Gasgon Medical, an Ireland-based medtech startup, aims to raise over $4.3 million (€4 million) to support its technology for precise IV delivery. The company’s AirVault device, designed to capture air bubbles during IV administration, has already garnered commitments from returning lead investors, offering a novel solution to enhance patient safety and streamline healthcare delivery.
Agiliti, a medical technology services provider, has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners (THL), its majority shareholder, in a deal valued at about $2.5 billion. Under the agreement, an affiliate of THL will purchase all outstanding Agiliti common stock that it does not currently own for $10 per share in cash, representing a 39% premium over Agiliti’s 30-day, volume-weighted average share price through Friday.
Natera’s Signatera molecular residual disease (MRD) test has received approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for two additional cancer indications, expanding its coverage to more patients in the US. The test is now covered for ovarian cancer in the adjuvant and surveillance setting, as well as for breast cancer in the neoadjuvant setting, adding to its previous indications in colorectal cancer and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Natera’s Signatera test utilizes circulating tumor DNA to detect and quantify cancer remaining in the body, offering personalized disease management for patients and providing early detection of recurrence with high sensitivity and specificity.
Tuesday, February 27th
A groundbreaking study led by researchers at Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute reveals the critical role of placental health in predicting childhood cognition and behavior, shedding light on early brain development. Using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the team demonstrated the significant impact of oxygenation levels in the placenta during the last trimester on cortical growth, emphasizing the vital link between maternal health, placental function, and fetal brain development. This research, published in JAMA Network Open, offers insights into potential interventions to address placental-related issues and underscores the importance of nurturing a healthy environment for fetal growth and neurodevelopment.
A focus article in Radiology highlights the importance of considering the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in radiology, as healthcare and medical imaging contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. While AI can enhance radiology practice and sustainability through optimized protocols and improved efficiency, its development and deployment consume large amounts of energy and contribute to GHG emissions, necessitating a balance between positive outcomes and environmental concerns. Recommendations include exploring energy-efficient algorithms, selecting low-energy hardware, and partnering with providers that use renewable energy to minimize the environmental footprint of AI in radiology.
Virtual Incision’s MIRA Surgical System, the world’s first miniaturized robotic-assisted surgery device, has received FDA marketing authorization for colectomy procedures in adults, following a rigorous De Novo Classification process. The compact, tray-to-table design of MIRA aims to address the logistical challenges associated with traditional robotic surgery systems, potentially expanding access to robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery across healthcare facilities in the United States, with plans for future indications in gynecology, general surgery, urology, and other surgical specialties.
Wednesday, February 28th
Stryker announced the successful completion of the first shoulder arthroplasty surgeries in Europe using its Blueprint Mixed Reality (MR) Guidance system by Professor Julien Berhouet and Dr. Lionel Neyton in France. The system, designed in collaboration with surgeons, combines innovative software with the Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset to provide real-time 3D images and guidance widgets, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes. With the CE mark received in 2023, the system marks a significant advancement in orthopedic surgery and continues Stryker’s commitment to innovation for surgeons and patients.
BlueWind Medical announced the initiation of the RESTORE study for its Revi iTNM device, with the first patient treated by Dr. Osvaldo Padron in Tampa, Florida. The study aims to recruit 150 patients across multiple U.S. centers to evaluate Revi’s effectiveness in treating urge urinary incontinence, offering a patient-centric and minimally invasive alternative powered by an external wearable device.
Focal Therapeutics, acquired by Hologic in 2018, faced scrutiny over its Biozorb tissue marker implants, which received FDA clearance in 2012. Physicians reported complications including erosion through the skin, prompting FDA safety communications and lawsuits against Hologic alleging undisclosed side effects, with one complaint scheduled for a tentative trial in November 2025.
Thursday, February 29th
Bruker has agreed to acquire ELITechGroup for €870 million ($942 million) in cash, excluding ELITech’s clinical chemistry business. ELITechGroup, known for its molecular diagnostic systems and assays, is expected to enhance Bruker’s microbiology and infection diagnostics division, strengthening its position in the medical diagnostics market.
Boston Scientific has received FDA approval for its Agent drug-coated balloon (DCB), marking the first coronary DCB for treating in-stent restenosis (ISR) in US patients with coronary artery disease. Supported by positive results from a multicenter clinical trial, the Agent DCB demonstrated statistical superiority to uncoated balloon angioplasty and is expected to address a significant market opportunity, with plans for US launch in the coming months. Analysts view the approval favorably, citing the technology’s potential for rapid physician adoption and its ability to meet the needs of ISR patients.
PharmaKure has announced a collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University to study epigenetic markers for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), aiming to identify individuals at higher risk of developing the disease. The partnership, leveraging ALZmetrixTM, PharmaKure’s blood-based biomarker, seeks to enhance current Alzheimer’s diagnostics by incorporating gene-based environmental biomarkers. Driven by the multifactorial nature of AD, the study focuses on identifying epigenetic changes associated with the disease to enable early interventions and more effective treatment strategies.
Friday, March 1st
Know Labs (NYSE:KNW) has secured a funding agreement for up to $12 million, with a $4 million initial investment from Lind Global Fund II, managed by Lind Partners. This funding will support Know Labs’ efforts to bring its non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology to market, including its KnowU wearable CGM, which utilizes spectroscopy to capture unique molecular signatures for glucose monitoring. The technology, set for FDA submission, can be integrated into various form factors, including wearable, mobile, or bench-top devices.
Nano-X Imaging (Nanox) is collaborating with Israeli Beilinson Hospital on a clinical study to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of the Nanox.ARC 3D imaging system in detecting lung and chest diseases compared to conventional 2D radiography. The study, planned at Beilinson Hospital, aims to assess whether the Nanox.ARC’s tomographic imaging can reduce the need for more advanced imaging and additional radiation exposure, potentially offering a scalable solution for healthcare facilities. Nanox CEO Erez Meltzer expressed confidence in the collaboration, highlighting the opportunity to further validate the Nanox.ARC and develop a globally connected medical imaging solution to enhance population health.
Researchers have developed a novel two-part catheter system to deliver drugs directly to the kidney, addressing the challenges posed by the organ’s function of waste removal. This minimally invasive method, developed by urologist Omer Raheem and urologic oncologist Mohamed Kamel, offers significant improvements over conventional approaches, with potential applications in treating various kidney diseases including cancer and infections.
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