

> Mylan may make another acquisition in India. More

> Boehringer Ingelheim lets Facebook game loose. Story