South San Francsico-based Twist Bioscience Corp. and Biotia Inc., of New York, received the first FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) for a capture-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The technique reduces the likelihood of misdiagnosing or failing to identify mutations compared to standard sequencing.

Movano Inc. closed its IPO on the Nasdaq Friday, reeling in gross proceeds of $48.9 million. The Pleasanton, Calif.-based startup launched the offering of 8.5 million shares of common stock priced at $5 per share on March 22, with a target of raising $42.5 million. The final tally included the fully exercised over-allotment option by underwriters to purchase an additional 1,275,000 shares.

Debx Medical BV has advanced to the pre-launch phase for its new topical desiccant gel for the treatment of chronic infected and necrotic wounds. Two months after obtaining CE mark approval for Debrichem, the Rotterdam, Netherlands-based company is starting distribution of its class IIb medical device in Europe – in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain – as well as in Hong Kong, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

TORONTO – A distinguished Canadian health care policy expert said a report from Canada’s COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel recommending testing and screening for school-age children and teachers comes “late in the game” now that the focus has shifted to vaccinating the Canadian population.

The animal world is full of species that can perform astonishing, and sometimes disgusting, feats. Take vultures, for example. “They eat this rotten meat that is full of pathogens and toxins, and they stay healthy,” Neta Raab told BioWorld. Raab is the co-founder and CEO of Wild Biotech Ltd., an Israeli startup that is seeking to understand gut microbiome contributions to these animal superpowers, and harness them for therapeutic use.