@FierceMedDev: Conservative commentator George Will jumps on the anti-device tax bandwagon. More | Follow @FierceMedDev
> An independent study has concluded that St. Jude Medical's ($STJ) now-recalled Riata defibrillator leads had a much worse survival rate than the Quattro lead produced by arch rival Medtronic ($MDT). Story
> Medical device venture investment in the 2012 first quarter rose 33% compared to the previous quarter, but the overall number of deals declined 6%, according to the latest PwC MoneyTree report. Release
> PSS World Medical ($PSSI), which sells medical devices and drugs to various sectors of the healthcare industry, plans to sell two business units that service skilled nursing facilities and specialty dental practices. The company has also boosted its presence in the laboratory service industry. Release
> Medgenics has nailed down a $2.2 million grant from the Israeli government to fund continued R&D of the company's Biopump technology designed for indications including anemia and hepatitis. Release
> OrthoCor Medical raised $2.4 million in an angel financing round that will help fuel the launch of its Active Knee System in the U.S. Story
> Trovagene, a molecular diagnostics developer based in San Diego, has secured a European patent that enables the detection of pathogenic infections in urine. Release
> Interrad Medical has gained FDA clearance for four new sizes of its SecureAcath subcutaneous catheter securement device. Release
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: Here's Glaxo's take on the official launch of hostile HGS bid. More | Follow @FiercePharma
> DSM panel holds firm on new autism diagnosis, ditches 2 other revisions. News
> With generics horde advancing, Pfizer gives up Lipitor push. Report
> Roche's Tarceva wins NICE nod for first-line use. Article
> Glaxo can nail HGS buy with slightly bigger bid, analysts say. Item
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: First "cross-kingdom" vaccine effective in Phase I. Report | Follow @FierceBiotech
@RyanMFierce: Mark Leuchtenberger's scheduled IPO for Rib-X, an antibiotics developer, after price cut. More | Follow @RyanMFierce
> Biotech 'gambler' Blech loses big in securities scam. Story
> Subpar clinical trials probed in India's review of regulation. More
> Biotech startup Egalet lassos $14.3M B round, new CEO. Article
> All eyes in the biotech world on Arena's diet pill. News
Pharma Manufacturing News
@EricPFierce: Ranbaxy's stellar first quarter shows the upside of having #pharma manufacturing operations tip top. Report | Follow @EricPFierce
> 12-year-old consent decree lifted from Abbott. Story
> FDA critical of Genentech's Avastin production. Article
> Pfizer may announce $129M expansion in Belgium. More
> Patheon exiting most manufacturing at U.K. plant. Item
Vaccines News
> MMR and autism: Italy's courts get involved. Report
> Study: Further insight into Merck HIV vax infection increase. Article
> Pneumococcal vax cuts deaths, but cases tripled. News
> Swine flu vax could offer universal flu protection. Story
And Finally... Covidien has told MassDevice that previously-announced plans to layoff employees and move some production overseas aren't connected to the looming 2.3% medical device tax. Story