Fitch downgrades Merck; Scotland's NHS to cover Iclusig, Stivarga, others;

@FiercePharma: Valeant CEO's 2014 pay pales in comparison to new EVP's $50M-plus. Article | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: ICYMI: Here's Baxter release on recall of 8 saline lots, 4 dextrose, 3 Lactated Ringer's Injection. Release | Follow @EricPFierce

> Fitch Ratings has downgraded Merck's ($MRK) rating to A from A+. Report (sub. req.)

> Branded to OTC switches represent huge market potential. More

> Scotland's NHS has accepted 7 new meds for use, including Bayer's Stivarga and Ariad's Iclusig. More

> Vectura says it intends to close its site in Gemünden, Germany. Report

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: GE VC arm will not be impacted by sale of GE Capital. Updated story | Follow @FierceMedDev

@VarunSaxena2: ICYMI from FierceDiagnostics: FDA announces LuSys Labs' recall of its unapproved Ebola diagnostic. Story | Follow @VarunSaxena2

@EmilyWFierce: Roche grabs CAPP Medical to gain ground in cancer Dx. FierceDiagnostics article | Follow @EmilyWFierce

> Medtronic-backed spinal imaging startup grabs $9.6M for back pain diagnostic to replace x-ray. Article

> Varian Medical Systems eyes Chinese market with potential Foxconn deal. Article

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: ICYMI yesterday: After PhIII odyssey, the FDA finally gives Medicines Co a thumbs-up for cangrelor. Report | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Roche hustles its PD-L1 'breakthrough' star into 11 late-stage trials. News | Follow @JohnCFierce

> New data on GW Pharma's cannabis-based epilepsy drug stokes hopes of success. Report

> Incyte is opening an R&D command center in Geneva. Story

> Bayer hits the gas on its top cancer prospect with Phase III in sight. Article

Drug Delivery News

> J&J to use drug delivery device for HBV vaccine thanks to $85M partnership. Item

> 'BLAST' laser method allows large particle delivery to 100,000 cells per minute. Article

> KemPharm sets IPO price for up to $56 million. Report

> Israel's Intec discussing $150M drug delivery partnership with Big Pharma company. More

> Developer of surgically delivered microparticles to brain gets $72.5M in latest funding round. News

Pharma Manufacturing News

> Walgreens CEO hints at another supply chain deal. Item

> Actavis asks court to let it stop manufacturing older Alzheimer's treatment. Item

> Vectura will close plant in Germany within the year. Report

> Baxter again having to recall saline solution as shortage persists. Story

> Novo opens $100M plant in Russia. Article

Pharma Asia News

> IDT Australia release on FDA nod for 23 generics begs the question: Where's the beef? Story

> Australia's George Clinical eyes China drug discovery going global. More

> Takeda names U.S. head, bringing first woman to executive team. Report

> India moves partially on bar codes for exported drugs by July. Story

> TVM closes on $50M for China Biopharma plans. Article

And Finally... The FDA says some wrinkle creams may be overstating their claims. More