Greece to probe drug shortages; U.K. fingers brand-favoring physicians;

@FiercePharma: AbbVie is pharma's first birth of the new year. Story | Follow @FiercePharma

> Greece's top prosecutor has called for an investigation into claims that drugmakers may have deliberately created shortages in the country. Report

> The U.K.'s National Health Service is targeting "inefficient" doctors who prescribe branded drugs rather than generics. Report

> Aurobindo Pharma won final FDA approval to market its version of Merck's ($MRK) Maxalt drug for migraine. Report

> A federal appeals court temporarily barred the U.S. government from forcing an Illinois company to offer insurance coverage for contraceptives. Report

> Pakistani drugmakers will not use active pharmaceutical ingredients imported from India amid a government investigation. Report

> California-based Victory Pharma will pay $11.4 million to resolve a kickbacks probe. Report

Medical Device News

 @FierceMedDev: Diabetes light Dx begins U.S. trial. Story | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: Dune Medical won an FDA nod for a new tool designed to find cancerous tissue. The company is a rumored M&A target. Report | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: DJO Global scoops up Minnesota maker of heat-sensitive casts. More | Follow @DamianFierce

> FDA confronts Mindray over patient monitor quality control. News

> Quest Diagnostics slims down for the new year. Story

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: Preclinical breast cancer finding could change tamoxifen use. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: It's official. 39 new drugs approved in 2012, highest since 1996. Big step in the right direction. More | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: Qualcomm backs clinical trials software outfit in $12M round. News | Follow @RyanMFierce

> AbbVie celebrates New Year's Day as a big new biopharma player. Report

> New cancer drugs help spur drug approvals to 16-year high. Story

CRO News

> India group wants change in clinical trial regs for children. Report

> WuXi, PRA plan to launch joint venture in China. News

> Chinese CRO ShangPharma looks to go private. Article

> goBalto rakes in $12M for cloud-based clinical development. Story

Biotech IT News

> Interview: Stanford's Butte on bridging gap from Big Data to biotech discoveries. Item

> iPad app garners kudos for boosting lab productivity. Article

> iPad app garners kudos for boosting lab productivity. News

> Qualcomm backs clinical trials software outfit in $12M round. Story

Biotech Research News

> Preclinical breast cancer finding could change tamoxifen use. Item

> Enzyme inhibitor could be key to treating malaria. Report

> Scripps drug reduces, reverses fatty liver disease. News

> Chemo combo shows promise against glioblastoma. Article

> Stem cells step forward in ALS. Story

Drug Delivery News

> Radius, 3M update transdermal osteoporosis treatment agreement. News

> Arrowhead polymers boost siRNA delivery 500 times. Story

> Japan welcomes Neupro patch for restless legs and Parkinson's. Article

> QLT signs eye delivery tech option deal with former CEO. Report

> AstraZeneca hitches cancer drug hopes to CytImmune's nano-gold standard. Item

And Finally... Energy drinks are "caffeine delivery systems," rather than unique performance-enhancers, experts say. Report (sub. req.)