Philips, Accenture test Google Glass in simulated surgery; AdvaMed launches ad push for device tax repeal;

@FierceMedDev: Covidien CEO: It's about how, not how much, you spend on R&D. ICYMI yesterday | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: The device tax repeal effort just won't die. Now, some House Dems have signed on. Article | Follow @MarkHFierce

@MichaelGFierce: Hypertension drug could help chemo infiltrate tumors. ICYMI from FierceDrugDelivery | Follow @MichaelGFierce

> AdvaMed has a targeted advertising campaign that will run through Oct. 17 in Washington, DC, to support a repeal of the 2.3% medical device tax. Story

> Philips ($PHG) and Accenture said they've successfully tested the use of Google Glass as a surgical tool, having patients' vital signs appear on their Glass headsets in real time during a simulated surgery. Story

> Sequenom ($SQNM) said it is seeking the FDA's sign-off on a new diagnostic system and test designed for use in clinical laboratories. Story

> Canadian startup Avenir Medical, a developer of next-generation instruments for joint replacement surgery, closed a $3.3M Series A financing led by Toronto-based MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund. A syndicate of angel investors in Waterloo, Toronto and Boston also took part. Item

> Startup Conventus Orthopaedics, which is developing medical devices to treat wrist fractures, has hired a former executive from St. Jude Medical ($STJ) as its CEO. Item

> AliveCor rolled out its new heart monitor designed to attach to the back of a compatible smartphone or smartphone case. Item

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: Pharmalink grabs $15M VC round for key studies on cancer, renal disease drugs. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Most popular story yesterday: John Reed sets out on a long-distance run at Roche's pRED. Feature | Follow @JohnCFierce

@DamianFierce: Turns out FierceBiotech has an app now. More info | Follow @DamianFierce

@EmilyMFierce: Why Are There Still So Few Women in Science? Report from the NYT | Follow @EmilyMFierce

> Celgene forges $35M cancer, fibrosis discovery pact with PharmAkea. Article

> Report: Ikaria eyes $2B sale after up-and-down run. More

> Rival Amgen/AstraZeneca, Novartis drugs race ahead in crowded psoriasis showdown. Article

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: For better social skills, scientists prescribe a little Chekov--or Alice Munro--or any literary fiction. More from the NYT | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: FDA approves another new hot flash drug, this one from Pfizer, Ligand. News | Follow @EricPFierce

@CarlyHFierce: Activist investor fumes over Otsuka bid for Astex. ICYMI yesterday | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> GSK, Genmab seek first-line CCL use of Arzerra in EU. More

> Boehringer Ingelheim gives up on troubled Ben Venue plant, laying off 1,100. Story