Abbott, which saw its medical device sales rise 8.4% to $2.82 billion in the third quarter, is making significant investments in rapid expansion of its FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system and is working on plans to bring the Libre 2 system to the US, CEO Miles White said. "We know how many potential patients there are out there and it's our intent to capture the vast majority or possible -- maximum of them that we possibly can in just a few years."
Exact Sciences has paid an undisclosed amount for San Diego-based Biomatrica, which makes blood and saliva collection tubes and other sample preservation products. The acquisition makes Biomatrica a wholly owned subsidiary of Exact Sciences.
Atrium Medical, a subsidiary of Getinge, has reached a deal to sell its soft tissue reinforcement devices-focused biosurgery business to SeCQure Surgical's parent company, HJ Capital 1, for undisclosed terms. The agreement is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter.
A permanent Diagnosis Related Group code has been granted by Germany's Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System to cover reimbursement for Kirkland, Wash.-based Cardiac Dimensions' Carillon mitral contour system, effective Jan. 1, 2019. The system, which has been CE-marked since 2011, is designed for treating patients with functional mitral regurgitation.
A round of financing has brought in approximately $5.8 million for Finland-based Synoste, which makes smart solutions for lengthening bones and correcting bone deformation. The money will go toward clinical studies and development of new clinical applications.
The FDA has given early-stage medical device company Viseon clearance for its minimally invasive Voyant system for accessing, visualizing and illuminating spinal procedures. The system, which is intended for displaying images on operating room display monitors, includes a single-use, disposable retractor device with integrated visualization technology and a reusable controller for surgical site image manipulation.
Co-Diagnostics' Logix Smart Zika test received CE-IVD marking, permitting the assay's sale in European Union states and other regions where the designation is recognized. The test can identify if the Zika virus is present in plasma or serum from patients suspected of having the infection.
A weaker-than-expected revenue report led Publicis Groupe to divest its Publicis Health Services. Organic growth for the company was at 1.3% but was predicted to increase by 1.4%.
GlaxoSmithKline is introducing a cold and flu medicine for coffee makers through a series of 15- and 30-second TV ads, in-store promos and social media. Gen Xers and millennials are the target demo for the Theraflu PowerPods.
Half of Instagram users are interested in health and wellness and the pharma industry should consider using the platform, said Facebook Health industry manager Danielle Salowski. Instagram can be used to attract younger people, she said.