Healthcare data analytics company, MediMergent, and the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research reportedly gathered stakeholders from biopharma companies, pharmacies, health plans and regulatory agencies to propose strategies regarding medication non-adherence. Approximately half of all Americans with chronic diseases who need lifelong medications do not stick to their prescribed regimen six months after they […]
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Bristol-Myers Squibb, Illumina to develop companion diagnostics for immunotherapies
Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) is joining forces with Illumina (NSDQ:ILMN) to develop and commercialize diagnostic tests to support Bristol’s portfolio of cancer drugs. The companies announced last week that they plan to develop an assay to measure predictive genomic biomarkers, like tumor mutation burden, that could help doctors identify patients that will benefit from Bristol’s immunotherapies. “Through our […]
OncoSec looks to boost effects of immunotherapy with intratumoral delivery
Thousands of cancer patients have been treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors since the first of its kind was approved in 2011. The product is designed to block the production of proteins that prevent the body’s immune system from acting in the presence of cancer. Although checkpoint inhibitors hold immense promise for some patients, many fail to […]
Study: Propeller’s digital asthma tech informs policy, improves health
Results from a large, real-world study of asthma patients found that digital health technology can improve patient outcomes and inform city-planning policy, Propeller Health touted this month. The company teamed up with local government in Louisville, Kentucky and a nonprofit group to assess how environmental conditions can influence asthma symptoms using connected inhalers and a […]
Confer Health raises $9.5m for fertility diagnostic
Confer Health said today that it raised $9.5 million to support its development of affordable, at-home diagnostic devices featuring interchangeable cartridges, a reusable analyzer and a mobile app. The Boston, Mass.-based company’s first urine-based diagnostic test is designed to help couples conceive by tracking three fertility hormones. Confer added that it is also developing an at-home […]
Qiagen launches liquid biopsy tests for lung, prostate cancer
Qiagen (NYSE:QGEN) today launched two liquid biopsy panels designed to evaluate circulating tumor cells isolated from a patient’s blood samples. The company’s lung and prostate cancer diagnostic tests will be introduced at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Chicago, according to Qiagen. “Our AdnaTest liquid biopsy-based portfolio now offers molecular […]
FDA issues draft guidance for the use of diagnostics in cancer drug trials
The FDA issued draft guidance this week describing a streamlined submission process to determine whether using an in vitro diagnostic in a cancer drug’s clinical trial poses a significant or nonsignificant risk. The agency wrote that sponsor should use the proposed pathway when possible “to reduce administrative burden on sponsors and FDA and to maintain […]
Innovus Pharma wins FDA nod for glucose monitoring kit
Innovus Pharmaceuticals (OTC:INNV) said today that its GlucoGorx glucose monitoring kit, which includes a glucose meter, test strips and a lancet device, won 510(k) approval from the FDA. The San Diego, Calif.-based company plans to launch its blood sugar monitoring kit in the second half of this year. “We are very happy to be announcing the […]
CVS Health launches drug-pricing tool for pharmacies
CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) announced this week that it plans to launch a program to help consumers compare drug prices at the pharmacy counter. The company’s Rx Savings Finder program is designed to enable pharmacists to evaluate individual prescriptions and find the lowest cost option for consumers. The tool is available at all CVS Pharmacy locations, the […]
Livongo raises $105m for digital diabetes management platform
Livongo Health closed a $105 million round led by a group of investors including General Catalyst, Merck Global Health Innovation Fund and Echo Health Ventures. The Mountain View, Calif.-based company has developed Livongo for Diabetes – a collection of connected devices that enable people with diabetes to interact with a virtual care team. “We are particularly […]