@FierceMedDev: Medicare to cover Edwards' Sapien heart valve. News | Follow @FierceMedDev
> Sanofi ($SNY) has launched U.S. sales for its iBGStar blood glucose monitoring system, which connects directly to the iPhone and iPod touch. Release
> The FDA has granted de novo clearance to Ethicon Endo-Surgery's percutaneous surgical set. The surgical instruments can be assembled and disassembled inside the body during surgery. Item
> SRS Medical, a maker of devices that help diagnose voiding disorders, has named Lee Brody, most recently the company's chief operating officer, its new CEO. Release
> Invuity, maker of the Eigr device designed to boost visualization and tissue retraction during breast surgery, will present the device at the American Society of Breast Surgeons' Annual meeting in Phoenix on May 2-6. Release
> A new report predicts that MEMS technologies, MRI compliant components, advanced imaging techniques and plastic electronics will factor into the future of atrial fibrillation catheter tech development. Release
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Genomics tops chart of social media buzz in biotech IT. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Any promising biotech with a late-stage asset looking to do a deal in the $1B-$5B arena is positioned just right. More | Follow @JohnCFierce
@RyanMFierce: Lots of activity in developing weight drugs that target brown fat. Roche, Eli Lilly, and two biotech startups are in the hunt. Article | Follow @RyanMFierce
@MarkHFierce: Pancreatic cancer cases often have a "brake gene" turned off, U.K. scientists found, that lets the tumors spread. Story | Follow @MarkHFierce
> University of California San Francisco Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann (photo), a former head of development at Genentech, foresees a more dynamic approach to advancing products and other major shifts in healthcare. Interview
> Swedish drug company Meda has won FDA approval for its new allergy med Dymista. Release
> A Duke University-led study of more than 40,000 drug and device trials found that most of the studies lacked adequate size and quality. Article
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: Watchdogs at IOM say FDA should be more vigilant on post-marketing safety. Plus, its safety communications are muddled. Article | Follow @FiercePharma
> Hedge fund claims Savient's bankrupt after failed Krystexxa launch. Item
> Novartis digs into safety data in Avastin-vs.-Lucentis study. Story
> IOM takes FDA to task on post-marketing safety. More
> Men flock to testosterone meds from Abbott, Lilly. News
Biomarkers News
> Scans for autism gene groups could open door to genetic biomarkers. More
> Pancreatic cancer protein biomarker could predict outcomes. Item
> Epigenetics signal possible breast cancer blood test. Story
> Weight loss cuts inflammation, cancer markers. Article
Drug Delivery News
@DamianFierce: Ever wonder exactly how wireless drug delivery works? Well, wonder no longer. News | Follow @DamianFierce
> Swedish discovery could be key to better transdermal delivery. Article
> Researchers develop 'smart' nanostructures for drug delivery. Story
> Genericsmaker banking on novel delivery to raise funds. Item
> Aptar launches new inhaler with eye on emerging markets. News
And Finally... Western companies eyeing China face increased risks now that the government there is planning to investigate drug-procurement and medical-device tendering. Story