Butterfly Network Inc. expanded its collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Global Ultrasound Institute and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to increase access to maternal/fetal ultrasound technology. The program will bring 500 IQ+ systems and ultrasound training to six provinces in South Africa, following a successful introduction in late 2022 in Kenya.

Vomaris Inc. introduced its U.S. FDA-cleared Powerheal bioelectric bandage for over-the-counter use following studies showing a shocking 99.99% reduction in bacteria present in wounds covered with the bandage even without the use of antibiotics. The bandage’s electrical energy also stimulates cell movement, cutting healing time in half, a study found.

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings introduced a glial fibrillary acidic protein blood-based test available commercially in the U.S. for the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries. The test, which the company said was the first of its kind, is designed to assess the presence and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, glioblastoma and traumatic brain injury.

Prenosis Inc. gained U.S. FDA de novo marketing authorization for an artificial intelligence-powered rapid diagnostic tool for sepsis, one of the most challenging and deadly conditions in hospitals and reported a distribution agreement with Roche Holding AG. Another pairing also made progress in developing a sepsis in vitro diagnostic this week, as Bosch Healthcare Solutions GmbH and Randox Laboratories Inc. joined forces and committed €150 million (US$159.63 million) to the effort.

Finding an effective medication for patients with major depressive disorder is notoriously difficult, with 70% of patients failing to respond to the first drug prescribed and 30% not responding to the first four medications. Complicating matters, genetic mutations can increase psychotropic drug-related adverse events, including hospitalizations. A recent study indicates Myriad Genetics Inc.’s Genesight test can help minimize the risk of these negative events, with a reduction of nearly 40% in psychiatric-related hospitalizations and prescription of medications with significant gene-drug interactions.

Exact Sciences Corp., Seekin Inc. and Serum Detect Inc. presented encouraging results for the field of multicancer early detection at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting in San Diego April 6-10, but delays in coverage may slow further progress.

Routine use of Impella CP in patients who had a heart attack with cardiogenic shock cut mortality by 12.7% at six months compared to standard care, researchers reported in a late breaking presentation at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions in Atlanta.

Spirair Inc. won the race for the first U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance for a minimally invasive therapy for nasal septal deviation (NSD), the company said. The Septalign system features a bioabsorbable implant that enables minor cartilaginous septal deviation that can be placed in an office with local anesthesia.

“Traditional septoplasty and septorhinoplasty can require significant time away from work, with nearly 42% of patients requiring two weeks or more for recovery. With Septalign, recovery is much faster and requires little to no time away from work for recovery,” Spirair CEO Ben Bishop told BioWorld.

Paragonix Technologies Inc. expanded access to its U.S. FDA-cleared Baroguard donor lung preservation system following a successful limited release with a handful of top transplant centers. In addition to critical temperature control, the new system provides active airway management to keep donor lungs in the best condition possible.

In a sweet indication of an improving capital market for med-tech companies, Biolinq Inc. landed $58 million in bridge financing to support completion of the U.S. pivotal trial of its intradermal glucose sensor and submission to the U.S. FDA. The round brings the total raised to more than $170 million. With good response so far, the company is optimistic that it can attract more funding in short order. “Biolinq also plans to raise a series C financing of more than $100 million to support commercialization at the end of this year,” Biolinq CEO Rich Yang told BioWorld.