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. Study: New infrared imaging technique could help detect heart attack, stroke risk
A new near-infrared diagnostic technique could help improve early detection for patients at risk of heart attacks or strokes, according to a new multi-center study.
Researchers at the University of Warwick’s WMG, the Baker Institute and Monash University reported that when they increased the wavelength of light currently used to visualize athereosclerotic plaques, they were able to selectively identify rupture-prone deposits, which can lead to blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Read more
4. What is the hardest thing about medtech IoT?
The medtech IoT space is fraught with decisions that can make or break a product launch. There are several points at which developers in the space might want to throw their hands up or put their head under the covers.
We asked some device experts to share their toughest lessons from IoT in the medical space. Read more
3. House Dems launch MS drug pricing probe
Democrats from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform have sent letters to seven drugmakers as part of an investigation into why prices for multiple sclerosis drugs have nearly quadrupled since 2004.
Reps. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) and Peter Welch (D-Mass.) penned inquiries to Bayer, Biogen, EMD Serono, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis and Teva Pharmaceuticals. Read more
2. Portable x-ray company MinXray wins $100m DoD contract
Portable X-ray company MinXray has been awarded a maximum $100 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract from the US Department of Defense, according to a release published yesterday.
Northbrook, Ill.-based MinXray produces portable x-ray and digital imaging systems for use in medical, veterinary and military field operations, according to the company’s website. Read more
1. Alleged $5m insider trading ring included Abbott, St. Jude Medical acquisition
US authorities yesterday announced a slew of insider trading charges accusing 7 individuals of of creating more than $5m in profit based on tips from a Bank of America employee on pending corporate transactions, including Abbott‘s $25 billion acquisition of St. Jude Medical.
Both the alleged tipper, Daniel Rivas, and James Moodhe, father of Rivas’ girlfriend, pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, conspiracy and making false statements to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents. Read more
