The portable hemodialysis market is heating up. For example, Quanta Dialysis Technologies Ltd. recently made a splash by receiving clearance from the U.S. FDA to market its portable hemodialysis system SC+. According to the Alcester, U.K.-based company, SC+ can deliver the higher dialysate flow rates typically used to provide conventional three-times-a-week prescriptions, while also offering the flexibility for more frequent, longer and gentler treatments tailored to patients’ needs.

Boston Scientific Corp. has agreed to acquire Preventice Solutions Inc. for $925 million up front and up to an additional $300 million in a potential commercial milestone payment. The former has been an investor in Preventice since 2015 and currently holds an equity stake of about 22%, which is expected to result in a net payment of about $720 million upon closing and a milestone payment of up to roughly $230 million. The acquisition is projected to close by the middle of the year.

Johnson & Johnson has been looking to make a big splash in robotics. Now, its Depuy Synthes unit has made progress on this front, gaining U.S. FDA clearance for the Velys robotic-assisted solution designed for use with the Attune total knee system. The solution aims to help simplify surgeons’ existing workflow around total knee replacement.

Medtronic plc reported that the first patient has been enrolled in the Adaptive DBS Algorithm for Personalized Therapy in Parkinson's Disease (ADAPT-PD) study its trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This type of stimulation is an investigational feature of the Percept PC device that could be enabled if approved.

What is the outlook for investment in digital health over the coming year? A group of investment experts tackled that question during a session of the Digital Medicine & Medtech Showcase, which is being held virtually this week. Although COVID-19 was disruptive, there was a huge increase in health innovation investment last year, with a jump of roughly 56%, said Logan Plaster, director and editor-in-chief at Startup Health.

Cognito Therapeutics Inc. has revealed that its lead product has received breakthrough device designation from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of cognitive and functional symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The offering is a noninvasive neurostimulation device using gamma frequency technology and is the initial candidate in the company’s pipeline of digital therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases and other chronic indications.

With uncertainty continuing to surround the ongoing pandemic, Biointellisense Inc. has revealed that it is teaming up with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to advance remote patient monitoring programs for cardiac care. In addition, the ACC plans to offer the company's Biobutton COVID-19 Screening Solution at the 70th Annual Scientific Session & Expo, scheduled for May 15-17 in Atlanta.

Ablacon Inc. has revealed the close of a $30 million series B financing, with Zeus Health joining as new lead investor. The company intends to use the funds to advance its product portfolio and expand patient access to the Ablamap system, which has the CE mark.