• EaglePicher Medical Power (Plano, Texas) reported the introduction of its enhanced Lithium Carbon Monofluoride (Li/CFx) battery technology with end-of-life capability superior to currently available products in the market. The technology includes a new Elective Replacement Indicator (ERI)/End of Life (EOL) Indicator to accurately predict battery depletion six months in advance, potentially requiring fewer replacement surgeries over time. The enhanced Li/CFx battery chemistry provides higher energy density for use in a variety of implantable applications including telemetry-capable pacemakers and ICDs, neurostimulation devices, drug pumps, body fluid pumps and monitors.

• MannKind (Valencia, California) said it has begun clinical development of an inhalation system to optimize the delivery of drug powders based on the proprietary Technosphere technology platform. The inhalation system is as small as a whistle and designed to be easy-to-use, discreet and patient-friendly when used with therapies such as the investigational ultra-rapid-acting insulin AFRESA (insulin human [rDNA origin]) Inhalation Powder. The delivery system technology can also be used with other therapeutic proteins. MannKind's Technosphere technology platform is based on a class of organic molecules that are designed to self-assemble into small particles onto which drug molecules can be loaded. AFRESA is a rapid acting mealtime insulin therapy being studied for use in adult patients with type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus for the treatment of hyperglycemia.

• MedApps (Scottsdale, Arizona) said it has been granted FDA clearance for its expanded, flexible telehealth solution. The MedApps system is designed to link patients, families and healthcare professionals by providing a convenient way to remotely collect, transmit, store and report timely and accurate health information – anywhere. The system features the HealthPAL, a small portable personal health device, to collect and transmit readings from glucose meters, blood pressure monitors, weight scales and pulse oximeters. Timely health readings from these devices are useful in maintaining wellness regimens and can assist clinicians in their treatment of patients with chronic diseases.

• MEDomics (Los Angeles) reported an innovative test for early diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases, a group of disorders that can result in neurological dysfunction, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms, migraine headaches, blindness, deafness, and diabetes. The MEDomics mitochondrial genome test, MitoDx, uses the NextGen sequencing technology to detect all mutations in any of the 37 mitochondrial DNA genes. The MEDomics experts provide interpretation of the functional significance of detected mutations. This test offers high diagnostic utility for suspected mitochondrial disease, enabling potentially lifesaving therapy and accurate risk counseling.