Private equity’s presence in gastroenterology in 2026 is beginning to look different than it has in previous years as deals slow down in volume but grow in size.At the same time, PE groups and GI stakeholders alike continue to respond to new waves of regulatory reforms shaping the scope and impact of PE activity in the space.
Author: Abhay Panchal
A growing number of parents are investing in tests, supplements, and lifestyle programs designed to shape their babies’ gut microbiomes, reflecting the rising influence of microbiome science on early childhood health. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, startups and health companies are marketing products and services aimed at helping infants develop healthier gut bacteria — which some researchers believe may influence long-term risks of conditions such as allergies, asthma, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders. A New Parenting Trend Companies now offer a range of microbiome-focused offerings for infants, including: Some programs even encourage parents to expose infants to…
Despite being largely preventable, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, highlighting gaps between screening recommendations and real-world implementation. In a commentary on Medscape, Alicia H. Muratore emphasizes that while colonoscopy remains a cornerstone of prevention, reducing CRC mortality requires greater focus on screening participation, quality metrics, and broader risk reduction strategies. Screening Works — But Participation Matters Long-term studies show that colonoscopy with high-quality polypectomy can reduce CRC mortality by 60–70%. However, the effectiveness of screening programs depends heavily on patient participation and follow-through, as highlighted by results from the NordICC…
We have all seen the unfortunate headlines. Why are we seeing a rise of early-onset colorectal cancer and what can we do about it? Dr. Barnell, co-founder and CMO of Geneoscopy, joins the Gut Doctor Podcast to answer these questions and more!
A new generation of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests promises to identify dozens of cancers from a single blood sample, but scientists remain divided on whether the technology is ready for widespread use. One of the most prominent tests, Galleri, developed by Grail, is part of a growing group of nearly 40 MCED tests currently available or in development. These tests aim to detect cancer by identifying fragments of tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream — a method known as liquid biopsy. However, early evidence suggests the technology may still face significant limitations. Mixed Evidence From Early Trials Results…
As understanding of the brain–gut connection expands, behavioral health is becoming an increasingly important component of gastrointestinal care. In an interview with GI & Hepatology News, Megan Riehl, Associate Professor of Medicine and Clinical Director of the GI Behavioral Health Program at University of Michigan, discussed the growing role of GI psychology in multidisciplinary digestive care. GI psychologists work directly within gastroenterology teams to treat disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) and other digestive conditions using evidence-based behavioral therapies. Their role differs from general mental health providers by focusing specifically on modulating brain–gut communication to improve symptom severity, treatment adherence, and…
Artificial intelligence (AI) now performs many tasks that were once the exclusive province of physicians.1 It makes difficult diagnoses, provides psychological counseling, detects drug interactions, reads images, predicts outcomes, and reviews scientific articles (eAppendix in the Supplement).2 As these capacities expand, physicians’ roles will change. In many settings, physicians are increasingly positioned as supervisors of semiautonomous systems, retaining responsibility with diminished autonomy.3
Gastroenterology may be entering a new technological era that could fundamentally change how digestive diseases are treated. At Cedars-Sinai, interventional gastroenterologist Barham Abu Dayyeh describes the next phase of the field as “Endoscopy 3.0”—a convergence of robotics, digital intelligence, and advanced energy technologies that could transform endoscopic care.
A new evaluation from the Peterson Health Technology Institute finds that virtual gastrointestinal care programs can improve patient outcomes while lowering healthcare costs, particularly for patients with IBS and moderate-to-severe IBD. GI conditions affect one in five U.S. adults and contribute to roughly $112 billion in annual healthcare spending, driven by diagnostic testing, procedures, medications, and hospital utilization. The report evaluated two main categories of virtual GI solutions. Wraparound GI Programs Programs such as Cylinder Health and Digbi Health provide virtual support services—such as coaching, nutrition counseling, and behavioral therapy—alongside a patient’s existing clinical care. The assessment found that these…
Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates has agreed to pay $4.75 million to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by receiving kickbacks for pathology referrals and performing medically unnecessary gastrointestinal pathology tests. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the GI practice entered into an arrangement with Advanced Pathology Solutions, a lab based in Arkansas, beginning in 2017. Under the agreement, the lab helped establish and operate a limited-capacity in-office pathology lab at the gastroenterology practice. In exchange for various operational benefits, the practice allegedly agreed to exclusively refer pathology interpretation services to the lab. Federal investigators claimed these benefits…