1. Nemaura inks Oceania distribution deal for SugarBeat patch
Nemaura announced in an Aug. 15 press release that it has signed a non-binding distribution deal with Device Technologies for exclusive rights to market the SugarBeat glucose monitoring system in Australia and New Zealand. The SugarBeat is a disposable, adhesive skin patch that is used by diabetics, providing a non-invasive and needle-free method of continuous glucose monitoring. Device Technologies is a medical device distributor in Australia and New Zealand. Nemaura Medical is expected to launch its product in Australia and New Zealand as early as 2018 after its 2017 launch in the U.K.
2. Korea approves Meere’s Revo-i surgical robotic system
The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that it has approved Korea’s first surgical robot, according to an Aug. 3 press release. The robot, Revo-i, helps perform minimally-invasive surgery. It was developed by the Korean biotech firm Meere Co. and can be used in operating rooms for endoscopic surgical procedures like cholecystectomy and prostatectomy.
3. Si-Bone touts iFuse study data
Sib-Bone announced in an Aug. 9 press release that the SI joint can be diagnosed as a cause of lower back pain and the presence of pain localized over the posterior superior iliac spine. The study was designed to outline the diagnostic value of signs and symptoms for primary care without needing more expensive and invasive tests. The study reports that the clinical prediction rule for the diagnosis of SI joint pain (in a cluster of three to five positive provocative maneuvers without known discogenic or radicular pain) and dominant pain localized on the posterior superior iliac spine are as good as or better than clinical prediction rules designed for other lumbar spine conditions.
4. Clinical Innovations acquires Brenner Medical
Clincal Innovations has acquired Brenner Medical for an undisclosed amount, according to an Aug. 3 press release. The central Europe acquisition helps Clinical Innovations expand its European infrastructure and global presence. The purchase also allows the company to expand its products into Germany.
5. K2M licenses expandable interbody tech
K2M announced in an Aug. 3 press release that it has acquired the exclusive rights to license a portfolio of 17 issued and pending patents for expandable interbody technology. The company also announced that it will be using its own 3D printing technology, Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology, in any newly developed products.
6. Masimo touts trauma study using SpHb low hemoglobin monitor
Masimo announced the results of a study evaluating the performance of its SpHb hemoglobin measurement in trauma patients, according to an Aug. 7 press release. The study enrolled 70 adult patients who had hemoglobin levels below 8 g/dL and were admitted to the emergency department. The patients’ SpHb was monitored using a Masimo Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter while the researchers got 2 mL of venous blood samples. A total of 184 samples were collected and analyzed. The researchers suggest that SpHb was accurate and precise for absolute values and trend values compared to LabHb measurements. They also suggested that SpHb could be a trend monitor that could alert physicians to any bleeding mishaps.
7. Sanuwave extends promissory notes
Sanuwave announced in an Aug. 3 press release that it has submitted a third amendment for two of its promissory notes from Aug. 1, 2015 between Sanuwave and HealthTronics. The aggregate outstanding principal balance is $5,372,743. The third amendment extends the due date of the promissory notes to Dec. 31, 2018. The second amendment gives HealthTronics an additional 2,000,000 Class K warrants to purchase shares of common stock at a price of $0.11 per warrant.
