John Saran, a partner at Holland & Knight, says now that the election is over and uncertainty has been addressed, healthcare clients are generally optimistic and are anticipating a return to normal when it comes to deal making in 2025.
Author: Abhay Panchal
In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo introduces direct access colonoscopy, a streamlined process enabling healthy adults aged 45–75 to undergo routine colon cancer screenings without a pre-procedure visit. He highlights its efficiency in reducing unnecessary office appointments, saving time, and lowering costs. Dr. Gandolfo emphasizes colonoscopy’s role as the gold standard for colon cancer prevention, particularly in light of rising cases in younger populations, and explains how polyp removal significantly reduces cancer risk. He also clarifies that patients with complex medical conditions, such as heart disease or those on blood thinners, may require additional…
A recent study has introduced an integrative risk score that effectively predicts the future onset of Crohn’s disease. This tool combines genetic, environmental, and clinical factors to assess an individual’s likelihood of developing the condition. By evaluating these combined risk elements, healthcare providers can identify high-risk individuals earlier, potentially leading to proactive monitoring and preventive strategies.
In this podcast episode, Larry Kosinski, MD, founder of SonarMD, discusses reclaiming GI services for patients and physicians, developing new tools for IBD patients and more.
Pfizer has received FDA accelerated approval for BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) combined with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as confirmed by an FDA-approved test. The approval, part of the FDA’s Project FrontRunner initiative, is based on the Phase III BREAKWATER trial, which showed a 61% response rate with the BRAFTOVI regimen compared to 40% in the control arm. Further trials are ongoing to confirm long-term clinical benefits. Pfizer continues global regulatory discussions to expand approvals and is exploring next-generation BRAF inhibitors for broader cancer treatments.
Sotelix Endoscopy, a Baltimore-based startup founded in March 2024 by Dr. Mouen Khashab of Johns Hopkins University, has raised $1.7 million to fund research, development, and in vivo testing of its therapeutic endoscopy devices. Focused on minimally invasive procedures for gastrointestinal tissue closure, the company attracted investors with clinical, technical, and business expertise. Dr. Khashab, a leader in therapeutic endoscopy with over 575 publications and 10+ patents, aims to transform GI treatments with innovative, incision-free technologies.
Three organizations—Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates, Radiologic Medical Services, and the law firm Ott Cone & Redpath—reported cyberattacks compromising sensitive data.
A new study published in Nature introduces NK2R agonists as a promising alternative to GLP-1 drugs for obesity and diabetes, showing significant weight loss, improved glucose control, and no muscle loss in animal trials—potentially addressing key side effects and high costs associated with GLP-1 therapies like Ozempic and Wegovy, with human trials expected to begin next year.
The FDA has approved a generic version of liraglutide (Victoza) for managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients aged 10 and older, enhancing access to affordable GLP-1 medications amid shortages. Manufactured by Hikma Pharmaceuticals, this once-daily injectable complements diet and exercise and aligns with the FDA’s efforts to promote competition and accessibility for complex drug products.
A panel of experts, including Dr. Austin Lee Chiang, Chief Medical Officer at Medtronic Endoscopy; Dr. Jonathan Ng, Founder and CEO of Iterative Health; and Dr. J. Casey Chapman, Chief Medical Officer at GI Alliance, examined the expanding role of artificial intelligence in GI care, with a focus on its use in colonoscopies and its influence on the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions.