Medtronic DES matches Boston Scientific option in new study; MedShape scores 510(k) for new surgical tool;

@FierceMedDev: St. Jude Medical's stock spiked again after an analyst upgrade. Story | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: FierceBiotechResearch's latest--a look at the top 10 U.S. biomedical research institutions. Report | Follow @MarkHFierce

@MichaelGFierce: Sonrgy grabs rights to UCSD-created ultrasound-nanocarrier tech. Item from FierceDrugDelivery | Follow @MichaelGFierce

@EmilyWFierce: ConvaTec is closing its New Jersey facility and cutting jobs. Story | Follow @EmilyWFierce

> A new study concluded that Medtronic's ($MDT) third-generation Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting cardiac stent worked about on par with Boston Scientific's ($BSX) Promus Element everolimus-eluting stent. Story

> Bioresorbable stent developer REVA Medical has hired David Eisler as its new vice president, general counsel. Eisler helped the San Diego company launch its IPO in Australia. Item

> Minnesota startup EmboMedics raised a small series A round to help fuel development of polymer beads that evaporate after releasing drugs into the body. Story

> Expect the med tech industry to experience more digital connectivity, consolidation and transformation in 2014, Medical Marketing & Media reports. Item

> MedShape won 510(k) clearance for a new soft tissue fastener for use during knee joint reconstruction surgery. Item

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: Another 5 biotechs are queuing up for $278M in IPOs. Is this a bubble after all? More | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: I'm happy to see the IPO boom, the rise in valuations and all that. But with booms, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Don't forget. | Follow @JohnCFierce

@DamianFierce: The FDA is giving Sprout's female libido drug another shot in what is becoming a pretty interesting case study. Coverage | Follow @DamianFierce

@EmilyMFierce: The top 10 biomedical research organizations, ranked by NIH funding. Special report | Follow @EmilyMFierce

> The world's two Mercks squabble over who gets to be a household name. Story

> > GlaxoSmithKline R&D chief touts the future of 'electroceuticals.' News

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Perrigo sees growth, but its sales are trimmed by a hit to contract manufacturing. Story | Follow @FiercePharma

@TracyStaton: Double dose of Merck is too much for German version's CEO. Article | Follow @TracyStaton

@EricPFierce: The best biomedical research facilities in the US may not surprise you. Then again maybe it will. Report | Follow @EricPFierce

@GalenMoore: Particularly for drugmakers strong in diabetes, the Gulf region is a hotbed of activity. Story | Follow @GalenMoore

> Mallinckrodt expands pain portfolio with Cadence acquisition. Piece

> Double dose of Merck is too much for German version's CEO. Story

> What's Big Pharma's latest hot spot? The Middle East. Article

> Pharma-funded group hired by U.K. health service to advise on strategy. News

Biotech Research News

> The top 10 biomedical research institutions. Special Report

> CalTech drug delivery method halts HIV infection in mice. Article

> Nasal vaccine protects mice from West Nile virus. Story

> U.K. pledges to reduce use of animals for biomedical research. News

> Gates Foundation delivers an $11.8M grant to fuel tuberculosis R&D. Story

> New therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis could help repair damaged brain cells. Article

Pharma Manufacturing News

> FDA says products recalled by compounder are contaminated. News

> Teva, which has been tightening its supply chain, turns in a surprising financial report. Story

> Jazz is investing up to $68M to build its first manufacturing facility. Article

> Wockhardt's earnings crash under the weight of FDA bans. News

> The FDA reports far fewer new drug shortages, but the problem continues to grow. Article

> Novartis is expanding a plant in Singapore. Item