@FierceMedDev: Edwards wins wider use for older model Sapien heart valve in Europe. More | Follow @FierceMedDev
@MarkHFierce: Thoratec's HeartMate revenue growth is certainly not what it once was. Story | Follow @MarkHFierce
@MichaelGFierce: Check out today's special report: The top drug delivery partnerships of 2013. Report from FierceDrugDelivery | Follow @MichaelGFierce
@EmilyWFierce: CVS takes cigarettes off the shelf, despite projected dip in profits. Article | Follow @EmilyWFierce
> Covidien ($COV) wants to pay $2.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit that accused it of pressuring workers not to take breaks, and a California judge has signed off on the agreement. Story
> Medtronic's ($MDT) scientists and engineers in Tempe, AZ, are behind development in what would be the world's smallest pacemaker, a vitamin-sized device that just began global clinical trials. Story
> Allergan ($AGN), which produces eye care products, breast implants and a number of other medical devices and drugs, said its fourth-quarter revenue climbed 14%. Story (subs. req.)
> Haemonetics ($HAE), a Massachusetts maker of blood collection and other med tech-related products, will hold its annual investor and analyst meeting on Tuesday, May 20. Item
> In a regional first for North and South Carolina, doctors at Carolinas HealthCare System say they've implanted a total artificial heart in a 49-year-old male patient. SynCardia makes the FDA-approved device. Story
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Purdue launches $12M tit-for-tat fund to seed new biotechs . More | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: We're seeing a mix of upsized IPO successes with some disappointments as well. Seems the theme for biotech's Q1 biotech. More | Follow @JohnCFierce
@DamianFierce: In the next two years, $GSK expects 6 PhIII readouts and 10 PhIII starts. Release | Follow @DamianFierce
@EmilyMFierce: A new strain of avian flu in China has killed one woman and infected at least one another. Story via Washington Post | Follow @EmilyMFierce
> Merck loops Pfizer, Amgen and Incyte in on MK-3475 immunotherapy deal spree. News
> GlaxoSmithKline reloads its pipeline with new PhIII drugs following approvals, setbacks. Story
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: New chief expands Novo team for stepped-up assault on U.S. diabetes market. Story | Follow @FiercePharma
@TracyStaton: Gilead in talks with Indian drugmakers to sell Sovaldi at cut-rate prices. Report | Follow @TracyStaton
@EricPFierce: My colleague Mark Hollmer offers a thoughtful analysis of pacemakers after having one put in. Check it out. More | Follow @EricPFierce
> Novartis vaccine unit is no wallflower: It has suitors flirting with a deal, too. More
> Merck's earnings miss slightly but it was not the 'mega-miss' some anticipated. Story
> Gilead sales leap 21%, thanks to fast-growing HIV pills Stribild, Complera. Report
Drug Delivery News
> The top drug delivery partnerships of 2013. Special Report
> Oramed touts PhIIa insulin pill study results; analysts say 'Prove it.' Story
> Microchip coated with cells gives insight into nanoparticle penetration. Article
> Regulus renews Sanofi microRNA pact to focus on orphan, cancer treatments. Story
> Novo Nordisk taps Zosano's microneedle patch for diabetes drug delivery. News
> Pfizer snags electroporation device license from Ichor for cancer vaccine delivery. News
Diagnostics News
> Israeli team finds that diabetes Dx can also screen for at-risk patients. Story
> Myriad Genetics jumps into RA Dx with its $270M Crescendo Bioscience deal. News
> Loyola team zeroes in on two biomarkers linked to an infant bowel disorder. Article
> Thermo Fisher's revenue climbs as U.S. regulators clear $13.6B Life Tech buy. Story
> NeoGenomics' 22 cancer tests hit the market. Item
> The next possible stroke biomarker might be oxidized LDL. Story
Pharma Marketing News
> Digital agencies use ice cream, quirky tees to woo talent away from rivals. Item
> New chief expands Novo team for stepped-up assault on U.S. diabetes market. News
> How fast can Gilead's hep C star go from zero to $6 billion? Story
> That drug's got personality. But is it 'original,' 'dependable' or both? Article
> As doctors get device-happy, reaching them is a 3-pronged strategy. Story
> UCB nabs Asian marketing rights to hot Biogen MS drugs. News