Abbott Laboratories reported 2020 fourth-quarter revenue up 29% year over year to $10.7 billion, outpacing the consensus estimate of $764 million. The positive growth was largely fueled by sales in diagnostics, which surged 111% to $4.35 billion, from $2.10 billion in the prior year period. Net earnings for the period totaled $2.16 billion, or $1.20 per share, up from $1.5 billion, or $.59 per share a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $1.45, ahead of the Street target of $1.35. Read More
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has now had ample time to mutate, as reports of the proliferation of multiple variants make clear, and the U.S. FDA’s Tim Stenzel said the agency is now focused on three variants, including one recently reported from Israel. Stenzel said on the latest COVID-19 testing town hall that one of the key concerns regarding existing authorized tests is the potential for loss of sensitivity, a problem the agency hopes to overcome without the use of live virus. Read More
Using Rhythm AI Ltd.'s stochastic trajectory analysis of ranked signals (STAR) mapping system with pulmonary vein isolation terminated and eliminated recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) at much higher rates than other ablation procedures in a study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. The artificial intelligence-driven STAR mapping process collects and analyzes thousands of heart signals to precisely identify the areas of the heart responsible for the errant electrical signals causing atrial fibrillation, enabling more thorough and accurate ablation. Read More
A Swiss diagnostics company is looking to tap into China’s vast patient pool to validate its diagnostic test for prostate cancer. Schlieren-based Proteomedix AG inked a partnership with Zhengzhou University Henan Cancer Hospital in China to validate its Proclarix diagnostics test in the local population. Read More
TORONTO – Calgary-based Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc. is receiving CA$2.65 million (US$2.09 million) in funding from the Canadian government’s Western Diversification Program (WDP), which represents nearly half of the more than CA$5.5 million (US$3.35 million) investment made to four Alberta-based organizations and companies. Company CEO Greg Ogrodnick attributes this to Circle Cardiovascular’s position “as the world leader in cardiovascular imaging.” Read More
New hires and promotions in the med-tech industry, including: 270Surgical, Clearpoint Neuro, Inogen, Itamar Medical, Psychemedics, Spiras Health, Talis. Read More
Clinical updates, including trial initiations, enrollment status and data readouts and publications: Elixir Medical, Guardant Health, Medeon Biodesign, Smith+Nephew. Read More
The latest global regulatory news, changes and updates affecting medical devices and technologies, including: Health Canada updates list of recognized standards; FTC posts draft consent agreement for Flo Health; Two more snared in PGx testing scam. Read More
Keeping you up to date on recent developments in orthopedics, including: Scientists use a novel ink to 3D print 'bone' with living cells; Student uses zebrafish to study spinal deformities; A compound that slows bone loss, and a resource for developing treatments to slow aging. Read More
