Fierce Medical Devices

A new study showed that by employing secondary signals from heart rates, physical activity and sleep quality, common Fitbit trackers may be able to predict the spread of the flu in real time and better than current infectious disease surveillance methods.

Nanox, an Israeli medical imaging company, has raised $26 million to help fuel the development and commercialization of its Star Trek-inspired digital X-ray bed.

SAN FRANCISCO—Oncology is clearly a major medical and societal issue: a major killer that, while predominately affecting the older population, can strike the young through a mixture of environmental factors or a genetic lottery. It’s no wonder we struggle to even call it by its name, preferring just the "big C."

A new $100 million (€85 million) capital fund out of Germany has closed and is looking for “ground-breaking” European, Israeli and American medical technology companies to help push on with heart disease tech work.

SAN FRANCISCO—Concerto HealthAI unveiled a steady drum beat of announcements at this year’s J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, including a $150 million funding round and separate real-world data partnerships with Big Pharma companies.

SAN FRANCISCO—Robotic surgery company TransEnterix has put up its machine vision system for review by the FDA with the goal of providing a personal digital assistant for surgeons during abdominal procedures.

SAN FRANCISCO—At the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Microbot Medical unveiled a new device that aims to let physicians conduct a catheter-based procedure from outside the operating room, sparing them from radiation exposure and physical stress.

SAN FRANCISCO—Just a week after backing its $60 million series B round, the Mayo Clinic has tapped healthcare data analytics firm nference to build out an artificial intelligence-powered engine that will collate its years of clinical research and pathology work into something more searchable.

SAN FRANCISCO—Roche has inked a 15-year partnership with Illumina in oncology, which will include collaborating on new companion diagnostic indications for the DNA sequencing giant’s pan-cancer assay.

Computing-enabled R&D shop Schrödinger wants a $100 million IPO to help boost its nascent pipeline of wholly owned drugs.

Virtual Incision raised $20 million for the development of its miniaturized surgical robot to help support its regulatory programs and clinical testing.

ArcherDX has signed on to a new multiyear partnership with DNA sequencing giant Illumina to help broaden the use of its cancer tests and companion diagnostics in the U.S. and internationally.

SAN FRANCISCO—Ivenix brought on a medtech veteran to be its new CEO as the manufacturer prepares to bring its next-generation infusion pump to the market. The Boston-based company tapped Jorgen Hansen to be its next chief, after securing a 510(k) clearance from the FDA in June 2019.

Inflammatix, maker of an immune system-focused molecular diagnostic test, has secured $32 million in funding to power its commercial launches in Europe and regulatory submissions for the FDA.

DNA sequencing platform developer Omniome has raised $60 million to double its total venture capital financing. The San Diego-based company’s series C round was led by Madrone Capital Partners.

Google’s life science-focused sister company, Verily, has brought on a new chief financial officer from outside of healthcare, as it builds out its partnerships and projects with regional institutions.

Medtronic received a CE mark for a deep brain stimulation system that can not only deliver electrical therapy but also record the brain’s signals in order to adjust and personalize treatment.

Not long after elevating a company veteran to be its next CEO, Abbott has now done the same within its financial leadership. Robert Funck Jr. will take the place of CFO Brian Yoor after he retires at the end of February.

The FDA approved a new, less invasive surgical technique for the placement of Abbott’s best-selling heart pump, allowing patients to avoid open surgery.

Medtronic alerted customers of its Mazor X robotic surgery system of its potential to come loose and detach itself from an operating room table, and possibly fall upon a patient during a spine procedure.