Edwards Lifesciences is expanding in Utah; Pine needles sterilize nanotech-related med devices;

 @FierceMedDev: Cardiologist: Boston Scientific's S-ICD requires further trials. More | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: A German company is rolling out a new diagnostic test for the early prediction of breast cancer. Release | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: Smith & Nephew's quasi-spinout, Bioventus, is expanding its European reach. Story | Follow @DamianFierce

> Edwards Lifesciences ($EW) is expanding in Utah, with plans to add at least 500 jobs in areas including engineering, manufacturing and administration. Story

> GE Healthcare sold a line of laboratory products to Maine Manufacturing including microbiological monitors, though neither side disclosed financial terms. Item

> The FDA issued a warning letter to China's Hangzhou Jinlin Medical Appliances. Regulators cite the maker of tracheal and tracheotomy tubes, oxygen masks, cannulas and other medical equipment for a number of quality system and medical device reporting violations. Letter

> Emboline and VasoStitch have merged to form a new cardiovascular medical device company: CardioLogical Solutions. Release

> Mindray's ($MR) stock has tumbled in the wake of a voluntary recall in November regarding one of its anesthesia delivery systems and also possible restructuring in North America. Item

> Kidney failure reduces the likelihood that patients receiving a left ventricular assist device for end-stage heart failure will survive the next year, according to a new study. Story

> Needles from the Douglas fir tree can be used to sterilize nanotechnology-related medical devices. Story

> A number of European Union medicines agencies say they've seen a jump in "medical device" applications for food supplement products otherwise rejected under EU health claim laws. Story

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: Sanofi Pasteur, Sutro team up on #vaccine candidates. Item | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: In biotech trifecta, startup lassos $31M, a CEO and a lead drug from Pfizer. More  | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: Repligen took in $5M of potential $70M from Pfizer in deal for candidate against spinal muscular dystrophy. More | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Wellcome Trust gambles on biotech startups with new £200M fund. Story

> Biogen CEO Scangos hit with first big setback as ALS drug fails PhIII. News

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Dr Reddy's launches Propecia generic with 180-day exclusivity; worth $20M to Indian company, analysts say. Story | Follow @FiercePharma

> Amgen whistleblower can't challenge $612M settlement, judge says. Article

> German insurers want prison for docs who take pharma kickbacks. Story

> Worried about blood clots, France weighs new contraceptive limits. More

Vaccines News

 @AlisonBFierce: Sanofi Pasteur MSD's recall of its typhoid vaccine has led to a shortage in the U.K. More | Follow @AlisonBFierce

> Sanofi Pasteur, Sutro team up on vaccine candidates. Item

> HIV therapeutic vaccine shows promise. More

> Emergent, VaxInnate sign pandemic flu vaccine deal. Article

Pharma Manufacturing News

> Questcor buys CMO that makes API for Acthar. More

> BASF gets Vascepa contract ahead of Pronova buyout. News

> Pakistan investigates cough syrup tied to 35 deaths. Item

> Russia pushes plan to buy domestically produced drugs. Story

> FDA warns docs to buy from approved suppliers. Article