These stories cover a range of topics from advancements in therapies and vaccines to the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Here are the key highlights: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Obesity Management: The SELECT results with semaglutide showed cardiovascular benefits in people with overweight and obesity, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of these conditions. This development is expected to change the coverage and accessibility of these agents for weight management. Therapy Breakthroughs for Geographic Atrophy: 2023 is seen as a foundational year for the effective management of geographic atrophy, with the FDA approval of two therapies that can…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Dr. Eric Topol’s TED talk on the future of medicine with AI to improve accuracy of diagnosis, the professional lives of clinicians, and the patient-doctor relationship. AI could propel the biggest transformation in the history of medicine, says physician-scientist Eric Topol. He explains how sophisticated AI models can interpret medical images as well or better than human experts can — and, beyond that, even pick up things that human eyes can’t see. Learn all the ways AI is poised to make a difference for both patients and doctors.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released a new Clinical Practice Guideline that emphasizes the important role of fecal and blood biomarkers in managing Crohn’s disease. This guideline offers the most specific evidence-based recommendations to date for the use of fecal calprotectin (FCP) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in assessing disease activity. Key points from the guideline include: Role of Biomarkers: The guideline affirms that the use of biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care and monitoring is no longer experimental but should be an integral part. Biomarkers provide significant benefits over relying solely on symptoms for assessing a patient’s…
A study published in JAMA Surgery has found that laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) offers similar short-term outcomes compared to open surgery for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study, conducted by Min Wang, MD, and colleagues from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, was an investigator-initiated, multicenter, parallel-group, open-label study involving 200 patients with PDAC. Key findings of the study include: Operative Times and Blood Loss: Patients undergoing LPD experienced longer median operative times (330 minutes) compared to those undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) (297 minutes). However, LPD patients had less blood loss (median 145 mL) than those in the open…
Allied Digestive Health (ADH), a leading gastroenterology organization, has partnered with Suki, a provider of voice artificial intelligence-powered healthcare solutions, to become a Center of Excellence in gastroenterology. This partnership marks a significant step in integrating AI technology into the field of gastroenterology to improve patient care and provider experience. ADH, known for its tech-forward approach, has been investing in AI solutions to automate coding processes and identify potential subjects for research studies. The organization also focuses on enhancing the digital patient experience, including online appointment scheduling and billing. With Suki’s AI clinical assistant, ADH providers will have access to…
The website of America’s Health Rankings provides comprehensive data on colorectal cancer screening in the United States. As of the latest data, 61.8% of adults aged 45-75 reported receiving one or more of the recommended colorectal cancer screening tests within the recommended time interval. These tests include blood stool tests within the past year, sigmoidoscopy within the past five years, colonoscopy within the past 10 years, stool DNA tests within the past three years, and virtual colonoscopy within the past five years or sigmoidoscopy within the past 10 years along with a blood stool test in the past year. The…
Geneoscopy and Adiso Therapeutics have entered into a strategic collaboration to use Geneoscopy’s stool-based transcriptome platform in a Phase II clinical trial of Adiso’s experimental treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ADS051. ADS051 is an oral, gut-restricted, small molecule modulator of neutrophil trafficking and activation. Geneoscopy’s platform will be utilized to prospectively assess gene expression changes in stool samples from patients in the trial, with the aim of identifying likely treatment responders and providing a minimally invasive method to monitor for clinical remission. The global Phase II trial for ADS051 is set to begin recruitment next year. Adiso plans to…
Mainz Biomed N.V., a molecular genetics diagnostic company, has announced significant topline results from its eAArly DETECT U.S. clinical study. This multi-center feasibility study evaluated the integration of novel gene expression (mRNA) biomarkers into ColoAlert®, the company’s effective and user-friendly screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC), currently available in Europe and select international markets. The eAArly DETECT study demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity for colorectal cancer detection at 97% with a specificity of 97%, and an advanced adenoma sensitivity of 82%. These results not only confirm but also surpass those from the company’s European ColoFuture Clinical Study, which reported a colorectal…
Oshi Health, a virtual gastrointestinal clinic, has expanded its services to more employers through a partnership with Willis Towers Watson (WTW), an advisory, broking, and solutions company. This collaboration aims to offer WTW clients a comprehensive digestive health solution. Oshi Health provides employers with a virtual care model that delivers multidisciplinary care in partnership with local in-person providers. This approach is designed to accelerate the process of diagnosis, treatment, and symptom control for digestive health issues. In 2022, Oshi Health conducted pilot programs with several WTW employer clients, resulting in high member satisfaction, symptom improvement, and resolution. Following the success…
EndoQuest, a company specializing in endoluminal robotics technology, has successfully closed a $42 million C-1 preferred financing round. This round saw participation from existing investors CE Ventures Limited and McNair Interests Ltd., as well as new investor Puma Venture Capital LLC. Based in Houston, EndoQuest has developed a flexible robotics surgery system designed for minimally invasive procedures in the gastrointestinal tract and other endoluminal areas. This technology enables endoluminal and single-incision surgeries through natural body orifices or via a transumbilical incision. The company plans to use the newly acquired funds to expand its operations, which includes scaling up commercialization efforts,…