Researchers from the Institute of Translational Genomics at Helmholtz Munich have described a genetic overlap between type 2 diabetes (T2D), a disease that is also associated with obesity, and osteoarthritis, a degeneration of the joints that worsens with age and coincides in the factor risk of being overweight. The researchers used genetic data, multiomics and functional analysis of the tissues T2D and osteoarthritis express to identify which genes were associated and correlated with both diseases. They published their results on July 10, 2023, in The American Journal of Human Genetics.

A new mouse model of an inherited form of dystonia has shown the spinal cord is the driver of the condition, overturning previous understanding that the movement disorder is caused by disruption of neural circuits in the brain. The connection was demonstrated by selectively deleting torsin family 1 member A (TOR1A), the gene that causes dystonia, in the neurons of the spinal cord only.

Globus Medical Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to buy Nuvasive Inc. in an all-stock transaction that will combine two leaders in the musculoskeletal industry into one of the largest companies in the spinal surgery market. While there are many companies in the spine market, the acquisition may still set off an alarm among regulators concerned about consolidation in the field. Both boards unanimously approved the deal.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has cleared Japan Tissue Engineering Co. Ltd.’s (J-Tec) autologous cultured cartilage, called Jacc, after a seven-year re-examination period. Headquartered in Gamagori, in Japan’s Aichi prefecture, J-Tec was the first company in Japan to receive conditional clearance of regenerative medicine therapies under the new regenerative medicine pathway.

With virtually bent knees and proper posture, Soter Analytics Pty Ltd. raised $12 million in a series A funding round to build on its artificial intelligence (AI)-based ergonomic wearables line that helps workers minimize injuries on the job. The technology tracks all significant shoulder and back movements and provides personalized real-time feedback before improper lifts or twists land users on their backs or in rehab.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) care company Sword Health Inc. has released a new digital therapy focused on pelvic pain and postpartum recovery. The Bloom sensor tracks and measures the pressure of the pelvic floor, with real-time feedback provided via an app. The technology then combines with clinical guidance from pelvic health specialists to help women create personalized exercise programs.

Combining Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.’s gene editing technology and Genedit Inc.’s Nanogalaxy platform to treat neuromuscular disorders shows promising potential, the companies reported. A year into the research collaboration, Genedit’s polymer nanoparticles have demonstrated the ability to deliver therapeutic cargo to specific muscle tissue following system administration of targeted genetic medicines.

With the agreement to purchase Physimax Technologies Ltd. in its rearview mirror, Dariohealth Corp. passes another milestone with its third tuck-in deal in a year. Physimax, a provider of computer vision technology for musculoskeletal (MSK) screening and predictive risk assessment, joins Psyinnovations Inc. (dba Wayforward) and Upright Technologies Ltd. as tuck-ins for the rapidly growing digital health company. The latest deal is by far the smallest. The terms call for the issuance of 256,660 shares of Dariohealth’s common stock, valued at Wednesday’s closing price of $9.65 per share at just under $2.5 million, plus a cash payment of $500,000.

Sword Health Technologies Inc. slipped another $189 million into its coffers with an oversubscribed $163 million series D fundraising round that spilled into an additional $26 million secondary transaction. The enthusiasm for the round points to the keen interest in digital delivery of musculoskeletal (MSK) physical therapy, which has driven Sword and competitor Hinge Health Inc. both into rarified unicorn territory with valuations of $2 billion and $6.2 billion, respectively.

TORONTO - Medtronic Canada ULC, a subsidiary of Dublin-based Medtronic plc, has launched what it calls the “the first dedicated robotic assisted spine surgery platform in Canada.” The Mazor integrates surgical planning, workflow and execution by combining navigation and robotic technologies.