Healthcare's Magnetic Marvels, AI Augmentation, and Mind Matters

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🌐 Healthcare x News

BiVACOR's Magnetic Marvel: FDA Nods to Lifespan-Revolutionizing Artificial Heart

In a landmark decision, the FDA has granted approval for Houston-based medical device company BiVACOR's Total Artificial Heart (BTAH) early feasibility study. Representing a paradigm shift in cardiac care, the BTAH leverages magnetic levitation, promising wear-resistant durability and the potential to last a patient's lifetime. CEO Thomas Vassiliades envisions a transformative future where this innovation could redefine the standard for heart failure treatment.

The BTAH's innovative design, resembling a human fist in size, incorporates a single moving impeller suspended by magnets, eliminating physical contact. This breakthrough introduces a novel approach to cardiac support, aiming to replace the function of the native heart entirely. The FDA's approval paves the way for a comprehensive study, commencing in 2024, with ten hospitals participating, including the esteemed Texas Heart Institute in Houston.

BiVACOR's Chief Medical Officer, William Cohn, deems the FDA approval a "critical milestone," emphasizing the BTAH's potential to provide a lifeline for patients with limited clinical options. The study focuses on biventricular heart failure patients, offering mechanical circulatory support while awaiting transplantation. As BiVACOR pioneers this groundbreaking artificial heart, the healthcare community eagerly anticipates the unfolding of a new era in cardiac therapy.

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Cognito's Alzheimer's Device Shows Promise: Positive Phase II Extension Data Revealed

Cognito Therapeutics reports positive open-label extension (OLE) data from its Phase II trial on the gamma sensory stimulation device (CogTx-001) for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. In the OVERTURE study, participants receiving daily 40Hz sensory stimulation at home for six months showed reduced brain atrophy and improved daily living activities. The FDA-designated breakthrough device aims to explore further efficacy in the ongoing HOPE study. The positive Phase II OLE data positions Cognito's device as a potential mitigator of accelerated brain atrophy in Alzheimer's patients.

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💰  Healthcare x Startups

Encellin Raises $9.9M for Cell Encapsulation Technology to Treat Diabetes

Biotech startup Encellin secured $9.9 million in funding led by Khosla Ventures for its implantable cell encapsulation technology. Encellin is developing nano-porous pouches that contain and protect therapeutic cells, allowing them to remain viable in the body without immune rejection.

The company's Encapsulated Cell Replacement Therapy aims to provide long-term delivery of cell therapies from a single minimally invasive implant. Encellin is initially targeting Type 1 diabetes, with first-in-human trials planned for 2023.

If successful, the programmable and retrievable platform could enable a wide range of living cell medicines without immunosuppression. The funding will advance Encellin'sEncapsulated Cell Replacement Therapy into clinical validation and beyond.

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Navigating the Tides of Failure: A Founder's Reflection on Call9's Journey

In the dynamic landscape of digital health, the rise and fall of startups offer valuable lessons. Dr. Tim Peck, former CEO of Call9, shares the inside story of the startup's demise and the challenges encountered in its mission to provide telemedicine to seniors. Despite setbacks, Peck's reflections reveal insights into the complexities of fundraising, policy advocacy, and the demanding nature of healthcare entrepreneurship.

Call9's narrative unfolds against the backdrop of an industry marked by rapid evolution. As Peck details the highs and lows, from securing initial funding to the subsequent struggles with Series C financing, he underscores the crucial role of alignment between investors and founders. The story serves as a cautionary tale, urging entrepreneurs to evaluate potential investors beyond financial metrics, considering factors like strategic connections and commitment to the long-term vision.

In the aftermath of Call9's closure, Peck offers practical advice for founders facing similar challenges in today's market. From hiring professional consultants for wind-down logistics to prioritizing mental health, his recommendations provide a roadmap for those navigating the tumultuous journey of startup closures. Ultimately, Peck's story transcends the bounds of failure, emphasizing the personal and transformative aspects of the entrepreneurial mission that persist beyond a single venture.

