Medtronic adds trio of spinal Infuse indications; Boston Sci data better on lower back pain;

@FierceMedDev: Bloomberg: Embattled Theranos CEO continues to beat the 'transparency' drum. More | Follow @FierceMedDev

@EmilyWFierce: Novian Health reveals positive study results for breast cancer laser ablation device. Article | Follow @EmilyWFierce

> Medtronic ($MDT) has added a trio of newly approved spinal surgery indications for its Infuse Bone Graft, which is made of a manufactured version of protein rhBMP-2 that exists in the human body to promote bone growth and is applied to an absorbable collagen sponge. Infuse is FDA-approved certain spine, oral-maxillofacial and orthopedic trauma surgeries. More

> Boston Scientific ($BSX) has disclosed data for its Precision Spectra Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) showing that it provides 70% more lower back pain relief than with the previous generation Precision Plus SCS System. More

> Consumer health device player iHealth has partnered with diabetic digital health company mySugr to integrate its Logbook diabetes app with the iHealth Wireless Gluco Smart-Monitoring System. mySugr's Logbook already has more than half a million diabetic users. More

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: AstraZeneca bets on the future of the 'secretome,' joining a $100M research effort. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: If @woodfordfunds didn't know about the questions circulating around $NWBO, you have to wonder if the DC vax thing came up for review. | Follow @JohnCFierce

@DamianFierce: A lot of culturally embarrassing quotes in this, but reporters calling 5% "an obscure black movement" is as damning as anything Shkreli says. | Follow @DamianFierce

> Wellcome invests $38M in another gene therapy startup, targeting hemophilia. News

> Otonomy wins FDA approval for a first-of-its-kind ear treatment. Article

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: NICE backs Astellas' Xtandi in pre-chemo patients, but J&J's Zytiga isn't so lucky. More | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: #Sun #Pharma to launch generic Gleevec Feb. 1 but has said it won't be #manufacturing it at troubled Halol plant. Story | Follow @EricPFierce

@CarlyHFierce: Horizon shells out $510 million for access to gout med Kyrstexxa. News | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> Discount sways U.K. cost gatekeeper on AstraZeneca's ovarian cancer med Lynparza. More

> Sanofi's and Regeneron's Praluent wins top billing on UnitedHealth Group's formulary. Article