Shani Alexander

Intuitive Surgical’s Ion endoluminal system and Siemens Healthiness’ Cios Spin

Jefferies 2023 London Healthcare Conference

Siemens focused on transforming Diagnostic business CFO says

Nov. 15, 2023

Siemens Healthineers AG appears to be committed to its Diagnostics business after Jochen Schmitz, CFO, pushed back at rumors speculating that the German company was looking at options for the underperforming segment, including a sale.

Dollar sign and Euro symbol in cogwheels

Jefferies London Healthcare Conference

Jeffries says health care M&A activity expected to rise next year

Nov. 14, 2023

By Shani Alexander

Senior leaders and investors in the health care sector expect mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity to continue to pick up next year but this will be corporate led rather than private equity, according to a report by global investment bank Jefferies. At the same time, many executives remained concerned about the lack of funding in the sector as it was identified as the number one threat.

Researchers find that 3D-printed tissues could help repair brain injuries

Nov. 14, 2023

By Shani Alexander

Researchers have for the first time used human neural stem cells to print 3D brain tissues that mimic the architecture of the brain’s outer layer, the cerebral cortex. This breakthrough technique, developed by a team from the U.K.’s University of Oxford, could one day be used to provide tailored repairs to the millions of people who suffer from severe brain injuries, for which there is no effective treatment.

LSX Investival Showcase

Funding environment continues to be difficult for med-tech startups

Nov. 13, 2023

By Shani Alexander

The funding environment continues to be challenging for companies in the health care sector, and even more so for early-stage med-tech companies, delegates heard at the LSX Investival Showcase in London. Med-tech companies were told that they had to be lean, constantly work on building relationships with investors and not to give up because there is money out there for innovative technologies that can save people’s lives.

Roche MS test secures FDA breakthrough device designation

Nov. 10, 2023

By Shani Alexander

The U.S. FDA granted Roche Holding AG breakthrough device designation for its Elecsys Neurofilament Light Chain test for multiple sclerosis. The Elecsys NfL test can aid in the detection of disease activity in adults, 18-55 years old, with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. It also provides critical information for managing the disease.

Recor Medicaal Paradise renal denervation catheter

FDA greenlights Recor’s Paradise system for renal denervation

Nov. 9, 2023

By Shani Alexander

Recor Medical Inc. finally received U.S. FDA approval for its Paradise ultrasound renal denervation (RDN) system for the treatment of hypertension after more than ten years of research and clinical trials. Paradise is the first RDN system to reach the U.S. market, and its approval is good news for the technology after years of disappointment in the data from trials and concerns over the efficacy of RDN devices.

Elekta buys Icad’s brachytherapy business for $5.5M

Nov. 8, 2023

By Shani Alexander

The acquisition of Icad Inc.’s brachytherapy business by Elekta AB takes the company a step closer to achieving its goal of providing hope to the millions of people dealing with cancer, John Lapré, president of Elekta’s Brachy and Neuro Solutions unit, told BioWorld. Elekta paid approximately $5.5 million for Icad’s subsidiary Xoft. In addition, most of Xoft’s staff and its main facility in San José, Calif., was transferred to the company.

Companies agree to work with governments to test AI models

Nov. 3, 2023

By Shani Alexander

Companies developing Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions have agreed to work with governments to test models both pre- and post-deployment, in a bid to manage the risks around security, safety and societal harms. The landmark agreement was reached at the first AI Safety Summit, held at Bletchley Park, in the U.K.

Quibim, Philips co-developing AI-based prostate cancer diagnostic

Nov. 2, 2023

By Shani Alexander

Quibim SL and Royal Philips NV have teamed up to utilize their artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions to help clinicians deliver faster diagnosis and treatment of patients with prostate cancer. The partnership will see Philips AI-based magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technology integrated into Quibim’s AI based QP-Prostate software, to automate real-time prostate gland segmentation in MR images, and generate meaningful quantitative insights, as well as standardize MRI prostate exam reporting.

Immuone raises £2M to meet demand for 3D human lung model

Nov. 1, 2023

By Shani Alexander

Immuone Ltd. raised £2 million (US$2.4 million) to fund expansion of its operations to meet growing demand for its 3D human lung model. The company is hoping that its model will replace animal testing which is not always accurate at predicting the impact of drugs on humans. The funding came from the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, Mercia’s EIS funds and Pioneer Group.