The article discusses combination therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), aiming to improve patient outcomes by leveraging multiple therapeutic mechanisms. While traditional combination therapies (TCT) and advanced combination therapies (ACT) show promise, challenges such as limited long-term data and safety risks remain. Studies like SONIC and UC-SUCCESS highlight the benefits of combining biologics and immunomodulators. However, more research is needed to understand the full potential and risks of combination treatments, including insurance coverage and FDA approval challenges.
Author: Abhay Panchal
The article discusses the benefits of Multidisciplinary Care Models (MCMs) for managing complex conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). These models, integrating specialists from various fields, aim to improve access, quality of care, and patient outcomes. Takeda’s involvement in the One x One Summit Series Coalition is highlighted, emphasizing collaboration, data-driven research, and advocacy to promote the adoption of MCMs in gastroenterology. The initiative aims to enhance holistic care and address unmet patient needs.
A recent survey highlights a significant disconnect between employers and physicians regarding workplace quality. Nearly 38% of physicians reported a decline in workplace quality, with only 16% seeing improvement. Despite this, 82% of respondents believe maintaining a positive culture while meeting patient and market demands is possible. Physician burnout remains a critical issue, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 63% experiencing burnout in recent years. Although the AMA reports some improvement, with burnout rates falling below 50%, the situation remains concerning. Technology and cultural changes are necessary to address these challenges and support the healthcare workforce.
San Francisco-based ZBiotics, a company specializing in genetically engineered probiotics, has raised $12 million in a Series A funding round led by Spring Tide Capital. The funds will be used to expand ZBiotics’ retail presence and develop new products beyond their initial offering—a probiotic designed to reduce hangover symptoms by breaking down acetaldehyde in the gut. The company is proud of its GMO label and plans to launch more gut-health products soon while exploring other health areas like sleep and athletic performance.
Dr. Shams Tabrez has joined GI Alliance in Willow Park, bringing his extensive expertise in gastroenterology to the practice. GI Alliance is one of the largest gastroenterology practices in the United States, and Dr. Tabrez’s addition strengthens their team, enhancing patient care in the region. He will be providing a range of gastroenterological services, including the latest treatments and procedures, to help address various digestive health issues. The practice is excited to welcome him as part of their growing network.
AMSURG, in partnership with LifeBridge Health and the Woodholme Group, has opened the EndoCentre of Westminster, a state-of-the-art gastroenterology outpatient surgery center in Westminster, Maryland. The 5,400-square-foot facility features two advanced procedure rooms and offers same-day diagnostic and preventive care. Accredited by the AAAHC, the center aims to provide high-quality care to patients in the region, including Carroll, Baltimore, and Frederick Counties, as well as Southern Pennsylvania. The center is now open and accepting patients.
Guardant Health recently celebrated a milestone at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square as their product, Shield, became the first FDA-approved blood test for primary colorectal cancer screening. This innovative test detects cancer signals in the bloodstream from DNA shed by tumors, offering a less invasive screening option. Co-CEOs and Co-Founders, Helmy Eltoukhy and AmirAli Talasaz, marked the occasion by ringing the Opening Bell at Nasdaq.
In this episode, Bill Snyder, CEO of Cylinder, discusses his mission to revolutionize gastrointestinal care through a scalable digital platform tailored for chronic GI conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and IBS. The platform offers personalized care with a coordinated team, including health coaches and dietitians, and integrates with existing healthcare systems.
The article explores the rapid growth of telemedicine in gastroenterology, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the benefits of telemedicine, such as increased accessibility and convenience for patients, while also addressing the challenges of integrating these services into traditional healthcare models. The piece delves into how telemedicine is being adopted by gastroenterologists to provide care remotely, manage chronic conditions, and perform follow-ups, ultimately transforming patient care in the field of gastroenterology.
The article by Bobby Guy explores the growing influence of private equity in the healthcare sector, arguing that the decline of public market opportunities, driven by regulations like Sarbanes-Oxley, has made private equity a dominant force in funding healthcare innovation. Guy suggests that instead of vilifying private equity, efforts should focus on reopening public markets to provide more investment options, which would foster competition and drive advancements in healthcare. This, he believes, is crucial for continued innovation and improvement in the U.S. healthcare system.