Primary care disruptor Forward has announced an abrupt shutdown, closing its locations, canceling scheduled visits, and disabling its mobile app. Founded in 2016 as a direct primary care provider that operated on a cash-pay model, Forward reached a $1 billion valuation and raised over $657 million in funding. The company previously expanded into AI-driven CarePods, self-serve kiosks aimed at automating medical check-ups, but now its nearly 200 employees will lose their jobs. Forward promises to guide patients in accessing their medical records and transitioning care as operations cease.
Author: Abhay Panchal
The acquisition of Steward Health Care’s physician network by Rural Healthcare Group has been finalized, with the newly consolidated organization rebranded as Revere Medical. Backed by private equity firm Kinderhook Industries, the $245 million deal aims to enhance care delivery in underserved areas. Revere Medical’s CEO, Benson Sloan, emphasized that combining resources will enable Revere Medical to expand its operating model and invest in both personnel and technology to improve care access while keeping services local. Steward Health Care’s former network included over 3,250 affiliated providers and served 800,000 patients, making it one of the largest Medicare accountable care organizations…
The FDA has updated the labels for all glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Victoza), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), adding a warning about the risk of pulmonary aspiration during surgeries requiring anesthesia or deep sedation. The label update cites postmarketing reports of pulmonary aspiration in patients on GLP-1 RAs who adhered to preoperative fasting guidelines but retained gastric contents. Patients are advised to inform their healthcare providers of GLP-1 RA usage prior to any planned surgeries to mitigate risks. This change is reflected across the drugs’ Warnings, Adverse Reactions, and Patient Counseling sections, underscoring…
A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly used for weight loss and diabetes management, are effective and safe for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exhibiting a similar safety profile to that in the general population. Patients treated with GLP-1s like semaglutide and liraglutide showed an average weight reduction of over 5% in 12 weeks, with significant declines in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, hinting at potential anti-inflammatory effects. With obesity linked to severe IBD phenotypes and complications, researchers believe GLP-1s could offer a valuable addition to IBD treatment plans, although further longitudinal studies…
Private equity (PE) investment in gastroenterology has been on the rise, with several key developments:
Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump was elected to a second term, signaling a possible return to healthcare policies from his first term, with anticipated regulatory changes impacting the ACA, Medicaid, and vaccine policies. Trump’s administration may seek to reduce costs by limiting ACA subsidies, potentially increasing uninsured rates, and revisit Medicaid restrictions like work requirements. Trump’s support for vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raises questions about potential public health changes, while experts foresee a rollback on gender-affirming care and tighter access to abortion services. Major healthcare industry groups, including the American Hospital Association, America’s Essential Hospitals, and…
Swedish healthtech startup Yazen has secured a €19.5m Series A funding round, led by Evli Growth Partners and Helsana HealthInvest, to expand its digital weight-loss and diabetes treatment service across Europe. Founded in 2021, Yazen combines GLP-1 medications with lifestyle guidance, boasting over 20,000 active users and significant weight loss outcomes. With dual-certified healthcare professionals in multiple countries, Yazen minimizes expansion costs while maintaining profitability in Sweden. Although the supply of GLP-1 drugs remains limited, Yazen sees a robust market for its digital, holistic approach to obesity treatment, positioning itself as a potential unicorn in the healthtech sector.
New research presented at the ACG 2024 Annual Meeting highlights the potential of a stool diary app to enhance treatment adherence and improve certain symptoms in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) using the Vibrant vibrating capsule. Led by Dr. Satish Rao, the study showed that patients who used the app alongside the vibrating capsule experienced higher reorder rates and significant improvements in constipation symptoms, including increased bowel movement frequency, improved stool consistency, reduced straining, and decreased time on the toilet. This suggests that the app could offer added benefits by helping patients track their symptoms and monitor treatment effectiveness…
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects an estimated 1.03 billion people worldwide, with prevalence ranging significantly by region. Defined as a condition where stomach contents reflux causes troublesome symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, GERD’s diagnosis often involves endoscopy and reflux monitoring, especially for patients unresponsive to initial treatments. Advanced diagnostic tools such as pH or impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution esophageal manometry help clinicians confirm GERD and assess for surgical suitability in more severe cases. Evolving treatments include tailored use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), novel medical therapies, and endoscopic procedures. Explore the full article for a comprehensive review of diagnostic and…
Andrew Wilner, MD, highlights the rise of locum tenens in medicine, with 52,000 U.S. doctors now working in flexible, temporary roles. Once primarily for doctors nearing retirement, locum tenens has become a choice for younger physicians facing burnout and disillusionment with the healthcare system. This shift reflects a healthcare landscape increasingly dominated by corporate interests, where private practice dwindles and physicians lose autonomy. Wilner warns that while locum tenens offers an escape, its growth signals deeper issues within a profit-driven system, risking higher burnout, a growing doctor shortage, and declining patient care quality.