Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming gastroenterology (GI) endoscopy, particularly in colonoscopy, polyp detection, and lesion classification. Recent studies demonstrate that AI enhances novice endoscopists’ accuracy, with randomized trials in China and Japan showing reduced adenoma miss rates when AI-assisted colonoscopy is used. Systematic reviews confirm AI’s effectiveness in detecting sessile serrated lesions, though AI’s impact on advanced adenomas is less clear. AI also supports training by improving learning curves and allowing less experienced endoscopists to match expert performance. Advances in AI-driven systems for polyp classification, quality control documentation, and Barrett’s esophagus detection are further broadening AI’s clinical utility. Additionally, AI…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with several screening recommendations to enhance early detection. Despite differing guidelines, most recommend beginning screening at age 45 or 50 based on risk factors. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screening, but stool-based tests like FIT and gFOBT are valuable, especially for lower-risk individuals. Recent advancements include blood-based assays like the SEPT9 DNA test and ctDNA-based Shield™ blood test, alongside stool-based options like Cologuard Plus. These alternatives aim to increase screening accessibility and compliance. The ACP’s updated guidelines also stress quality measures in colonoscopy, highlighting critical techniques to improve…
Primary care disruptor Forward has announced an abrupt shutdown, closing its locations, canceling scheduled visits, and disabling its mobile app. Founded in 2016 as a direct primary care provider that operated on a cash-pay model, Forward reached a $1 billion valuation and raised over $657 million in funding. The company previously expanded into AI-driven CarePods, self-serve kiosks aimed at automating medical check-ups, but now its nearly 200 employees will lose their jobs. Forward promises to guide patients in accessing their medical records and transitioning care as operations cease.
The acquisition of Steward Health Care’s physician network by Rural Healthcare Group has been finalized, with the newly consolidated organization rebranded as Revere Medical. Backed by private equity firm Kinderhook Industries, the $245 million deal aims to enhance care delivery in underserved areas. Revere Medical’s CEO, Benson Sloan, emphasized that combining resources will enable Revere Medical to expand its operating model and invest in both personnel and technology to improve care access while keeping services local. Steward Health Care’s former network included over 3,250 affiliated providers and served 800,000 patients, making it one of the largest Medicare accountable care organizations…
The FDA has updated the labels for all glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Victoza), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), adding a warning about the risk of pulmonary aspiration during surgeries requiring anesthesia or deep sedation. The label update cites postmarketing reports of pulmonary aspiration in patients on GLP-1 RAs who adhered to preoperative fasting guidelines but retained gastric contents. Patients are advised to inform their healthcare providers of GLP-1 RA usage prior to any planned surgeries to mitigate risks. This change is reflected across the drugs’ Warnings, Adverse Reactions, and Patient Counseling sections, underscoring…
A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly used for weight loss and diabetes management, are effective and safe for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exhibiting a similar safety profile to that in the general population. Patients treated with GLP-1s like semaglutide and liraglutide showed an average weight reduction of over 5% in 12 weeks, with significant declines in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, hinting at potential anti-inflammatory effects. With obesity linked to severe IBD phenotypes and complications, researchers believe GLP-1s could offer a valuable addition to IBD treatment plans, although further longitudinal studies…
Private equity (PE) investment in gastroenterology has been on the rise, with several key developments:
Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump was elected to a second term, signaling a possible return to healthcare policies from his first term, with anticipated regulatory changes impacting the ACA, Medicaid, and vaccine policies. Trump’s administration may seek to reduce costs by limiting ACA subsidies, potentially increasing uninsured rates, and revisit Medicaid restrictions like work requirements. Trump’s support for vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raises questions about potential public health changes, while experts foresee a rollback on gender-affirming care and tighter access to abortion services. Major healthcare industry groups, including the American Hospital Association, America’s Essential Hospitals, and…
Swedish healthtech startup Yazen has secured a €19.5m Series A funding round, led by Evli Growth Partners and Helsana HealthInvest, to expand its digital weight-loss and diabetes treatment service across Europe. Founded in 2021, Yazen combines GLP-1 medications with lifestyle guidance, boasting over 20,000 active users and significant weight loss outcomes. With dual-certified healthcare professionals in multiple countries, Yazen minimizes expansion costs while maintaining profitability in Sweden. Although the supply of GLP-1 drugs remains limited, Yazen sees a robust market for its digital, holistic approach to obesity treatment, positioning itself as a potential unicorn in the healthtech sector.
New research presented at the ACG 2024 Annual Meeting highlights the potential of a stool diary app to enhance treatment adherence and improve certain symptoms in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) using the Vibrant vibrating capsule. Led by Dr. Satish Rao, the study showed that patients who used the app alongside the vibrating capsule experienced higher reorder rates and significant improvements in constipation symptoms, including increased bowel movement frequency, improved stool consistency, reduced straining, and decreased time on the toilet. This suggests that the app could offer added benefits by helping patients track their symptoms and monitor treatment effectiveness…