Cosmo Artificial Intelligence Ltd. received the FDA’s nod for its GI Genius intelligent endoscopy system. The device – the first of its kind, according to the agency – uses artificial intelligence (AI)-based on machine learning to improve the detection of lesions during colonoscopy. It will be rolled out in the U.S. by Medtronic plc, which has exclusive worldwide distribution rights.

LONDON – A large scale prospective study has shown that increased blood plasma viscosity is correlated with disease severity and the likelihood of progression to organ failure, in patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 infections. Researchers at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, U.K. suggest this could be an easy but sensitive way to quickly triage patients admitted to hospital with symptoms of COVID-19.

NASA is ready to begin testing the E-Nose COVID-19 screening device prototype developed by subcontractor Variable Inc., of Chattanooga, Tenn. NASA received $3.8 million from the Department of Health and Human Services to enhance E-Nose, which was originally developed to measure air quality inside spacecraft. The updated version is intended to facilitate screening for SARS-CoV-2 by "sniffing out" the signature volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath of infected individuals.

HONG KONG – Coreline Soft Co. Ltd. has taken its first step into the Greater China market after receiving approval from Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) on April 8 for its Aview suite of artificial intelligence (AI) medical solutions.

Companion diagnostics-focused Celcuity Inc. CEO Brian Sullivan said the deal with Pfizer Inc. for rights to pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitor gedatolisib was “an organically developed opportunity, because of the research we had done on gedatolisib” in the course of investigating PI3K inhibitors. “We hadn’t shifted our strategy and said, ‘Oh, let’s start in-licensing drugs.’”

The FDA has its hands full with the impact of the mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but test developers can count on an ever-increasing base of data for those viruses thanks to a new contract taken by the CDC. The CDC indicated recently that its sequencing efforts and that of other organizations churned out nearly 14,000 sequences for the week of April 3, but Aegis Sciences Corp., of Nashville, Tenn., announced April 7 that it had undertaken an agreement to perform next-generation sequencing of samples from all 50 states and Puerto Rico, ensuring plenty of access to up-to-date information on those mutations.

Hologic Inc. is tucking in yet another diagnostics manufacturer, this time with the acquisition of Mobidiag Oy for approximately $795 million. The privately held Finnish-French company develops and markets polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests for acute care testing such as gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, antimicrobial resistance management and health care-associated infections.

PERTH, Australia – Australia’s TGA issued final guidance on clinical evidence requirements for medical devices in response to updated regulations that have resulted in changes to evidence requirements. Clinical evidence is required for all medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) that are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The clinical evidence requirements apply when a device is first listed as well as over the lifecycle of the device. If safety issues are identified, the TGA may ask manufacturers to update clinical information to more accurately reflect risk.

Device reprocessing has intermittently prompted FDA action in an effort to tamp down on infection-driven adverse events for various types of endoscopes, and the latest spate of events involves endoscopes used in urological applications. While the three associated fatalities all took place outside the U.S., the FDA nonetheless indicated that it is considering the possibility that a device redesign is in order, a move the agency endorsed in connection with infections blamed on duodenoscopes.