Researchers at UMass Lowell’s Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences are investigating the connection between the gut microbiome and the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. This research could lead to earlier detection and novel treatments for these neurodegenerative diseases, which affect millions globally. Key findings and initiatives from the study include: Link Between Gut Microbiome and Parkinson’s Disease: The study, led by Associate Professor Natalia Palacios, found that healthy, anti-inflammatory bacteria were less abundant in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This suggests a potential link between gut inflammation and Parkinson’s, with changes in the gut microbiome observable before the disease’s…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Claris GenomiX, a precision oncology company, has announced the licensing availability of ColoType, its patented mRNA-based Consensus Molecular Subtyping (CMS) assay. This diagnostic tool is designed to guide treatment decisions for colorectal cancer (CRC). Key highlights from the announcement include:
Biotech company AnchorDx has formed a long-term partnership with molecular diagnostics firm DiaCarta to develop and commercialize cancer diagnostic products globally. Based in Guangzhou, China, AnchorDx, and Pleasanton, California-based DiaCarta plan to leverage their proprietary technologies for DNA methylation and mutation detection in this collaboration. The financial and other terms of the partnership were not disclosed. AnchorDx aims to accelerate its early cancer screening programs and develop a robust product pipeline through this collaboration. The company’s pipeline currently covers over 70% of high-incidence cancers. AnchorDx received breakthrough device designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2021 for its…
The Managed Healthcare Executive article discusses the promising role of drone technology in healthcare delivery, particularly in addressing challenges like poor road conditions, transportation limitations, and the need for efficient responses to healthcare emergencies. The study featured in the online PLOS Journal highlights the favorable reception of drone technology for delivering healthcare goods and supplies, especially when environmental factors are mitigated. Key points from the article include:
The CancerX initiative, part of the White House-led Cancer Moonshot program, is making significant strides in advancing cancer care through digital innovation. Jennifer Goldsack, CEO of the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe), which co-hosts CancerX, discussed the current state and future directions of the initiative in an interview with MobiHealthNews. Key points include: Progress and Plans: In its second year, CancerX, under the co-hosting of DiMe and Moffitt Cancer Center, has announced its inaugural members and is preparing to release resources focused on using digital technologies to address financial toxicity and equity in cancer care and research. Data Sprint and Payment…
The new space has specifically been designed to prioritize patient comfort, access, and convenience. With a team of highly skilled medical professionals and administrative staff in place, the practice will offer a state-of-the-art clinic to treat general gastrointestinal conditions and provide patients the opportunity to receive specialized clinical procedures including infusions, endoscopies, and a range of additional in-house services. The office includes a variety of distinctive amenities including three state-of-the-art endoscopy suites specifically built to provide outpatient procedures in a private setting. “With the opening of Lone Tree, we are furthering Peak’s mission to deliver quality, comprehensive GI care to…
Geneoscopy and Labcorp have entered into a multi-year agreement to distribute a noninvasive multi-target stool RNA (mt-sRNA) colorectal cancer screening test. This test, currently under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a premarket approval application (PMA), is designed to detect colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions. The test’s effectiveness was demonstrated in the pivotal CRC-PREVENT study, which showed high sensitivity for colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas, particularly in younger participants aged between 45 and 49 years. Vince Wong, Geneoscopy’s chief commercial officer, emphasized the significance of the collaboration with Labcorp, noting its potential to expand patient…
The Healio article discusses a study published in JAMA Network Open about an automatic surveillance system designed to improve adherence to colorectal post-polypectomy surveillance guidelines. Key takeaways from the study include: High Accuracy in Patient Identification: The automatic system demonstrated up to 99.77% accuracy in identifying patients for surveillance after colorectal polypectomy. Improved Physician Adherence to Guidelines: The use of the system was associated with enhanced adherence to surveillance guidelines among physicians, as well as a reduction in staff workload. Effective Patient Risk Stratification: The system accurately stratified patient risk levels and assigned surveillance intervals, with an accuracy rate ranging…
The Business Wire article discusses the benefits of value-based care, as highlighted in Humana Inc.’s tenth annual Value-Based Care Report. This model of healthcare, which focuses on quality and preventive care, has shown significant advantages for Medicare Advantage members. Key points from the report include: The report emphasizes the effectiveness of value-based care in improving health outcomes, reducing hospitalizations, and managing healthcare costs. It also highlights the potential for expanding this model beyond primary care and Medicare Advantage.
A jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware found Guardant Health liable for infringing on patents held by TwinStrand Biosciences and licensed to the University of Washington. The infringement involves Guardant’s digital sequencing technology used in its cancer test kits, which allegedly employs methods covered by two patents related to a duplex consensus sequencing method. The lawsuit, filed in 2021, also claimed that the infringement was willful. As a result, Guardant Health has been ordered to pay damages amounting to $83.4 million. Guardant Health has expressed strong disagreement with the decision and plans to appeal. Helmy…