A Landmark in Brain-Computer Interface Surgery

👋🏼 Healthcare Innovators 

👉🏼 Here in case you missed the latest edition: From AI-Driven Solutions to Fax Machine Resurgence

Sponsor Pulse Disruption | New Here? Subscribe! | Post in our Job Board 

🌐 Healthcare | News

Groundbreaking Brain-Computer Interface Surgery Unveiled

In a groundbreaking operation at the oldest hospital in the US, patient Jeffrey Keefer underwent brain surgery to alleviate Parkinson’s disease symptoms while also testing an experimental brain-computer interface (BCI). Developed by Precision Neuroscience, the BCI aims to decode brain signals for paralyzed patients, enabling computer interaction via thoughts. Similar efforts by Elon Musk's Neuralink highlight the race to commercialize BCIs. Keefer's journey reflects a commitment to medical advancement, echoing broader hopes to accelerate breakthroughs for patients in need. Despite challenges, including regulatory hurdles and reimbursement concerns, companies like Precision aim to pioneer transformative healthcare solutions, bridging the gap between science fiction and reality. Read More

John Green: A Novelist's Fight Against Tuberculosis

Renowned novelist and YouTube star, John Green, takes his advocacy against tuberculosis (TB) to new heights by collaborating with governments. After pressuring corporations to lower TB treatment prices, Green joins forces with USAID and the Philippines to fund comprehensive TB care. His dream? A world where TB is no longer a public health threat. Through strategic partnerships and relentless advocacy, Green aims to turn this dream into reality, one step at a time. Read More

"The only reason anyone dies of tuberculosis is because of failures of human-built systems." - John Green

Safety Concerns Surrounding California's $101 Million Mental Health App Initiative

The article delves into safety issues surrounding 7 Cups, an emotional support platform involved in California's Tech Suite initiative, which aimed to connect residents with mental health support. Despite concerns about inappropriate behavior on the platform, including sexual harassment and discussions of child sexual abuse, 7 Cups continued to receive funding. The lack of transparency regarding these safety issues and the inclusion of a confidentiality clause in the settlement between California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) and 7 Cups raise questions about accountability and user safety in the mental health app market. Read More

🌍 Healthcare | Worldwide

Outback Lifeline: Australia's First 24/7 Virtual Emergency Clinic Takes Flight

The Royal Flying Doctor Service pioneers a groundbreaking initiative in Australia's outback with the launch of the RFDS William Creek Community Health Service. Equipped with state-of-the-art telehealth technology and modular construction, this unmanned medical emergency center provides a vital connection between first responders and on-call doctors, bridging the gap in remote healthcare access. With high-speed internet connectivity and comprehensive diagnostic tools, the facility ensures timely and effective care for residents and tourists alike, reaffirming RFDS's commitment to serving communities in need, no matter how remote. Read More

"Having this dedicated facility will provide comfort to locals and surrounding pastoralists." - Geoff Brock, SA Local Government Minister

🔒 HealthTech Security

Change Cyberattack Disrupts US Healthcare, Costing Providers Millions Daily

The cyberattack on Change Healthcare, dubbed one of the most significant in US healthcare history, continues to cripple health systems and providers across the nation. Despite rumors of a ransom payment, the disruption persists, impacting vital processes like insurance coverage verification and appointment scheduling. Experts estimate the attack's daily cost to healthcare providers at $100 million, with concerns rising over operational sustainability. Some facilities, like Bonamour Health Group's nursing home in Pennsylvania, have temporarily closed due to staffing challenges. The American Medical Association warns of the threat to practice viability, particularly affecting small and rural practices. The US Department of Health and Human Services has outlined steps to aid affected entities, emphasizing the urgent need to bolster cybersecurity resilience. The incident underscores the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity measures and collaborative information sharing to mitigate future risks in the interconnected healthcare ecosystem. Read More

 🚀 HealthTech Startups

ConKay Medical Systems Secures $1.8M Seed Funding to Advance Innovative Valve Treatment Technology

ConKay Medical Systems, a medtech startup based in Pleasanton, California, has successfully closed an oversubscribed $1.8 million seed funding round. The company is developing a novel device to address valvular regurgitation, starting with the Tricuspid Valve. Investors including Unorthodox Ventures and SCP Ventures are supporting ConKay's mission to provide treatment options for the millions of patients worldwide suffering from Tricuspid Regurgitation. The funding will aid in the growth and development of ConKay's annular repair catheter system, which aims to overcome the limitations of current treatment options. With plans for First-in-Human clinical trials, ConKay Medical Systems is poised to make significant advancements in the field of interventional cardiology. Read More

