The FDA has put Sage Therapeutics’ depression pill on an accelerated development plan, rather than requiring it to go through the lengthier, late-stage testing process for depression drugs. If it meets its endpoints, Sage could seek approval for the drug to treat major depressive disorder and postpartum depression. (Endpoints)

AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly have ceased a trial of a drug to treat mild forms of Alzheimer’s disease after an independent panel found it was unlikely to met its primary endpoints. Last month, Johnson & Johnson halted its own trial of a similar Alzheimer’s drug. (Financial Times)

Stryker has reportedly made an offer to acquire rival medical device maker Boston Scientific. Were the deal to go through — it’s unclear whether Boston Scientific is receptive to the offer — it would create a medical device giant with a market value of more than $110 billion. (Wall Street Journal)

The gene editing tool CRISPR could increase the risk of cancer, according to two studies published in Nature Medicine. (STAT) Shares of companies developing CRISPR-based therapies fell in response. (CNBC)

A handful of large American companies are experimenting with negotiating their employees’ health plans directly with providers. Employers such as Cisco and Intel say they have successfully reined in costs with this approach, but obstacles, such as employees’ unwillingness to leave conventional plans, have limited their financial impact. (Reuters)