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.
COVID-19 has caused a surge in telemedicine, increasing access to health care without having to physically visit a doctor. In similar ways, it is changing things in the operating room, where advanced technology platforms enable surgeons and specialists to observe or weigh in on surgeries and allow manufacturer reps to assist in procedures using new devices.
The latest global regulatory news, changes and updates affecting medical devices and technologies, including: HHS, DOJ officials highlight pandemic response needs; FDA says plenty of respirators available; NICE supports use of Danis for variceal hemorrhage.
Med-tech happenings, including deals and partnerships, grants, preclinical data and other news in brief: Biosig Technologies, Control Bionics, Genetic Technologies, Infinity Biologix, Lucira Health, Numotion, Outset Medical.
CAJICA, Colombia – Following the start of phase III trials for its COVID-19 vaccine, Soberana 02, Cuban researchers have started phase III trials for Abdala (CIGB-66), another vaccine candidate developed in the island country.
Biopharma happenings, including deals and partnerships, grants, preclinical data and other news in brief: Aelis, Bioaegis, Deargen, Galapagos, Gilead, Kempharm, Regeneron, Repare, Theralase.
Clinical updates, including trial initiations, enrollment status and data readouts and publications: BMS, Celcuity, Cytodyn, Mersana, Oncoinvent, Redhill, Tenax.
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.
The latest global regulatory news, changes and updates affecting medical devices and technologies, including: FCC says no need to revisit telehealth grants; NICE updates sphere usage for hepatocellular carcinoma; Health Canada: Docs, nurses not needed for workplace testing.