For 2012: Rebates for those who buy health insurance. Millions of Americans might be eligible for rebates starting in 2012 under regulations released today detailing the healthcare reform law’s minimum spending requirements for insurers, reports Kaiser Health News.
News Well
MassDevice Podcast: GE Healthcare’s Earl Jones
The term “liberated information” may sound like it was taken from a science fiction novel, but to General Electric’s (NYSE:GE) Earl Jones, it’s a means to improve access and quality to healthcare while at the same time making it cheaper. Jones is the vice president and general manager of the eHealth division of GE Healthcare, overseeing the development of information technology platforms that customers ranging from small doctors’ offices to state governments are implementing into their everyday operations.
MedGadget’s MedTech Monday: Scientists track air as we breath it
Scientists track air as we breath it: Investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Harvard School of Public Health have been using a locally developed system to track near-infrared fluorescent nanoparticles as they enter and leave the lungs.
What’s your measure?
I gave presentations on both U.S. coasts this week, and if my experience is any indication, measuring marketing results is top of mind as this economically troubling year draws to a close.
Personnel moves: Angeion announces CEO succession
Clinical trials roundup: Medtronic, St. Jude, Covidien tout studies
A trio of big-name medical device makers are touting the results of clinical trials for several products designed to monitor or treat atrial fibrillation, stroke, thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms and unexplained fainting.
Baxter acquires hemophilia assets, wins IDE for hemodialysis system
Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) notched a pair of wins over the past 24 hours, acquiring Archemix Corp.’s hemophilia assets and winning an investigational device exemption for a home hemodialysis system from the Food & Drug Administration.
Medtronic study supports efficacy of aortic aneurysm stent
Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT) said Friday a pivotal clinical trial testing its experimental Endurant stent showed promising results for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms after one year.
The Fridley, Minn.-based company said results from the study of 150 patients across the United States also proved Endurant is safe and effective after 30 days.
“The device has met its goals,” Tony Semedo, vice president and general manager of the endovascular innovations division at Medtronic, said in an interview.
St. Jude closes AGA Medical buyout
St. Jude Medical Inc. (NYSE:STJ) closed its $1.03 billion acquisition of rival cardiovascular device maker AGA Medical Holdings Inc. (NSDQ:AGAM) today.
The St. Paul, Minn.-based medical device developer said the acquisition gives it access to four new surgical markets, including the treatment of structural defects in the heart.
Imthera pulls in $1 million round to continue development of neurostimulator for sleep apnea
ImThera Medical Inc. put to bed more than $1 million of a possible $2.2 million funding round that will go towards completing clinical trials of an implantable neurostimulation device for sleep apnea.
Officials at the San Diego, Calif.-based company described the financing as a “tranche in a larger $5 million B round,” which is expected to close sometime in December, according to ImThera CEO and founder Marcelo Lima.
AstraZeneca mulls Astra Tech spin-out
AstraZeneca plc (NYSE:AZN) is shopping around its Astra Tech business.
The pharmaceutical giant said it’s begun a review of "strategic options" for its Swedish dental and medical device unit and hired JP Morgan Chase to help with the review.
Various news outlets reported that AstraZeneca is looking for about $2 billion for the business, which develops and markets dental implants and urological and surgical medical devices, according to the company.