Medtronic cuts 40 jobs in Minnesota; Battelle acquires stake in medical isotopes company;

@FierceMedDev: ICYMI yesterday: FDA lowers regulatory bar for neurostimulators to treat headache. Story | Follow @FierceMedDev

@StacyALawrence: Boston Scientific backs Israeli cardio device startup Mvalve with $15M. More | Follow @StacyALawrence

@VarunSaxena2: Check out our special report on the top 10 highest paid med tech CEOs. Feature | Follow @VarunSaxena2

@MichaelGFierce: A tiny, "walking" robot powered by a muscle cell? It could help deliver drugs one day. FierceDrugDelivery story | Follow @MichaelGFierce

@EmilyWFierce: Rapid Dx tests for Chagas disease yield quick, reliable results without lab confirmation, according to study. New York Times article | Follow @EmilyWFierce

> Although Medtronic ($MDT) says it plans to create 1,000 jobs in Minnesota after completing its acquisition of Covidien ($COV), a state agency recently disclosed 40 job cuts from the company's Minnesota offices in Fridley and Mounds View. Story

> Brachytherapy devices and medical isotopes company Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation announced that nonprofit science and technology company Battelle has acquired about 11% of the company's shares. More

> The FDA announced the Class I recall of certain models of Vascular Solution's ($VASC) Langston V2 Dual Lumen Catheters after reports of the inner catheter becoming disconnected from the body of the device. Report

> Veran Medical has raised $6.5M since November 2013 in support of the development of the next iteration of its FDA-cleared device for the early detection of lung cancer. More

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: AstraZeneca spreads its virtual reach to cardio R&D with new partnership. News | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Intent on closing a deal, AbbVie boosts its bid for Shire to $51B. News | Follow @JohnCFierce

@DamianFierce: So $SHPG has 10 days to consider $ABBV's +11% offer. Press release | Follow @DamianFierce

@EmilyMFierce: European neuroscientists ask for better governance and tough review in EU Human Brain Project. Science story | Follow @EmilyMFierce

> Lilly partners with China's Yabao on diabetes drug. Item

> Boehringer's 'breakthrough' cancer drug comes through in Phase II. Report

> Versant close to capping $300M fund to foster next-gen biotechs. Article

> Novartis' leading CAR-T cancer therapy gains 'breakthrough' status at the FDA. Story

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Top-read on FP Monday: EU approves GSK's Mekinist and Novartis will reap the rewards. Article | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: Health Canada tells GSK to get its vaccine house in order as flu season approaches. Story | Follow @EricPFierce

@CarlyHFierce: ICYMI: Ackman puts forth his slate of new Allergan directors. Report | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> AbbVie puts $51.5B on the table in fourth go at Shire. More

> Novartis accused again of kickback tactics in new whistleblower suit. Report

> Merck attacks Italian critic of cholesterol fighter Zetia, then backs off. Article

Biotech Research News

> Schizophrenia-linked genetic variation causes abnormal brain cell development. More

> Blocking cell migration could stop cancer spread. Article

> Technique regrows corneas in mice from adult human stem cells. Story

> Chemical switch could be drug target for neurodegenerative disease. More

> AstraZeneca, MRC Technology renew preclinical pact. Item

Pharma Manufacturing News

> Cipla plans U.K. investment as Indian drugmakers await economic reforms. More

> Ingredient price hikes prompt Express Scripts to slash coverage of compounded drugs. Story

> Novo A/S-owned Xellia snaps up Fresenius vial plant to expand in U.S. Report

> Hospira completes Orchid plant takeover to boost API supply security. Item

> Ingredient price hikes prompt Express Scripts to slash coverage of compounded drugs. Story

> Health Canada gives GSK 30 days to show how it will fix its vaccine plant. Article