Mirador Therapeutics Launches with $400M Investment, Aims for Precision Medicines

Mirador Therapeutics, a newly established precision medicine startup based in San Diego, has secured $400 million in financing to advance therapeutic programs targeting immune-mediated inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Led by CEO Mark McKenna, formerly of Prometheus Biosciences, Mirador plans to utilize its Mirador360 development engine, combining human genetics and data science to identify genetic associations and therapeutic targets. Backed by a consortium of leading investors including ARCH Venture Partners and Sanofi Ventures, Mirador aims to pioneer precision therapies for patients in need. While specific therapy targets and clinical timelines remain undisclosed, Mirador's entry underscores a growing trend of biotechs leveraging advanced technologies to address unmet medical needs. Read More

11 European Digital Therapeutics Startups to Watch, According to VCs

Venture capitalists are eyeing 11 promising digital therapeutics startups poised to make an impact in healthcare innovation. Here's a glimpse at each startup:

1. Aware (Germany): Offers blood tests as a subscription to identify chronic diseases early.

2. Isla Health (UK): Platform for clinicians and patients to securely share health records.

3. Vira Health (UK): Personalized menopause care app tailored to user symptoms.

4. Visible (UK): Illness tracker with a wearable heart rate monitor providing personalized health insights.

5. Flow Neuroscience (Sweden): Develops a wearable headset to treat depression symptoms with electrical signals.

6. Vantis (Germany): Remote healthcare platform focusing on chronic cardiovascular diseases.

7. Perfood (Germany): Builds software for personalized nutrition based on extensive health data.

8. Dermanostic (Germany): Appointment booking app for patients with dermatological conditions.

9. Kranus (Germany): Provides digital treatments for urology conditions, including erectile dysfunction.

10. Kaia Health (Germany): App focused on helping patients manage chronic musculoskeletal pain.

11. Closed Loop Medicine (UK): Develops software therapy products to optimize prescription drug dosage and provide personalized therapies.

🧠 Healthcare | AI

New AI Tool DrugGPT Aims to Improve Medication Prescriptions in England

Developed by Oxford University, DrugGPT is an AI tool designed to assist healthcare professionals in prescribing medication more safely and effectively. By providing instant second opinions and information on recommended drugs, potential adverse effects, and drug interactions, DrugGPT serves as a valuable resource for clinicians. With medication errors costing lives and money each year in England, tools like DrugGPT offer a promising solution to improve patient care and reduce mistakes. However, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining human oversight and ensuring the tool's robustness before widespread adoption. Read More

The Cost Conundrum: Who Pays for AI in Healthcare?

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly prevalent in medical settings, a crucial question arises: will patients bear the financial burden of utilizing AI in their healthcare? This article explores various aspects of this issue, including real-world examples of patients being charged extra for AI-assisted services, the potential cost-effectiveness of AI compared to traditional medical practices, and the disparities in AI adoption and access within and between countries. It discusses how AI could exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access while also offering opportunities for leapfrogging in less developed regions. Ultimately, the cost of implementing AI in medicine presents complex challenges that require careful consideration by healthcare systems, regulators, and patients alike. Read More

Epic's Generative AI Push: Revolutionizing Medical Coding and Beyond

Epic Systems, a major player in electronic health records (EHR), is leveraging generative AI to streamline medical coding and revolutionize healthcare workflows. Led by CEO Judy Faulkner, the company is developing over 60 AI applications to ease the burden on clinicians and enhance patient care. One such tool, a coding assistant powered by GPT-4, aims to expedite the complex process of translating medical notes into billing codes. While Epic acknowledges the need for human oversight initially, it anticipates future iterations may automate coding further. With the US spending trillions on healthcare annually, the potential impact of AI in medical coding is significant. However, challenges remain, including the need for human calibration and addressing gaps in AI comprehension. Despite these hurdles, Epic's foray into generative AI signals a transformative shift in healthcare technology, promising improved efficiency and patient outcomes. Read More

🗣️ Healthcare | Events

April 14-16: American Hospital Association Annual Meeting (Washington, D.C.)

April 16-17: 24th Annual Employee Health Care Conference (New York City)

April 17: HealthTech Hang Deep Work Day (San Francisco, CA)

April 18: HealthTech Hang Helpful (and Happy) Hour (San Francisco, CA)

April 23-26: National Association of Healthcare Access Management Annual Conference (Dallas)

April 25-27: MGMA Focus | Financial Conference (San Diego)

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