Across the world, rates of depression have reached alarming new heights as a result of the grief, uncertainty and isolation experienced through the pandemic. Despite the high prevalence of depression, its treatment remains a hit-or-miss affair. Up to two-thirds of patients fail to respond to the first antidepressant prescribed and many of them never return to try another. Tel Aviv-based Taliaz Ltd. has developed an artificial intelligence-driven tool to help psychiatrists and other prescribers get it right the first time.

Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BD) has decided to spin off its diabetes care business, after nearly a century growing a broad portfolio of insulin injection devices. The transaction, which will result in a publicly traded company, tentatively dubbed Newco, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on inspections of drug and device manufacturing sites is a matter of record, but the agency says it is on track to resume inspections for high-risk considerations. However, the FDA also said it will likely make more extensive use of virtual inspection tools going forward, a development that may ease some of the operational interruptions engendered by conventional on-site inspections.

LONDON – Cumulus Neuroscience Ltd. has raised £6 million (US$8.3 million) to advance development of its home use wearable headset for tracking response to treatment in clinical trials in psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

HONG KONG – The revisions for China’s Regulations for Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices, which promise harsher penalties and post-market enforcements, will come into effect on June 1, 2021. The revisions see authorities take a more progressive and aggressive approach to the regulatory enforcement of medical device products in China.