Olympus Corp. has unveiled its plans to acquire Veran Medical Technologies Inc. for up to $340 million. The buy will go through Olympus Corp. of the Americas (OCA) and is part of the company’s corporate strategy revealed in November 2019. It marks the second M&A-related announcement in about a month.
Livanova plc has inked an agreement with Gyrus Capital SA to divest its heart valve business. The sale has an enterprise value of €60 million (US$73 million) and is expected to wrap up in the first half of next year. The Livanova board has already given its unanimous assent for the deal. Livanova now expects to strengthen its focus on its neuromodulation and cardiovascular platforms.
Bluestar Genomics Inc. and the University of Chicago revealed the publication of a genome-wide 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) map across multiple human tissue types. In the report, published Dec. 2, 2020, in Nature Communications, the researchers detailed the development of the map by characterizing the genomic distributions of 5hmC in 19 human tissues derived from 10 organ systems.
Keeping you up to date on recent developments in cardiology, including: Remote help to lower BP, control cholesterol; Improving screening for dual heart disease; Candidate shows promise in reducing heart failure.
Kantaro Biosciences LLC, a joint venture between the Mount Sinai Health System and RenalytixAI, has received emergency use authorization from the U.S. FDA for its semi-quantitative SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody test kit. Known as COVID-Seroklir, the test determines the presence and precise level of IgG antibodies. It has demonstrated 98.8% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity for detecting SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies against two virus antigens, the full-length spike protein and its receptor-binding domain.
Medtronic plc reported second quarter worldwide revenue of $7.647 billion, a decrease of 0.8% as reported and 1.5% on an organic basis. Analysts noted, however, that the figure beat the consensus of $7.08 billion. It also exceeded Wells Fargo’s $7.12 billion estimate. With the continued uncertainty related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Dublin-based company did not provide formal annual or quarterly financial guidance. Still, the need for ventilators pushed the company ahead.
GT Medical Technologies Inc. revealed that it has raised $16 million in a series B financing round led by MVM Partners, which was joined by existing investors Medtech Venture Partners and Bluestone Venture Partners. Funds will support the expanded commercialization of Gammatile Therapy, a surgically targeted radiation therapy (STaRT) that is intended to help patients with brain tumors.
Keeping you up to date on recent developments in cardiology, including: 3D-printed heart models aim to train future surgeons; Researchers: Digital program lowered patients’ cholesterol, blood pressure; Additional monitoring may be needed for those at risk of atrial fibrillation.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) said it will deliver its differentiated value propositions for patients Thursday as it provided details on its Ottava platform during its Virtual Medical Devices Update. Analysts appear to have left the meeting with a good impression. “We came away impressed with JNJ's digital surgery vision & holistic approach,” wrote Cowen’s Josh Jennings.
Varian Medical Systems Inc. revealed that the first clinical trial of FLASH therapy has kicked off, with the initial treatment taking place at the Cincinnati Children's/UC Health Proton Therapy Center. The study, which saw the first patient treated this week, involves the investigational use of Varian's Probeam particle accelerator modified to enable radiation therapy delivery at ultra-high dose rates.
