Say hello to MassDevice +5, a bite-sized view of the top five medtech stories of the day. This feature of MassDevice.com’s coverage highlights our 5 biggest and most influential stories from the day’s news to make sure you’re up to date on the headlines that continue to shape the medical device industry.
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5. SRI International spins off wearable robotics biz Superflex
Research group SRI International said yesterday it is spinning off a wearable robotics focused biz Superflex, which aims to develop robotics to enhance the human musculoskeletal system.
The technology at the base of newly spun-off Superflex was originally developed for the “Warrior Web” program, a DARPA-funded effort to enhance soldier performance, reduce injury risk and increase the weight of equipment that soldiers can carry, the Menlo Park, Calif.-company said. Read more
4. Fresenius raises $39m
Fresenius has raised $39 million in a new round of equity financing, according to an SEC filing.
The company said that managers of the offering may require members to contribute capital from “time to time” in addition to the offering amount in proportion to the member’s respective ownership, if the issuer needs additional capital, according to the SEC filing. Read more
3. FDA mulls banning electro stim devices for treating self-injury, aggressive behavior
The FDA today proposed a ban on electrical stimulation devices used to treat self-injurious or aggressive behavior over concerns about the safety of the devices.
ESDs are designed to deliver electrical shocks through electrodes attached to the skin of individuals in an attempt to reduce self-injurious or aggressive behavior, the FDA said. However evidence indicates a number of psychological and physical risks associated with the devices. Read more
2. Boston Scientific wins rehearing in PTAB case against UAB
The U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal board granted a rehearing request to Boston Scientific for an inter partes review of a patent held by UAB Research Foundation related to treating cardiac arrhythmias.
Boston Scientific filed a petition for an inter partes review over claims related to the patent and was denied last September, but was granted the request for rehearing yesterday after the board deemed that the company “established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on its assertions” over claims that the patent in question could be anticipated. Read more
1. Medtronic launches Barrx 360 radiofrequncy ablation cath in US
Medtronic said today it launched its Barrx 360 Express radiofrequency ablation balloon catheter designed to treat Barrett’s esophagus.
The Barrx 360 Express is a self-adjusting circumferential RFA catheter designed for RFA treatments to remove diseased tissue in the esophagus while minimizing injury to health esophageal tissue. The Fridley, Minn.-based company said the treatment has been shown to reduce the risk of Barrett’s esophagus with low grade dysplasia. Read more