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🕰️ Blasts from the Past: This Week in Medical History

December 17, 1967: The first successful heart transplant is performed in South Africa, marking a medical first.

December 15, 1995: The development of optogenetics, using light to control neurons, is first published. This breakthrough enabled new research and therapies.

December 21, 2012: The first study demonstrating CRISPR gene editing in mammalian cells is published in Science, kickstarting the CRISPR biotech revolution.

December 26, 2007: The first ever cochlear implant surgery is performed at Yale, enabling hearing restoration through technology.

🧠 Healthcare x AI

How AI Can Make Public Health Information More Accessible

YouTube is leveraging AI to improve the discoverability, accuracy, and reach of public health content on its platform.

By surfacing authoritative sources, translating videos, and assisting creators, YouTube aims to make high-quality health information accessible to all. Elevating content from health organizations, enabling auto-translations, and generating video scripts via AI could expand critical resources globally.

With responsible implementation, AI tools can help democratize health knowledge by breaking down language and production barriers. YouTube seeks to continue scaling quality global health education through emerging technologies.

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The Quiet Revolution: Unleashing the Power of AI in Healthcare

In a narrative mirroring the seismic shift in Wall Street brought by computers, the healthcare industry stands on the brink of an AI-driven transformation. Over the last 50 years, technology evolved from human-driven stock exchanges to algorithm-dominated trading, with 80% of stock trades executed by computer algorithms today. Similarly, the healthcare sector is poised for disruption as AI takes center stage, reshaping drug discovery, diagnosis, care delivery, and streamlining back-office operations.

Projections indicate that at least half of the $4.3 trillion American healthcare industry will soon be propelled by AI. This transformative wave, undervalued by the markets, is attributed to the current dominance of non-AI healthcare companies. The rise of AI health firms promises superior margins and simplified go-to-market strategies, eliminating hurdles faced by traditional healthcare entities. Drawing parallels to the internet's impact on software companies, AI is anticipated to revolutionize how health tech companies reach their audiences.

To grasp the magnitude of the AI opportunity, consider that profitable healthcare companies currently generate $2.6 trillion in revenue, with a mere $170 billion converted into profit. Envisioning a 15% efficiency boost from AI-driven processes, the potential for an additional $314 billion in operating profit arises, leading to a conservative estimate of $5.6 trillion in incremental enterprise value. While uncertainties about a potential AI bubble persist, historical parallels with the dot-com era suggest that, despite initial turbulence, the best AI health companies emerging today will redefine the landscape, echoing the transformative success stories of internet-born giants like Alphabet and Amazon.

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Google Rolls Out MedLM AI Models for Healthcare

Google announced MedLM, a new suite of AI models tuned for healthcare tasks. The models aim to help providers with complex studies, document patient visits, and more.

Early testers like HCA Healthcare are using MedLM to auto-generate clinical notes and nurse handoffs. But improper AI outputs remain a key challenge requiring safeguards.

Google plans to add its new general AI system Gemini to MedLM after further testing for safety and performance. Healthcare-specialized AI has potential but hype exceeds current realities.

With responsible implementation, Google and providers hope AI can augment clinicians by automating routine paperwork and administrative processes. But more validation is needed before clinical uses.

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Healthcare x Mental Health x LATAM

Selia Provides Online Access to Mental Health Specialists for Latin Americans

Colombian startup Selia has facilitated over 100,000 virtual therapy appointments by connecting patients to certified mental health professionals. With users across 30+ countries, Selia is focused on serving the Latin and Hispanic community.

Built on a tech platform optimizing specialist search and scalability, Selia offers on-demand access to qualified therapists. The company plans to double revenue to $2M in 2023 through individual subscriptions and corporate wellness programs.

By breaking geographical barriers and vetting providers, Selia aims to increase mental healthcare accessibility and quality for underserved populations in Latin America and beyond.

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That’s all for this week.
The Pulse Disruption Team