Amazon is ramping up its healthcare ambitions, competing with Walmart through strategic partnerships and AI-driven solutions. With Teladoc Health and AWS-backed AI healthcare innovations, Amazon is expanding virtual care, chronic disease management, and pharmacy services. Meanwhile, Walmart is leveraging same-day pharmacy delivery, launching drone technology, and enhancing last-mile delivery logistics through Walmart GoLocal. Both retail giants are reshaping healthcare accessibility and convenience, with Amazon focusing on AI-powered care and Walmart enhancing operational efficiency. The article gives insights on their evolving healthcare strategies and market impact.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Dr. Treta Purohit is a trailblazing gastroenterologist, healthcare executive, and digital health innovator, spearheading AI-driven diagnostics, telehealth expansion, and robotic advancements in GI care. With leadership roles at Oshi Health, Endiatx, and San Jose Gastroenterology, she has transformed patient access through virtual GI care, value-based models, and cutting-edge research. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Dr. Purohit’s expertise spans clinical operations, health-tech innovation, and policy advocacy. Now seeking a board role, she aims to shape the future of gastroenterology with strategic AI integration and digital transformation. The article gives insights on her contributions to healthcare innovation and leadership.
Endohepatology is an emerging subspeciality dealing with endoscopic diagnosis and management of liver diseases. Traditionally, the role of endoscopy was limited to management of variceal bleed. However, advancements and innovations in the field of endoscopy have expanded its role, now encompassing a broader spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for liver diseases.
Cosmo Pharmaceuticals has appointed Andrea Cherubini as its first Chief AI Officer, signaling a major shift toward AI-driven innovation across its portfolio. Cherubini, who played a key role in the development of GI Genius™, the world’s first AI-powered polyp detection system, will now expand AI applications in gastroenterology, dermatology, and drug discovery. His leadership aims to enhance precision medicine, optimize clinical trials, and accelerate AI-enabled drug development. Cosmo’s CEO emphasized that AI is now a core pillar of the company’s growth strategy, with plans to drive innovation beyond endoscopy.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released updated best practices for peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) as a treatment for achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders. The guidelines highlight POEM’s effectiveness compared to traditional methods, the importance of individualized treatment approaches, and key considerations such as tunnel orientation, antibiotic prophylaxis, and post-procedure reflux management. The update also emphasizes long-term surveillance due to the chronic nature of achalasia and the potential risks of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal cancer. The article gives insights on the latest recommendations and expert perspectives on POEM’s evolving role in gastroenterology.
Colorectal cancer rates are rising in younger adults, making early detection crucial. Sanford Health launched a mail-based stool screening initiative, sending 40,000 kits that led to the removal of precancerous polyps in 300 patients and the early diagnosis of 10 cancers. The initiative improves accessibility, particularly for those at normal risk or in remote areas, offering FIT and Cologuard tests as non-invasive alternatives to colonoscopies. The program aims to catch cancer early, ensuring better outcomes. The article gives insights on how home-based testing is enhancing colorectal cancer screening and prevention.
The future of anti-obesity drugs is rapidly evolving, with over 100 new candidates in development. While semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have revolutionized weight loss treatments, they come with side effects, muscle loss concerns, and variability in effectiveness. Researchers are now exploring next-generation drugs that target multiple pathways, such as GIP, glucagon, and amylin, to enhance fat loss while preserving muscle. Oral alternatives, monthly injectables, and metabolism-boosting therapies are also in the pipeline. The article gives insights on how these advancements could reshape obesity treatment in the coming years.
Praveen Suthrum, a healthcare futurist and co-founder of NextServices, will deliver the opening keynote at the 2025 AGA Tech Summit, emphasizing the transformative power of AI and digital health in gastroenterology. He highlights three key challenges: making time for innovation, broadening GI’s focus beyond traditional methods, and fully leveraging AI’s potential beyond polyp detection. Suthrum urges gastroenterologists to lead the digital revolution rather than react to it, redefining the field’s boundaries. The article gives insights on how innovation will shape the future of GI care.
Physician adoption of AI in healthcare has nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024, with 66% of doctors now using AI—a sharp increase from 38% the previous year, according to an AMA survey. AI is being leveraged for documentation automation, administrative relief, and patient care, but concerns over regulation, data privacy, and liability persist. Physicians emphasize the need for stronger oversight, seamless EHR integration, and AI education to ensure responsible implementation. The article gives insights on how AI is reshaping healthcare and the challenges that remain.
Previse has announced new clinical validation for Esopredict®, a groundbreaking test that uses DNA methylation to assess the risk of esophageal cancer in patients with Barrett’s esophagus. Published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, the study confirms Esopredict’s reliability across different biopsy locations and time points, reinforcing its role in early risk stratification. This advancement enables earlier intervention for high-risk patients while reducing unnecessary procedures for those at lower risk. Learn more about how Esopredict is shaping the future of GI cancer prevention.