A Medical Device Daily

Siemens Medical Solutions (SMS; Malvern, Pennsylvania) reported expanding its molecular imaging research collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston) with establishment of a preclinical research center for development of new, targeted biomarkers that may help detect cancers earlier, better visualize cancers at the molecular level, and provide more effective, tailored therapies.

The center will be located on the MD Anderson campus at the same site as the cyclotron-equipped radiopharmacy jointly operated by MD Anderson and PETNET Pharmaceuticals (Knoxville, Tennessee), an SMS subsidiary.

Researchers from Siemens and MD Anderson will work at the center to develop radiolabeled imaging agents that visualize molecular-genetic targets, facilitating the translation of laboratory findings into clinical imaging applications and helping researchers study the effects of new drugs and other cancer treatments. Researchers at MD Anderson will perform preclinical testing of Siemens' proprietary and licensed compounds, as well as participate in Siemens' clinical trials. Siemens will have certain rights to license imaging agents developed through the research.

"Expanding our research collaboration with MD Anderson enables us to combine the academic intellect of some of the world's leading cancer researchers with Siemens' molecular imaging technologies and expertise to develop more specific biomarkers," said Michael Reitermann, president, Molecular Imaging Division, SMS.

Siemens is providing research scientists and radiochemical equipment dedicated to preclinical imaging for the laboratory, including Siemens' Inveon platform, a multi-modality imaging solution that allows researchers to utilize a combination of preclinical hybrid imaging systems and preclinical analysis applications. The system enables Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and CT data acquisition to be done separately or simultaneously.

Cogent to provide consulting services

Cogent Healthcare (Irvine, California) has launched The Cogent Group to provide hospitalist program consulting and advisory services, the company reported. The Cogent Group will focus on providing assistance to hospitals in developing a hospitalist program strategy that supports their clinical and business objectives.

Cogent's chief medical officer, Ron Greeno, MD, and senior VP, Beth Hawley, will lead the group. The service will also draw upon experience from Cogent's COO, Dr. Russell Holman, as well as regional medical directors and operations VPs. Greeno will continue in his current capacity as CMO of Cogent Healthcare.

The Cogent Group says that its combination of resources has built and operated more than 50 hospitalist programs across the nation. Cogent Healthcare is a provider of hospitalist programs.

EdgeHealth to offer neuron-muscular tech

MacBeedon Partners (Ann Arbor, Michigan) reported the creation of EdgeHealth, a healthcare company focused on improving the overall quality of healthcare and treatment options available in the U.S.

The first product offered by EdgeHealth is targeted to treat a wide range of neuro-muscular dysfunctions such as pain or motion restriction. Extensive clinical experience has shown that properly isolating and stimulating neuro-muscular connections that have been suppressed as the result of injury or strain can treat a high percentage of such cases.

EdgeHealth will address this market need by partnering with Record AS to provide a developed product and integrated conditioning regimen engineered to provide full and convenient access to a new treatment option.

In addition to MacBeedon Partners CEO Richard Beedon and COO Kevin Wittrup, EdgeHealth has been joined by Melissa Heike, who will serve as marketing manager for the new company. MacBeedon Partners says it provides the capital and entrepreneurial leadership necessary to grow technology-focused companies to create an entrepreneurial environment.