Abbott sues Boehringer unit over Norvir patent; Bayer asks EU to approve new Xarelto uses;

@FiercePharma: Budget cuts in Europe squeeze Roche's regional sales by 4%, but U.S. growth of 6% more than offsets it--Reuters. News | Follow @FiercePharma

> Abbott Laboratories ($ABT) has sued Boehringer Ingelheim's Roxane Laboratories unit for patent infringement, saying the company planned to launch a generic version of the HIV drug Norvir before patents expire. Story

> Merck ($MRK) won a new indication for its diabetes drug Januvia in the U.K., for use in patients with moderate-to-severe renal impairment. Article

> Bayer has asked European regulators to approve new uses for its blood-thinner Xarelto: to prevent recurrent deep vein thrombosis and to treat pulmonary embolism. Item

> The combined vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, or MMRV, does not increase seizure risk in older children, despite the small increase in seizure risk for toddlers. More

> Merck has tapped Codexis to help it develop a more efficient manufacturing process for its hepatitis C drug Victrelis. News

> McKesson ($MCK) won a new contract to supply prescription drugs to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Report

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: Experts puzzled over low turnout in cancer trials. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: The ultimate virtual biotech? Halo scouts for funds to finance mid-stage DMD trial. Not a genetic fix, either. Piece | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce:  Google VC doubles down on Big Data after biotech bets. Article | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Gilead's blockbuster hep C gamble takes center stage at EASL. More

> Shire picks up Pervasis in potential $200M deal. Story

> Halo takes the virtual approach to developing a DMD treatment. Article

Medical Devices News

 @FierceMedDev: Quest Diagnostics Names Steve Rusckowski as President and CEO. Release | Follow @FierceMedDev

> Quest snags Philips Healthcare head as new CEO. News

> FDA panel wants U-Systems' breast ultrasound approved. Article

> Irish researchers look to up angioplasty success rates. Item

> Sony slashes jobs, boosts med equipment focus. Story

Manufacturing News

> Surya Pharmaceuticals closes 2 Indian API plants. Story

> 3 big animal drugmakers volunteer to change labels. News

> Some supply issues expected from Teva plant in Croatia. More

> Hospira taps drug industry veteran to oversee operations. Article

CRO News

> FDA issues warning to BioMed IRB over its practices. More

> eResearch Technology goes private as lawyers investigate acquisition. Article

> Experts puzzled over low turnout in cancer trials. Story

Vaccines News

> Intellect Neurosciences chases Holy Grail of Alzheimer's: a preventive vaccine. Commentary

> GAVI signs deal for diarrhea vax for world's poorest. Article

> Asthma vaccine hopes rise in preclinical trials. Story

> Vaccine approach could trick immune system. Item

> 'Universal' cancer vaccine not miraculous but could bring hope. More

And Finally... Will pharma stay in the caboose of proactive healthcare? Report