Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey (GANJ) and Oshi Health have announced a groundbreaking partnership to introduce innovative hybrid models for multidisciplinary digestive care. This collaboration will offer patients a blend of in-person GI appointments and procedures, along with 24×7 on-demand care between in-person visits. Additionally, patients will have access to GI-trained registered dietitians, licensed psychologists, social workers, health coaches, and advanced practice providers, all supervised by a team of gastroenterologists. Dr. George N. Pavlou, the President & CEO of GANJ, emphasized the goal to create a seamless integration between in-person and virtual GI care, enhancing continuous care for patients and…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Dive deep with Bara El Kurdi, MD, host of the GI StartUp podcast, as he shares the critical importance of innovation in GI. This conversation is a goldmine for anyone passionate about the evolving landscape of gastroenterology and digital health. Highlights: Dr. Bara El Kurdi’s raises a red alert for GI. He says, “If something happens and your income has to be cut down by 40% or 50%, you only have yourself to blame…you should have a back-up plan ready and be able to move forward in any type of situation or scenario.” It’s one of those interviews you’d want…
In Q3 2023, U.S. digital health startups raised $2.5 billion across 119 deals, marking the second-lowest quarter by funding since Q4 2019, as reported by Rock Health. Despite the tighter funding cycle, investors are showing interest in startups that focus on new treatment pathways and nonclinical workflow solutions. The total funding for 2023 so far stands at $8.6 billion across 365 deals. The digital health sector saw a decline in funding after the surge in 2021, which was driven by the shift to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current trend suggests a more conservative approach by investors. The funding…
An exciting era of safer, more effective, and minimally invasive gastrointestinal patient care is being made possible with advances in endoscopic ultrasound. With new EUS trainees in the endoscopy suite, it is a time to recognize the importance of introducing a new generation of gastroenterologists to the frontiers of EUS. Although an additional year of training in EUS and other advanced endoscopic procedures now is considered a standard approach for those pursuing a career providing cutting-edge endoscopic procedures after gastroenterology fellowship, it is increasingly recognized that perfecting every procedure and technique is not readily accomplished in 1 year. As such,…
Satisfai Health Inc., a Canada-based medical solutions provider specializing in AI applications in Gastroenterology and GI Endoscopy, has entered into an exclusive development license with Oxford University Innovation Limited (OUI). This collaboration focuses on a novel digital solution developed by the Oxford Translational Gastroenterology Unit and Biomedical Engineering Department for assessing Barrett’s Oesophagus, a precancerous condition. Satisfai aims to further this work for clinical use. The technology was initially evaluated in a pilot study supported by Ludwig Cancer Research and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. Satisfai already has an AI-based solution, Veritai, for detecting dysplasia in Barrett’s Oesophagus. The…
Alimentiv Inc., Satisfai Health, Inc, and Virgo Surgical Video Solutions, Inc. have formed a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the clinical trial landscape for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and related gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. The collaboration will focus on central reading, data capture, decision support, and patient recruitment. Satisfai Health, a global frontrunner in AI solutions for gastroenterology, and Virgo, a leader in endoscopy video capture technology, will combine their expertise with Alimentiv, a top Contract Research Organization (CRO) in gastroenterology. The goal is to harness the power of AI-driven precision imaging in GI clinical trials. Jeff Smith, CEO of Alimentiv,…
The FDA has revised the label for Ozempic, a medication used for diabetes and weight loss management, to include warnings about potential risks. The label now highlights the possibility of ileus (intestinal blockage) and an increased risk of hypoglycemia when Ozempic is used alongside insulin or insulin secretagogues. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which include semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), have been associated with gastrointestinal side effects like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The decision to update the label followed reports of patients developing ileus while on Ozempic. The FDA also emphasized the potential for hypoglycemia, especially…
Welcome to Impact Factor, your weekly dose of commentary on a new medical study. I’m Dr F. Perry Wilson of the Yale School of Medicine. If you run into a healthcare provider these days and ask, “How are you doing?” you’re likely to get a response like this one: “You know, hanging in there.” You smile and move on. But it may be time to go a step further. If you ask that next question — “No, really, how are you doing?” Well, you might need to carve out some time. It’s been a rough few years for those of…
Mayo Clinic and Microsoft have announced a collaboration where Mayo Clinic will be among the first health systems to deploy Microsoft 365 Copilot, a generative AI platform. This partnership is part of the Microsoft 365 Copilot Early Access Program. The program allows Mayo Clinic’s clinicians and staff to test AI technology that integrates large language models with Microsoft 365 apps such as calendars, emails, chats, and documents. The aim is to enhance productivity and reduce the administrative tasks that divert attention from patient care. Mayo Clinic believes that these generative AI applications can assist its medical professionals in automating tasks…
Intercept Pharmaceuticals, a company that once led the race for a NASH drug, is set to be acquired by Italian firm Alfasigma for $794 million. Alfasigma will pay $19 per Intercept share, marking an 82% premium over Intercept’s closing stock price prior to the announcement. Intercept’s primary asset, obeticholic acid, was approved by the FDA in 2016 as a treatment for primary biliary cholangitis under the brand name Ocaliva. The company had hoped that the drug could also treat NASH, a more common liver disorder. However, after the FDA rejected its application twice, Intercept decided to halt its NASH efforts…