GlaxoSmithKline taps law firm to probe China fiasco; Shire beats with 6% earnings hike;

@FiercePharma: FTC eyeing new patent deals for pay-for-delay action in wake of SCOTUS ruling. ICYMI yesterday | Follow @FiercePharma

@CarlyHFierce: Wednesday at Fierce, starring Neuron, Measles, Tuberculosis, MRSA and E. coli. Image | Follow @CarlyHFierce

> GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) hired the British law firm Ropes & Gray to conduct an independent investigation of the root cause of alleged fraud among its senior executives in China. Report

> Shire ($SHPG) topped expectations with a 6% increase in second-quarter earnings, aided by strong sales of its Lialda colitis treatment and ADHD drugs Vyvanse and Intuniv. Report

> Traders who allegedly profited off of insider knowledge about a potential sale of Onyx Pharmaceuticals ($ONXX) have come forward, protesting their innocence. Report

> Finnish drugmaker Orion said it settled a patent fight with Mylan ($MYL) over Orion's Parkinson's drug Stalevo; the terms were undisclosed. Report | Release

> Iran's pharma market is growing, with drug spending projected to hit $4.14 billion by 2019, up from $3.51 billion last year. Report

> Slovenia's Krka posted a 6% increase in sales to 597 million euros, or $788 million. Report

> The human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer has now been linked to esophageal cancer, in addition to throat and other cancers. Report

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: Boston Scientific's Q2 reflects both stagnation and promising growth. Article | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: We are entering our last week for FMD F15 nominations. Get yours in now. Submission form | Follow @MarkHFierce

@DamianFierce: Roche posted only slight diagnostics growth in H1, as a diabetes slump weighed down testing sales. Story | Follow @DamianFierce

 @MichaelGFierce: From FierceDrugDelivery.com: Novaliq secures CE mark for OTC drop to treat dry eye. Report | Follow @MichaelGFierce

> Abbott wins FDA nod for glucose monitor. More

> Blood Dx to predict sepsis-related death may be within reach. Item

> Abbott slashes 200 more jobs from CA stent operation. Report

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: ICYMI: Sanofi returns to the crowdsourcing well for diabetes app. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech

@RyanMFierce: Stem cell pioneer's biotech startup raises $46M in IPO. Report | Follow @RyanMFierce

@EmilyMFierce: Inovio Pharma DNA cancer vaccine causes tumor death in animals. Article | Follow @EmilyMFierce

> AstraZeneca, Bristol resubmit NDA for diabetes therapy dapagliflozin. Report

> Johnson & Johnson, Vertex execs speak up for 'breakthrough' status in Washington. Article

> Teva, Lonza end biosimilars joint venture as the copycat crowd thins. News

> Industry Voices: mRNA-Based Therapies--Blueprints for Therapeutics. Feature

Pharma Manufacturing News

@EricPFierce: CMO Exela looks to get $1 million USDA loan to help expand plant, add jobs. Story | Follow @EricPFierce

> Fresenius Kabi Indian plant accused of manipulating data. More

> Lonza phasing out troubled Massachusetts biologics plant. Report

> FMC spends $345M for Epax omega-3 plants. Item

> FDA excoriates Wockhardt over missing records, standing urine. Story

> GSK looks to manufacturing to reduce vaccine costs. Article

Vaccines News

> Indian ethics journal pushes for ban on Crucell vaccine. Item

> Serum targets Merck, Sanofi stronghold with TB vax deal. More

> U.K. rejection of Bexsero hits Novartis vaccine unit. Report

> Lupin eyes vaccine growth after in-licensing Merck shot. News

> GSK planning joint venture to tap into Chinese vaccine demand. Article

> Study suggests GSK's Cervarix can prevent throat cancer. Story

And Finally... The current vaccines against whooping cough are only 53% to 64% effective in people older than 11, a BMJ study found. Report