Medtronic faces patent suit; Covidien making moves in Minnesota;

 @FierceMedDev: Halt Medical snags $15M to launch uterine fibroid device. Story | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: We at Fierce are gearing up for some major coverage of JPM13. The fun starts Monday in San Francisco. Editor's Corner | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: Hologic is selling off one of the business units it acquired in last year's $3.8B Gen-Probe buy. News | Follow @DamianFierce

> Tech company Alisanos is suing Medtronic ($MDT), saying the devicemaker infringed on its patent with the Octopus Evolution heart-stabilization device. Article (sub. req.)

> Covidien ($COV) is growing in its competitors' backyard, consistently expanding its Twin Cities presence with M&A and organic development. News

> Minerva Surgical pulled in $20 million in new venture funding for an endometrial ablation system designed to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. Story

> Stentys says a study has shown that its self-apposing stents are superior to conventional balloon expandable stents as a treatment for severe heart attacks. Item

> BioPhotas picked up 510(k) clearance for Celluma, a light-based therapy for skin, joint and muscle conditions. Release

> Sensus Healthcare has raised $2.4 million to expand the use of its non-invasive device that treats non-melanoma skin cancers. Report

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: Slideshow: FDA Approvals of 2012. More | Follow @FierceBiotech

@RyanMFierce: $BIIB has filed for FDA approval of long-lasting clotting factor in hemophilia B, a new area for the biotech giant. More | Follow @RyanMFierce

> UCSD biotech spinoff snags $18M A round to advance RNAi drugs. Article

> Amicus jumps on upbeat data for Pompe drug. News

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Here's evidence of Vivus growth expectations: New HQ space almost 3X the size of current offices. More | Follow @FiercePharma

 @EricPFierce: The FDA approved nearly a dozen new cancer drugs in 2012, but also drugs for erectile dysfunction weight-loss. Special Report | Follow @EricPFierce

 @AlisonBFierce: Eli Lilly will step up to the plate to defend against DES litigation. News | Follow @AlisonBFierce

> Analyst says Vivus buyout, partner best for Qsymia sales. Report

> Lilly betting B12 can protect blockbuster Alimta from generics. Article

> Abbott said to be looking at buying Bausch & Lomb. Story