BioMEMS Diagnostics, a Michigan-based diagnostics developer, has announced the execution of a Letter of Intent that will allow the company’s biomedical microelectromechanical system to be incorporated into clinical research conducted by IUPUI principal investigator Dr. Frederique Deiss, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Biology.
The system, which includes a benchtop analyzer and single-use sensors, is capable of detecting and quantifying biomarkers at levels approaching one part per trillion. This opens the door to vastly expanded possibilities in disease diagnosis and monitoring, as well as safety/efficacy monitoring in clinical trials or proof-of-concept studies and large-scale public health screening.
The BioMEMS Diagnostics platform has been designed from inception to detect any biomarker in any biofluid – a flexible, rapid means to develop and manufacture many new diagnostics panels utilizing the same hardware, protocols, and software. Further, these test panels can render results in just a few minutes at point-of-care, with sensitivity and accuracy on par or exceeding that of large, central laboratories and currently available POC devices.
The company expects to deliver its first research-use analyzer to Diess, who in turn will use the device alongside other diagnostic methods in her clinical research. By doing so, the company intends to gather impartial, independent validation of its novel technology and feedback to improve upon the product concept.
BioMEMS is also expanding its diagnostics product pipeline to include a chronic inflammation test panel, in addition to demonstrating the feasibility of a saliva-based test panel for Vit B1, B6 and B12 deficiency.
Rx Redefined, a tech-enabled provider of medical supply services for group practices, announced it has raised $8 million in Series A funding. Crosscut Ventures Management led the round. Tusk Venture Partners, Silverton Partners, Pisgah Fund and Jeff Immelt, former CEO of General Electric, also took part. The platform allows physicians to directly order and fulfill the supplies they want their patients to have, thereby reducing handoffs and improving the patient experience.
Rx Redefined also oversees licensing, billing, and supply chain services for the physician group.
“Today, when a patient is prescribed recurring use of medical supplies, like a catheter to empty their bladder or a glucose monitor for diabetes, the purpose of this device is to support a failing organ,” said Brandon Boots, Rx Redefined CEO and Founder. “This is intimate and time-sensitive, yet the current standard of care is to fax a prescription off to a big box distributor in the hope that they will support the patient’s insurance and fulfill the product timely. Unfortunately, the reality is unnecessary hoops, insurance complications, and product switching in the name of increased margin. Ultimately this delay leads to the patient suffering.”
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Ferrum Health, a healthcare artificial intelligence platform developer, has raised $6 million in a funding round led by Urban Innovation Fund, Cercano Management, and Singtel Innov8.
“We are excited to have the support of Urban Innovation Fund, Singtel Innov8, and Cercano Management in our mission to bring AI to healthcare,” said Pelu Tran, CEO of Ferrum Health. “Our platform has already demonstrated its value to healthcare providers, and we believe it has the potential to revolutionize the way doctors deliver care to their patients.”
Ferrum works with healthcare organizations such as Sutter Health and Carle Clinic. Ferrum’s AI platform uses advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze medical data, providing doctors with insights and recommendations that can help improve patient care. Ferrum will use the new capital to continue developing its Enterprise AI Platform, which seeks to help healthcare providers improve patient care and to expand its health system customer base.
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Avanlee Care, a health tech company focused on supporting family caregivers, has collaborated with Walmart to support the 65 million Americans currently caring for aging family members. As a part of Walmart’s “New Year Reset” program, Walmart will promote the Avanlee Care app, displaying it at supercenter locations in Florida in the pharmacy and grocery sections of the stores.
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Photo: Yuri_Arcurs, Getty Images
