Transplanting an animal organ into a human is now a closer reality following the successful xenotransplantation of a genetically modified pig liver into a patient diagnosed with brain death in China. The operation was intended to evaluate organ function over a 10-day period. This is a complex experimental trial that did not involve removing the patient's liver and still requires further study. However, the positive preclinical results suggest this strategy could save the lives of those waiting for a human organ, at least in certain cases.

Digital therapeutics coupled with drugs has the potential to transform health care and change the way patients are treated, Anthony Costello, CEO of Medidata Solutions Inc., told BioWorld. Medidata recently strengthened its partnership with Click Therapeutics Inc., following an investment from its parent company Dassault Systèmes SE, which will see the two companies working to develop new therapies to improve the experience of patients.

In a move that undoubtedly has the unspoken support of the medical device industry, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported it will revisit several rules governing emissions that affect a broad swath of industries.

Australia’s top universities are looking more to Asia for research collaborations following threats from the Trump administration to stop funding research at institutions that don’t comply with U.S. narratives.

The first disease modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s may have limited utility in some senses, but they will be a force for change, providing momentum and altering the way governments as payers, and health systems as carers, think about the disease.