Roche drug gets FDA nod as blindness remedy; European watchdogs broaden Tyverb use;

  @FiercePharma: Biovail-Valeant combo to claim up to 870 jobs. Report | Follow @FiercePharma

> Federal regulators have approved Genentech's Lucentis drug as a treatment for a common cause of sudden blindness. Report

> The European Commission has approved wider use of GlaxoSmithKline's  breast cancer drug Tyverb, authorizing it for use in combination with an aromatase inhibitor in certain patients. Report

> GlaxoSmithKline took another step to build up its over-the-counter medicines business by acquiring rights to commercialize Medivir's cold sore cream Xerclear for non-prescription use. Report

> The number of CME providers placed on probation by the nonprofit that regulates continuing medical education has more than doubled this year, from 15 to 35. Report

> French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis continues to spearhead the fight for a more secure pharmaceutical supply chain by launching an anti-counterfeit medication initiative in Egypt. Report

> Hospira said the FDA has approved its generic version of AstraZeneca's antibiotic Merrem. Report

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: HHS report underscores big shift to foreign drug trials. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @JohnCFierce:  Regulus inks $750M pact with Sanofi; 25m upfront, 10m in equity and a $50m option thrown in on broader pact. Article | @JohnCFierce

> Tech player febit axes 60% of staff in restructuring. Story

> Daiichi Sankyo scouting for new biotech buyouts, partnerships. Item

> Nereus attracts $20M round for cancer drug programs. Report

> MD governor touts a booming biotech biz, new jobs. News

Medical Device News

> FDA imposes high hurdle for Cytori breast repair device. News

> Baxano gets $30M to support iO-Flex System. Story

> Ethicon renews collaboration with university. Article

> Shareholders seek to block ev3 sale. Item

> Covidien buys Somanetics for $250M. Story

Drug Delivery News

> Fox Foundation bankrolls neurotrophic factor delivery programs. Report

> Antiviral stem cell squad dispatched to fight deadly HIV. Story

> Biovail brings drug delivery tech in Valeant merger. Piece

> Researchers transform LCD waste into drug delivery vehicles. Report

> Harvard team creates self-assembling DNA delivery devices. Article

> Singapore team advances nanospheres. Item

And Finally... Healthy eating can interact with prescription meds, causing possible problems. Report