Two retrospective analyses have revealed that the introduction of biosimilars has reduced the costs of the originator biologic, infliximab, but it’s uncertain if these savings are benefiting patients or increasing drug access. The studies, focusing on Medicare Part D participants and private insurance patients, showed a decrease in the annual increase rate of infliximab costs and claims after biosimilars were introduced. Despite the clear cost reductions, concerns remain about whether these savings are reaching patients, especially in terms of copays or changes in access to the medication. Key Insights Image Source & Credit: Medscape
Author: Abhay Panchal
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, U.S. federal lawmakers are considering how to regulate its use to protect patients while fostering innovation. Senate Committee on Finance Chairman Ron Wyden emphasized the need for Congress to encourage positive outcomes from AI and establish rules for new healthcare innovations. The discussions focus on balancing innovation with patient protection, especially in federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The Algorithmic Accountability Act, introduced by Wyden, aims to ensure healthcare systems regularly assess AI tools for bias and proper use. This legislative attention comes amid lawsuits against major Medicare Advantage insurers for…
Alimetry, a gastrointestinal med-tech startup, has obtained a new AMA CPT III code for its Gastric Alimetry test, a significant advancement in diagnosing chronic gastric conditions. This test, which has received FDA clearance, combines wearable sensor technology with a digital health app, enhancing the diagnostic process for conditions like functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, and chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome. Key Insights Image Source & Credit: MedTech Drive
Getlabs, a leader in at-home diagnostics, has announced the addition of GRAIL’s GalleriⓇ multi-cancer early detection test to its suite of diagnostic services. This collaboration aims to make cancer screening more accessible by providing at-home blood draw services for the Galleri test, thereby eliminating the need for clinic visits. The Galleri test is a significant advancement in cancer screening, capable of detecting multiple types of cancer, including pancreatic, esophageal, ovarian, and liver cancers, which currently lack recommended screening methods. The test works by analyzing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments in a blood sample. Early detection is crucial as the 5-year survival…
Dieta Health has announced two groundbreaking studies conducted in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, Veterans Health Administration (VA), and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). These studies, led by Dr. Douglas Simonetto at Mayo Clinic and Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj at VA and VCU, have been published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. They demonstrate the significant impact of Dieta’s AI technology in managing cirrhosis and preventing hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The AI technology, through proprietary AI stool image classification, provides precise monitoring and management of cirrhosis, offering real-time, actionable insights for both patients and healthcare providers. Mayo Clinic Study Overview:Objective: To assess the effectiveness…
US Digestive Health (USDH), one of the largest gastroenterology practices in the United States, celebrated the grand opening of its new Lansdale-Colmar office on February 7, 2024. The event included guided tours of the 4,800-square-foot facility, followed by a welcoming ceremony and ribbon cutting. The new office enhances USDH’s presence in the region and demonstrates its commitment to providing exceptional and accessible digestive care. USDH, with over 40 locations and more than 250 providers, operates throughout Southeastern, Central, and Southwestern Pennsylvania and Delaware. The practice is managed by US Digestive Health Management (USDHM) and was formed in 2019 by Amulet…
Healthcare leaders are turning to gastroenterology to unlock growth opportunities. Here are how three leaders are using gastroenterology to grow their facilities: Dean Lehmkuhler. Administrator at Northside Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center (Indianapolis): The growth of our ASC will be significant after two years as we are planning to build a new endoscopy center with a projected opening of Jan. 31, 2026. The new center will allow for 50 percent growth over the next five years as we are increasing the size of the center and increasing from four procedure rooms to five procedure rooms with an ability to add a sixth…
UC Davis Health’s endoscopy team has achieved a significant milestone by performing the world’s first endoscopic, ultrasound-guided core biopsy of a pancreatic tumor using a new instrument, the EndoDrill® GI. This groundbreaking procedure was performed by Antonio Mendoza-Ladd, the medical director of gastrointestinal endoscopy. The team successfully collected larger than normal tissue cores, enhancing diagnostic capabilities. The EndoDrill® GI, developed by BibbInstruments AB, allows for better access to deep tissues in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, lymph nodes, and liver. This novel technology employs electric high-speed drilling to remove fine samples while maintaining tissue architecture with…
Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) is revolutionizing pediatric gastroenterology care, as demonstrated by the case of Grace, a young patient with eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) treated at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Matthew J. Ryan, a pediatric gastroenterologist, has performed over 100 TNEs using the EvoEndo Single-Use Endoscopy System, marking a significant advancement in the field. This system, designed for patients aged five and older, eliminates the need for anesthesia or sedation, making the procedure less invasive and more accessible. The EvoEndo system’s portability allows for point-of-care diagnosis in clinics, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of endoscopic evaluations. The updated v2.0 Model LE Endoscope from…
The FRUTIGA trial, a phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled study, evaluated the efficacy of adding fruquintinib to paclitaxel in patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal cancer who had progressed on frontline chemotherapy. The study enrolled 703 patients, predominantly Asian, and assessed progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival as primary endpoints. The results showed that patients receiving fruquintinib with paclitaxel had significantly better PFS (5.6 months vs. 2.7 months) compared to those receiving placebo with paclitaxel. However, there was no significant improvement in overall survival, with a median survival of 9.6 months in the fruquintinib group versus 8.4 months in the placebo…