Novartis drug fights severe arthritis in kids; FDA wants data on Bydureon injection device;

 @FiercePharma: Is the whole morning-after contraceptive fight based on a misunderstanding about how they work?--NYT. Report | Follow @FiercePharma

> The Novartis ($NVS) drug Ilaris helped relieve symptoms in 62% of kids with severe childhood arthritis and helped one-third of them stop taking steroids, a study found. Article

> The FDA wants more data on a new, self-injecting delivery system for Amylin Pharmaceuticals' ($AMLN) diabetes drug Bydureon; the company is in the midst of bidding from potential buyers. More

> Longtime generics specialist Teva Pharmaceuticals ($TEVA) is continuing its march into the branded-drug realm. Story

> Merck ($MRK) sued to protect its nausea drug Emend from copycat versions proposed by Novartis' generics unit Sandoz and Intas Pharmaceuticals. News

> Optimer Pharmaceuticals ($OPTR) hired Stephen Webster, former CFO of Adolor, to take on the same role after its previous CFO was fired in a conflict-of-interest scandal. Report

> ISTA Pharmaceuticals ($ISTA) shareholders approved its $500 million buyout by Bausch + Lomb. Article

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: Complete Genomics axes 55 staffers, hires financial adviser to aid in exploring "strategic alternatives." Story | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @JohnCFierce: Merck may be better dumping sarcomas and focusing on other tumor types in the clinic. | Follow @JohnCFierce

 @RyanMFierce: With the FDA shunning Merck's ridaforolimus bid, Ariad looks pretty smart for front-ending its licensing terms with Merck on the cancer drug. | Follow @RyanMFierce

> ASCO Highlights: Top stories from this year's meeting. Report

> Chinese scientist convicted of stealing Merck's experimental drugs. News

> Merck KGaA and Dr. Reddy's partner on a slate of antibody biosims. Story

> FDA hits trap door button on Merck's weak ridaforolimus bid. Article

Medical Devices News

 @FierceMedDev: Only a few weeks left to submit your nominations for the 15 fiercest private device developers. Survey | Follow @FierceMedDev

> GE Healthcare buys Brazilian X-ray equipment company. News

> J&J/Ethicon to stop selling four vaginal mesh implants. Story

> Stryker offers $33M to settle DOJ knee implant inquiry. Article

Drug Delivery News

 @DamianFierce: Zogenix is moving forward with its DosePro drug delivery platform, filing an IND for a new anti-psychotic. More | Follow @DamianFierce

> FDA wants more info on pen delivery for Amylin's Bydureon. Story

> At ASCO, unique delivery makes TDM-1 a standout. Item

> Aptar buys injectable delivery company for $207M. News

> MIT: DNA origami could safely deliver RNAi treatment. Article

Biomarkers News

> DNA tracking responses to cancer treatment. More

> A blood test for schizophrenia? Item

> Parkinson's disease gene cluster marks early diagnosis. Story

> Teens' low-fiber diets expand bellies, disease risks. Article

And Finally... The fiery debate over morning-after contraceptive may be based on incorrect, outdated ideas about how the pills work. Report