Cardinal Health is set to expand its presence in gastroenterology and at-home healthcare solutions with two major acquisitions totaling $3.9 billion. The company will acquire a 71% stake in GI Alliance (GIA) for $2.8 billion, enhancing its specialty offerings alongside recent investments in oncology and rheumatology. Additionally, Cardinal will acquire Advanced Diabetes Supply Group (ADSG) for $1.1 billion, bolstering its at-home diabetes care services. These moves mark Cardinal’s continued diversification beyond drug distribution and align with its growth strategy following a fiscal 2025 profit forecast boost, fueled by specialty and branded drug demand.
Author: Rutali Thakur
MicrobioTx has launched the Gut Function Test (GFT), a groundbreaking blood-based test that profiles the gut microbiome with just a finger-prick, eliminating the need for stool samples. Recently approved by Indian regulators, the GFT aims to make gut health assessment more accessible and affordable, supported by a grant from DPIIT through the Institute of Life Science. Along with microbiome profiling, the GFT offers users personalized recommendations, including dietary guidance and customized probiotics (Personal ProbioTx). According to co-founder Akanksha Gupta, this simplified, cost-effective approach addresses the barriers of traditional stool-based tests, promising a new era in gut health and preventive wellness.
A generational divide is sparking debate in medicine: Is being a doctor a job or a calling? Traditionally, doctors viewed the profession as a lifelong duty, accepting long hours and intense demands for the sake of patient care. But newer physicians are increasingly challenging this culture, favoring work-life balance over personal sacrifice—a shift that some veteran doctors view with concern.
In 2030, the transformative potential of weight-loss drugs, particularly GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), could yield global health and economic benefits, from reduced heart attacks and healthcare costs to decreased fuel consumption in airlines due to lighter passengers. These drugs, already showing significant impacts in the U.S., could cut obesity-related health issues, boost productivity, and lessen economic disparities. However, uncertainties remain around the long-term effects, costs, and potential behavioral changes of users, raising questions about access, affordability, and the broader societal impact of GLP-1 drugs.
New tools in gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) management, including hemostatic powders, capsule endoscopy, endoscopic clips, and over-the-scope devices, offer targeted approaches for various GIB cases. Hemostatic powders like Hemospray aid in rapid clotting, while capsule endoscopy enables less invasive detection of small intestine bleeds. Endoscopic clips, bands, and over-the-scope clips manage challenging bleeds, while suturing and thermal coagulation provide precision control. Together, these advancements significantly enhance GIB treatment options.
At the American College of Gastroenterology Meeting, Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson presented Phase III results showing high remission rates for their Crohn’s disease drugs, Omvoh and Tremfya. J&J’s Tremfya achieved up to 66% remission at 48 weeks, offering options for subcutaneous and intravenous administration. Lilly’s Omvoh demonstrated a 96% response rate, with 87% of patients reaching remission, also showing efficacy in ulcerative colitis. Both companies are seeking approval for expanded use in Crohn’s, aiming to set new treatment standards.
With anticipation running high in the healthcare sector over upcoming election outcomes, potential shifts in healthcare policy could influence how care is delivered and funded, ultimately affecting investment dynamics in both public and private markets. In a four-part series examining these implications, policy expert Julie Barnes set the stage by discussing possible policy directions under different election results. In Part 2, Richard Close, Managing Director of Digital and Tech-Enabled Health Equity Research at Canaccord Genuity, joins Keith Figlioli to explore how these potential changes might shape healthcare investing.
The Healio Disruptive Innovator Awards, held at the American College of Gastroenterology’s Annual Meeting, spotlighted leading-edge advancements across gastroenterology and hepatology. With nine award categories, the event honored innovators who significantly impact patient care, research, and professional collaboration within the field. These awardees, selected by over 3,500 votes from Healio’s readership, include physicians, researchers, and industry leaders who push boundaries in areas like clinical innovation, health equity, and technology, aiming to transform and elevate gastroenterology practice. Notably, the ceremony introduced Healio Community, a new clinician wellness platform designed for networking, mentorship, and job opportunities, further underscoring Healio’s commitment to supporting…
US Digestive Health (USDH) has added seven physicians to its growing team, reinforcing its commitment to delivering top-tier GI care. These specialists will practice across multiple counties in Pennsylvania, including Berks, Lancaster, and Montgomery, enhancing access to gastroenterology services. With 40 locations, 24 surgery centers, and over 250 GI providers, USDH is one of the nation’s largest GI practices.
In this episode of The Interventional Endoscopist Podcast, you’ll join Dr. Doug Adler, Director of the Center for Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy at Porter Adventist Hospital, as he shares his experience transitioning from a 20-year academic career to a hybrid practice model. This blend of private practice and academic responsibilities is becoming a popular path among interventional endoscopists. Dr. Adler takes you through his journey, from medical training at Cornell and the Mayo Clinic to becoming a leader in therapeutic endoscopy. He also reflects on the mentors who shaped his career, his passion for procedural medicine, and cutting-edge techniques like endoscopic…