Laborie Medical Technologies Inc. continued a string of recent deals with an agreement to acquire Urotronic Inc. for $255 million cash up front with an additional $345 million in payments contingent on meeting specified commercial and reimbursement milestones. Laborie already held a minority interest in the manufacturer of the Optilume drug-coated balloon technology for treatment of urethral strictures and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Neuraxis Inc. has initiated a clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of its IB-Stim neuromodulation system in treating children with post-concussion syndrome (PCS). The aim is to see whether IB-Stim can ease the constellation of symptoms that occur after mild traumatic brain injury such as headaches, dizziness and problems with concentration and memory.
Levita Magnetics International Corp. received uplifting news this week as the U.S. FDA cleared its magnetic-Assisted Robotic Surgery (MARS) minimally invasive surgical platform. MARS builds on the company’s first product, the Levita magnetic surgical system, by providing greater control of surgical instruments to surgeons. The platform is cleared for use in bariatric, colorectal, gallbladder and prostate surgeries.
Endotheia Inc. reported the successful completion of a first-in-human clinical trial of its steerable technology for endoscopic surgery. The single-use device integrates with standard forward-viewing gastroscopes, allowing physicians to replicate the functions of specialized duodenoscopes that are currently used in the treatment of biliary disease.
Sequana Medical NV has reported additional data on safety, survival and quality of life from its POSEIDON pivotal study in North America, evaluating its Alfapump device used in the treatment of patients with recurrent or refractory ascites caused by liver cirrhosis. The data were recently presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver 2023 congress in Vienna.
The early detection of chronic liver disease (CLD) could help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), according to a study published in the Journal of Hepatology. Using Perspectum Ltd.’s Livermultiscan, a noninvasive MRI scan, researchers analyzed liver data and found that liver disease activity measured by MRI corrected T1 (cT1) is associated with higher risk of major CVD events.
A pill that delivers electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve from inside the stomach was able to trigger the release of appetite-controlling neurohormones, specifically the “hunger hormone” ghrelin.
Shenzhen Proxinse Medical Technology Co. Ltd. raised an undisclosed amount in a series A financing to develop endoscope-related products. This round of financing was led by Guangdong Technology Financial Group Co. Ltd.
Investors ate up the opportunity to be part of Gemelli Biotech Corp.’s series A funding round, which raised $19 million to support the company’s growth and expand access to its diagnostic tests for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Blue Ox Healthcare Partners led the round with founding investor Cedars-Sinai and support from Carolina Angel Network, Cerracap Ventures and several family offices.
Shenzhen Xzing Technology Co. Ltd. received marketing approval from China’s NMPA for its Endofresh disposable electronic colonoscope. The disposable colonoscope provides images with 1920 x 1080 pixels, which helps with diagnosis. It is equipped with auxiliary water and a lens-washing function to make sure of clear vision throughout endoscopy. It also allows users to insert endoscopic accessories at any bending angle no more than 210 degrees.