In game-changing news for parents of children with cerebral palsy, researchers found that there was a significant clinical improvement in the sensorimotor function of children who underwent sessions using Spinex Inc.’s Spinal Cord Innovation in Pediatrics (Scip) therapy. With current treatment options limited to physical therapy, medication and/or surgery, Parag Gad, co-founder and CEO of Spinex, told BioWorld he believes that Scip therapy “can be the new standard of care” for children with cerebral palsy.

US FDA expanding sterilization standards recognition as litigation rolls on

The U.S. FDA recognized several new standards for sterilization of medical devices as part of an effort to reduce the use of ethylene oxide (EtO) for this purpose. While the recognition may stimulate adoption of alternative methods, Congress is applying yet more pressure on the EPA to act more decisively in regulating EtO, thus amplifying the pressure on a system that device makers believe is already under stress.

Quest’s new blood test for Alzheimer’s lets consumers take the lead

With FDA-approved drugs for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) becoming available and an aging population at increased risk of dementia, the need for AD diagnostics is only going to grow. An estimated 6.7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s today, and that number is projected to hit 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. With those stakes in mind, Quest Diagnostics Inc. launched a consumer-initiated blood test that helps individuals or their loved ones determine their risk of the memory-robbing disease. Quest’s AD-Detect for Alzheimer’s Disease – the first blood-based biomarker for assessing beta amyloid protein, a well-known marker of Alzheimer’s disease – is available for purchase without a prescription through the company’s website.

Quantum Genomics enters exclusive talks with Vistacare for wound care venture

Quantum Genomics SAS entered exclusive talks with Vistacare Medical SAS to create a leading player in complex wound management. “Vistacare Medical’s innovative contactless treatment technology, our financial backing and stock market listing, and the complementary nature of our two teams will enable us to accelerate the development of this new medical device on an international scale,” Jean-Philippe Milon, CEO of Quantum Genomics, told BioWorld.

Academic researcher named to fill Fauci’s shoes at NIAID

While U.S. politics continues to delay Senate confirmation of the NIH director, other crucial positions at the agency that do not require Senate action are being filled. Acting NIH Director Lawrence Tabak announced Aug. 2 that he has named Jeanne Marrazzo as director of the agency’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Also in the news

Angiodynamics, Body Vision Medical, Cue Health, Femasys, Hemosonics, Invo Bioscience, Preludedx, Quanta Dialysis Technologies, Signati Medical, Tandem Diabetes Care, Zio