Borrowing a chapter from venture capitalists, the U.S.’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is partnering with the nonprofit Global Health Investment Corp. (GHIC) to accelerate the development and commercialization of medical technologies and products needed to respond to or prevent future pandemics and other public health emergencies.

PARIS – French public sector investment bank Bpifrance SA is consolidating its commitment to e-health startups, with the announcement of a doubling in size of its Fonds Patient Autonome [Patient Independence Fund] to more than $120 million. Three further partners from France have also subscribed to this new fund. These are the Banque des Territoires – an offshoot of the French national public sector savings and investment fund, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations; the Harmonie Mutuelle insurance group; and the foundation hospitals Groupe Vivalto Santé SA.

Acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock appeared at the annual forum held by the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC) and noted that real-world evidence (RWE) has tremendous potential in regulatory decision making. However, she cautioned that while “the future is very bright” for RWE, “it’s going to take longer than some of the enthusiasts might have thought” to maximize this source of data in product reviews.

Veracyte Inc. has agreed to acquire Haliodx SAS in a €260 million (US$318.1 million) deal to accelerate growth and strengthen its global footprint in cancer diagnostics. The cash and stock transaction will give Veracyte a manufacturing presence in Europe and expand its cancer diagnostics scope to eight of the 10 top cancers by U.S. incidence.

Becton, Dickinson & Co. (BD) is looking to ease the burden on microbiology labs with the U.S. launch of its urine culture analysis imaging application by automating microbiology processes. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the app is intended for use on the device manufacturer’s Kiestra lab automation incubation and imaging system.

PERTH, Australia – Emvision Medical Devices Ltd.’s stroke helmet could potentially transform care for stroke patients by treating them at the bedside or before they even get to the hospital. The company’s portable, non-ionizing brain scanner is capable of rapidly producing quality images to help paramedics determine if a stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.