Medtronic enrolls 1st patient in abnormal heart rhythm study; BD Dx gains 510(k) for flu test;

 @FierceMedDev: We are in the FMD Fierce 15 final stretch. Winners revealed on Oct. 2 at AdvaMed 2012 and in FMD. Innovators all. More | Follow @FierceMedDev

 @MarkHFierce: In Mass., Dx, Rx and device companies can now cover modest meals and drinks, thanks to relaxed gift ban regs. Story | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: Seattle startup Innovative Pulmonary has a new CEO and $10.6M in financing. News | Follow @DamianFierce

> Medtronic ($MDT) has enrolled its first patient in the Improve Brady study, which is designed to improve how patients in emerging markets with abnormal heart rhythms are diagnosed and treated. Release

> Aptus Endosystems gained FDA clearance for a new aortic securement system, designed to treat thoracic aortic aneurysms. Story

> Cyberonics, a maker of medical devices focused on treating epilepsy, has made a substantial investment in cerboMed GmbH, a German developer of a neurostimulation tool to treat the condition. Release

> The FDA has cleared SPR Therapeutics to launch a pivotal study of its device designed to treat post-stroke shoulder pain. Story

> Becton, Dickinson's ($BDX) diagnostics division won 510(k) clearance for a new flu test. Item

> InnerOptic gained FDA approval for its AIM system, a biopsy system designed to guide a needle and predict its path on a monitor. Story

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: Slideshow: FierceBiotech's 2012 Fierce 15 at BioPharm America 2012. Slideshow | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @JohnCFierce: Novartis grabs a $665M option to buy sickle cell disease biotech--Selexys who? Story | Follow @JohnCFierce

 @RyanMFierce: MacroGenics banks $20M in potential $1.1B cancer drugs deal with Servier. Article | Follow @RyanMFierce

> NYC coup: Roche picks Big Apple site for new R&D home. News

> Foundation Medicine hauls in $42.5M round to back commercialization effort. Story

> Third Rock bankrolls a new biotech to tackle genetic heart disease. News

Pharma News

 @FiercePharma: Bayer CEO tells Boston audience that pricing pressure threatens innovation--but U.S. isn't the problem. More | Follow @FiercePharma

> PhRMA eyes push for broader use of Part D approach. Article

> Survey: Docs less likely to prescribe drugs supported by pharma-funded trials. Report

> FDA: Boehringer Parkinson's med may boost heart failure risk. News

Vaccines News

> Cardiff University works on anthrax vaccine for NATO. Item

> Emory snags $6M for HIV/AIDS vaccine research. Article

> Software magnate sinks $104M into vaccine research. More

> Obesity vaccine hits obstacle. Story

Pharma Manufacturing News

> Wholesaler McKesson faces new price-manipulation suit. Story

> Gerresheimer glass plant adds line, new furnace. Article

> Regulators OK Recipharm Monts filling expansion. More

> Florida man tied to cargo thefts ordered to forfeit $55M. News