Although it is crucial to identify tick-borne diseases, including Lyme, early, many tests can be inaccurate or difficult to interpret. Chromacode Inc., of Carlsbad, Calif., is looking to help change that. The company reported the commercial launch of its first multiplex test using its High Definition Polymerase Chain Reaction (HDPCR) technology. Chromacode said the HDPCR Tick-Borne Pathogen (TBP) panel is the only multiplex PCR test that detects nine of the most common tick-borne pathogens in a single test.

Olympus has scored a win at the FDA, with the agency giving the green light for the Spiration valve system (SVS) to treat severe emphysema, a progressive form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Word of the approval comes months after another company scored an FDA nod for its severe emphysema treatment to serve as an alternative to invasive lung surgery.

Menlo Park, Calif.-based Grail Inc. has caused a stir with its focus on the early detection of cancer. Now, the company is reporting plans to kick off the massive SUMMIT study early next year.

San Diego-based Resmed Inc. has agreed to buy Propeller Health, a digital therapeutics company that offers connected health solutions for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Resmed will acquire Propeller, of Madison, Wisc., for $225 million and fund the buy primarily with its credit facility.