• Aethlon Medical (San Diego) reported that researchers have discovered the Aethlon Hemopurifier is effective in capturing particles that suppress the immune response in cancer patients. The particles, known as exosomes, are released by solid tumors, lymphomas, and leukemia. High concentrations of circulating exosomes correlate with reduced T-cell production and tumor progression in cancer patients. In the study, 60% of circulating exosomes were removed from the blood of ovarian cancer patients during first pass (about 10-minutes) through a small scale Hemopurifier. The capture data was consistent over the course of five different studies. The ability to reduce circulating exosomes would likely reverse immune suppression and increase patient responsiveness to both immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Aethlon makes the Hemopurifier, a device to treat infectious disease.

• Spectranetics (Colorado Springs, Colorado) reported it has received FDA approval for its Turbo elite line of laser catheters for the treatment of all stenoses and occlusions within the arteries of the leg. The clearance applies to catheters ranging in size from .9 mm to 2.5 mm. This represents a broader indication for use as compared to previous labeling of the TURBO elite catheters for the treatment of total occlusions that cannot be crossed with a guidewire. Spectranetics says it manufactures the only excimer laser approved in the U.S., Europe and Japan for use in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures.

• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Waltham, Massachusetts) reported the launch of its Thermo Scientific NITON XL3 series, a new platform of handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers. The series is available in a range of configurations designed to suit a variety of specific analytical needs, from environmental testing and regulatory compliance to minerals and mining applications. The NITON XL3 provides optimized excitation of elements ranging from chlorine through the transuranic elements. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers customers a complete range of analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions.