Eisai Co. Ltd. and Oita University in Oita Prefecture, Japan, developed a first-of-its-kind machine learning model to predict amyloid beta accumulation in the brain using a wristband sensor. The model, which collects biological and lifestyle data from daily life, is expected to enable screening for brain amyloid beta accumulation to identify those at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly because amyloid beta begins to accumulate in the brain about 20 years before the onset of the disease.

The U.S. FDA granted breakthrough device designation for CT-155, a prescription digital therapeutic co-developed by Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH and Click Therapeutics Inc. to treat the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Designed as an adjunctive to pharmaceutical therapy for schizophrenia, among the most challenging mental health conditions to treat, the PDT is one of several products in the collaboration’s pipeline.

Echoing trends seen last year, the med-tech industry concluded 2023 with a continued surge in deal value juxtaposed against a more substantial decline in M&A value. Deal value for the year, including licensings, collaborations and joint ventures, reached $10.63 billion from 1,656 deals, the highest annual value in BioWorld’s records.

Branelie Health Inc. seeks patent protection for a computer-implemented method and system for predicting appropriateness of treatment options for the management of traumatic brain injuries, particularly concussions.

Neuroone Medical Technologies Corp. received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance for its Onerf ablation system which is capable of both recording electrical activity and ablation of nervous tissue.

Sound Wave Innovation Co. Ltd. seeks patent protection for a method of using an ultrasonic device which transmits non-converging ultrasonic energy to the brain for the treatment of dementia, including mild Alzheimer’s-type dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

With an urgent need to create new technologies to improve the detection of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), researchers from the University of Birmingham, U.K., have designed and developed a diagnostic device that can detect TBI by shining a laser into the eye.

Integra Lifesciences Holdings Corp. agreed to acquire Acclarent Inc. from Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon Inc. subsidiary for $275 million in cash at closing with a further $5 million contingent on achievement of certain regulatory milestones.