Workforce shortage looms for U.S. medical device industry; Blockade Medical gains CE mark for coil system;

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: Roche Diagnostics plans to roll out a new interactive insulin pump system later this year. Article | Follow @FierceMedDev

 @MarkHFierce: What were the top 10 VC medical device deals in H1 2012? Report | Follow @MarkHFierce

> The U.S. medical device industry faces increasing problems in finding a well-qualified workforce to compete with emerging markets in China and India, according to a new study. Story

> Blockade Medical gained a CE mark for its Barricade coil system, which is designed to remove or endovascularly occlude blood flow in vascular abnormalities of the neurovascular and peripheral vessels. Release

> St. Jude Medical CEO Daniel Sparks believes the 2.3% device tax will propel more industry consolidation as well as other "unintended consequences," MassDevice reports. Story

> The Sacramento, CA region has a growing base of companies and industry partnerships focused on medical technology, the Sacramento Business Journal reports. Story (subs. req.)

> T2 Biosystems is making progress with a new hemostasis monitoring diagnostic product, which successfully monitored a number of blood-related factors on a single assay within minutes. Release

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: New compound nearly wipes out HIV in cells. More | Release | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @JohnCFierce: Sanofi/Regeneron enrolling 22,000 patients for Phase III PCSK9 program. Let the LDL games begin. Release | Follow @JohnCFierce

 @RyanMFierce: CHMP has backed approval of gene therapy for 1st time. How big of a 'first' is this in biotech business? Release | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Vivus shares drop amid speculation about IP threats to diet drug. More

> Sanofi and Roche race to PhIII with drugs aimed at hot PCSK9 gene. News

> Bristol-Myers loses to Onyx in PhIII battle of drugs for liver cancer. Article

> New biotech deals scrape record low as VC groups lose steam. Report

Pharma News

 @FiercePharma: Pfizer foils genericsmakers on Lyrica for 5 years. Last year's sales? $3.7B. Report | Follow @FiercePharma

 @EricPFierce: WSJ: J&J, feds reach deal of up to $2.2 billion; J&J to pay $400 million fine but keep selling to federal programs. Story | Follow @EricPFierce

> Did anemia drug giants game the system to rake in billions? Article

> Nacto may next attack Pfizer, Roche drugs with compulsory license. News

> Some docs not so hot on potential for diet drugs Qsymia, Belviq. More

> Pfizer foils genericsmakers on Lyrica for 5 years. Story

And Finally... Exactech ($EXAC) will partner with Conmed ($CNMD) to develop medical education programs that will advance the standard of care for patients facing shoulder and knee repair. Release