Medtronic launches VenaSeal; MIT opens Hong Kong research center;

@FierceMedDev: ICYMI: Dx Digest: Illumina launches $250M share repurchase program; Foundation Medicine stumbles with Q3 earnings miss. Article | Follow @FierceMedDev

@VarunSaxena2: The 11th commandment: Thou shall mention Botox in every article about Allergan. (Perhaps the deal is a ploy to increase its sales?!) | Follow @VarunSaxena2

@EmilyWFierce: Lilly, Merck join Valeant in DOJ spotlight with new inquiries on pricing. FiercePharma story | Follow @EmilyWFierce

> The FDA has expanded the label for the iFuse Implant System from SI-Bone for fusion for certain disorders of the sacroiliac joint to include that it improved pain, patient function and quality of life at 12 months. More

> Medtronic ($MDT) has launched its VenaSeal closure system for varicose veins in the U.S. after a PMA approval by the FDA in February. It's the first non-tumescent, non-thermal, non-sclerosant procedure approved for the treatment of symptomatic venous reflux available in the country, according to the company. More

> Radiopharmaceuticals company Advanced Accelerator Applications is aiming for a $75 million IPO this week. More

> MIT has announced a new research center in Hong Kong that may be used for medical device prototyping, among other activities. Story

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: FT: Amgen in the hunt for a $10B biotech buyout. Report | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: So does anybody else think the FDA 's BTD program has run amuck? Teva's SD-809 is a BTD? Really? | Follow @JohnCFierce

@DamianFierce: Worried about a sophomore slump with this new $VRX album. More | Follow @DamianFierce

> Agios slips on mixed solid tumor data for its Celgene-partnered cancer drug. News

> Collegium's pain drug wins a 'tentative' FDA approval with Purdue blocking the way. Article

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Academic vets make strides in ongoing fight against deadly pig viruses. FierceAnimalHealth story | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: ICYMI from FiercePharmaManufacturing: Novo makes sure Denmark gets some of the action as it starts massive build up. Story | Follow @EricPFierce

@CarlyHFierce: Valeant board, Ackman back CEO Pearson as shares continue downward dive. More | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> Chicago makes second run at Allergan, J&J, Purdue and others with painkiller lawsuit. News

> Amgen scores PCSK9 exclusive in pay-for-performance deal with Harvard Pilgrim. Story

Animal Health News

> Schein outpaces Q3 earnings estimates but dampens full-year forecast. Item

> Academic vets make strides in ongoing fight against deadly pig viruses. More

> Sanofi explores 'strategic options' for Merial in bid to cut costs. Report

> Aratana misses Q3 sales targets, refocuses priorities on pain and appetite drugs. Story

> Trupanion coasts in Q3 with veterinary hospital push delivering sales. Article

Biotech IT News

> Transcriptic adds CRISPR gene editing to robotic lab. Story

> Cognizant lands IT deal with 100,000 Genomes Project. More

> Ex-trailblazer Knome accepts buyout bid from tiny Tute. Report

> SEC pursues trader over 'phony tweets' that sank Sarepta's stock. Story

> Flush with $90M in VC cash, Twist and Ginkgo strike massive synthetic DNA deal. Article

Pharma Marketing News

> Real-life insomnia stories at core of new Merck-backed awareness campaign. Article

> Are Takeda's 900 Contrave reps worth it? Maybe not, analyst says. More

> Lilly, Merck and Valeant feel sting of DOJ drug pricing probe. Report

> Want to win on pricing? Take a closer look at the numbers. Story

> Allergan pumps up its sales rep tally amid Viberzi launch, aesthetics push. Article