@FierceMedDev: Orthofix to sell sports-medicine unit for $157.5M - MarketWatch. Report | Follow @FierceMedDev
> A Baltimore County judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Dr. Mark Midei against St. Joseph Medical Center. Midei is embroiled in a scandal over performing unnecessary heart stent procedures. Report
> Patient groups tend to look favorably upon the global device industry, with 52% in a study funded by PatientView giving it a "good" or "excellent" corporate reputation. Only 40% held similar views about the pharma industry. Item
> Xinhua is reporting that EU health ministers will establish a special committee to take action against faulty medical devices on the European market. Danish Health Minister Astrid Krag reportedly made those comments during an informal meeting of health ministers. Item
> LDR has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market the ROI-C Lordotic cervical cage. The company makes spinal implants for both non-fusion and fusion applications. LDR release
> BVF Partners is looking to resurrect shareholder claims in a class action over Quest Diagnostics' purchase of Celera. The private equity firm held a 24% stake in Celera before the merger. Story (sub. req.)
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Biogen Idec builds blockbuster case for new MS drug BG-12. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Another interesting tidbit in Merck KGaA PR: It's committing up to $40 million to provide seed funding for spinoffs as they downsize. | Follow @JohnCFierce
@RyanMFierce: Here in Boston for Bio-IT World Conference & Expo 2012, will keep you guys updated on what I learn about the tech/IT side of the biotech world this week. | Follow @RyanMFierce
> Analysts buzz over new Amgen CEO's plans for $20B cache. Article
> Merck KGaA shuttering Swiss complex, dispersing R&D staffers to Boston and Beijing. News
> AstraZeneca plots more pipeline deals. Spotlight
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: More on Novartis' Q2 results, from Bloomberg. Consumer sales tumble 20% on plant closure. Article | Follow @FiercePharma
> Merck Serono to cut 580 Swiss jobs, close Geneva HQ. News
> Watson set to unveil $5.9B Actavis buy, FT reports. Article
> Novartis wants UK to quash off-label Avastin use. Story
Biotech Research News
> Powerful protein halts DNA damage and may block tumors. News
> Johns Hopkins researchers find gene tied to CF secondary complication. Article
> Swedish scientists identify stem cells that form new brain material. Story
Pharma Manufacturing News
> China seizes 77 million tainted drug capsules in crackdown. Spotlight
> Merck KGaA manufacturing dodges worst of reductions. News
> Pfizer, J&J, Abbott facing shortages of crucial ingredients in Pakistan. Article
And Finally... Astronauts endure a lot during space flights, including the potential for health risks. The high costs of taking care of them in space necessitate NASA's need for low-cost, simple medical devices. And some are already looking to improve the situation. News