The U.S. FDA gave Bot Image Inc. a coveted threefer with 510(k) clearance for its Prostatid artificial intelligence (AI) software for detection, diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer using both standard MRI and a non-invasive bi-parametric MRI, which does not require a contrast agent.
Sofinnova Partners launched a new investment strategy focused on digital medicine in a sign that investment in European startups, especially those at the intersection of biology, data and computation is returning. “It cannot be stressed enough that there is a need in the market for this,” said Edward Kliphuis, partner in the Sofinnova Digital Medicine Strategy.
The Australian government will deliver $50 million to a new biomedical and med-tech incubator (BMTI) program for health discoveries spanning early-stage drug development through to cutting edge medical devices and evidence-based digital health technologies.
Huma Therapeutics Ltd. received the first EU Class IIb approval for a software as a medical device (SaMD) product, winning the certification for its system for collecting and analysing patient data across multiple disease indications, the company reported. The approval will open up the market for digital health apps, with customers now able to link into Huma’s underlying technical platform to develop their own digital health apps and companion diagnostics, avoiding the need to then get their own, separate EU medical device certification.
One way to strike fear into patients and cardiologists alike is to merely mention the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), an event that claims more than 10,000 lives per year in the U.S. alone. That death count might fall substantially going forward thanks to the U.S. FDA’s award of a 510(k) for the AAA algorithm by Viz.ai Inc., a new algorithm which may help clinicians address imminent rupture quickly enough to save the lives of thousands of American patients each year.
Early-stage venture capital firm Karista SAS reported the third edition of its European digital health funds mapping report. This mapping included all funds with global headquarters in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the U.K., Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Nordics.
Free, no-prescription-required access to naloxone injectors and nasal sprays has reduced deaths from opioid overdoses by 11% in some communities, but they only work if someone with the reversal agent is available when a person overdoses. Many times, unfortunately, opioid users are alone when an overdose occurs. Resilient Lifescience Inc. hopes to save those lives, too. The company is developing a wearable patch that monitors vital signs and automatically administers naloxone when needed.
Andera Partners and Novo Holdings A/S led a financing round which raised $25 million for Fire1 Ltd. and will accelerate the development of the company’s remote monitoring technology that improves outcomes for heart failure patients. Andera and Novo are new investors in Fire1 and were joined in the fundraising round by existing investors Gilde Healthcare, Gimv, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, Lightstone Ventures, Medtronic plc, New Enterprise Associates and Seventure Partners.
The U.S. FDA granted Sooma Oy breakthrough device designation for its patient-administered neuromodulation device to treat depression. Sooma Depression Therapy uses a mild electrical current to stimulate targeted brain areas, resulting in a significant improvement in depressive symptoms.
Methinks Software SL (dba Methinks.AI), a digital health company, is working on the U.S. FDA submission for its artificial intelligence (AI)-based stroke triage software, which will aid in the detection of acute stroke, after recently receiving CE mark certification.