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Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Jan 20th, 2026

Healthcare Weekly News and Deals – January 20th, 2026

  1. Takeaways from JPM 44th Annual Healthcare Conference 2026 The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference 2026 reflected a turn toward cautious yet genuineoptimism, fueled by policy tailwinds, AI’s proven impacts, and robust activity in strategiccollaborations and consolidations. AI emerged as a core driver, transitioning from hype tooperational ROI via agentic systems, closed-loop workflows, and ambient tools that enhancediscovery, delivery, and administrative efficiency. Federal efforts, including outreach on quality andaccess alongside high-impact innovation programs, underscore a proactive stance on reducingbarriers and accelerating progress. Cross-border dynamics and emerging modalities added to theforward-looking tone, signaling diversified growth opportunities. The event highlightedhealthcare’s trajectory for AI-enabled reinvention, with widespread alignment on prioritizingefficiency, transparency, execution, and adaptive strategies to navigate global and regulatory shifts.
    PitchBook Analyst Note: Takeaways from the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (Link)
  2. OpenAI acquires Torch in ~$100M deal to accelerate ChatGPT Health OpenAI bought healthcare startup Torch, which aggregates users’ lab results, medications, visit notes, wearable data and consumer test reports into a unified health record, and will fold its team into efforts to expand ChatGPT Health. The year‑old Torch platform was built as a “medical memory” to unify fragmented records into a single context layer for AI. The acquisition follows OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT Health, which links the chatbot to medical records and wellness apps for more personalized responses. OpenAI reports that about one in four of ChatGPT’s 800 million regular users asks at least one healthcare‑related question each week. (Link)
  3. Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) to acquire Penumbra (NYSE: PEN) in $14.5B cash-and-stock deal to expand vascular and neurovascular portfolio The transaction will be paid approximately 73% in cash and 27% in Boston Scientific stock, giving Penumbra shareholders the option of cash or shares subject to proration. Penumbra brings a portfolio that includes Lightning Bolt and Lightning Flash computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy systems, peripheral embolization solutions, and neurovascular devices for stroke, aneurysms and other complex vascular conditions. Boston Scientific plans to fund the roughly $11 billion cash component with a mix of cash on hand and new debt and currently expects the deal to be modestly dilutive to adjusted earnings per share in the first full year after closing, turning neutral to accretive thereafter. (Link)
  4. Smith+Nephew (NYSE: SNN) to acquire Integrity Orthopaedics in Deal Worth up to $450M to Strengthen Rotator Cuff Portfolio The transaction includes an upfront $225 million cash payment plus up to $225 million in performance-based milestones over five years and is expected to close this month. Integrity Orthopaedics’ Tendon Seam rotator cuff repair system is designed with patented micro-anchors, individually locked stitches and an integrated implantation system to reduce re-tear rates and shorten procedures compared with traditional techniques, which can have structural failure rates of 20–40%. The acquisition supports Smith+Nephew’s RISE 2026 strategy and builds on prior shoulder investments, including the Regeneten bioinductive implant, Q-Fix Knotless All-Suture Anchor and the Aetos Shoulder System. (Link)
  5. Modella AI acquired by AstraZeneca (LON: AZN) to scale AI-driven oncology R&D globally The acquisition expands a multi-year collaboration by embedding Modella AI’s multimodal foundation models and agentic AI platform directly into AstraZeneca’s oncology research and development ecosystem. Modella AI’s technology, built at the intersection of pathology, clinical data and advanced generative AI, will be used to accelerate clinical development, enhance biomarker discovery and support data‑driven decision-making across AstraZeneca’s global oncology portfolio. AstraZeneca plans to deploy these AI agents and pathology foundation models to increase automation, scalability and consistency in data‑intensive workflows and to support the development of targeted therapeutics and companion diagnostics. (Link)
  6. Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) acquires Valencia Technologies to add eCoin ITNS device to urology portfolio The eCoin implantable tibial nerve stimulation system, placed under the skin near the ankle, is intended for urge urinary incontinence patients who do not tolerate or sufficiently benefit from conservative therapies, and received FDA clearance in 2022. In a pivotal study, 68% of treated patients achieved at least a 50% reduction in UUI episodes, underscoring its potential clinical impact. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, positioning Boston Scientific alongside Medtronic’s Altaviva device in the growing neuromodulation market for overactive bladder–related symptoms as the company continues to expand its pelvic health and neurology device franchises. (Link)
  7. Abbott (NYSE: ABT) and AtaCor collaborate on Next-Generation Extravascular ICD System The partners are combining an investigational parasternal extravascular defibrillation lead (Atala) with a minimally invasive implantable defibrillator platform intended to keep hardware outside the heart and vasculature, aiming to avoid complications such as vascular injury, lead fracture and infections. The Atala lead is placed through a rib space beside the sternum and is designed both to deliver defibrillation shocks and to direct pacing energy efficiently toward the heart. A pivotal ALARION EV Investigational Device Exemption study is planned for 2026 to evaluate the system as a potential new option for patients at high risk of life‑threatening arrhythmias. (Link)
  8. Hippocratic AI acquires Grove AI to build end-to-end agentic AI platform for biopharma and medtech The acquisition adds Grove AI’s agentic platform, which has supported over 10 million patient interactions and powered more than 50 phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, into Hippocratic AI’s life sciences division focused on regulated biopharma and MedTech use cases. Grove’s “Grace” agent and participant relationship management tools will be used to speed recruitment, improve screening and streamline trial operations across top global pharma partners, while Hippocratic extends agents into commercial, direct‑to‑patient and HCP engagement. The company has appointed Ahad Wahid, M.D., as president of life sciences and formed a senior advisory council to ensure safety, compliance and large‑scale deployment. (Link)
  9. Agentis Longevity acquires Arete Wellness, via its financial sponsor Shore Capital Partners to build national precision longevity and recovery platform The combined company will offer personalized, preventative programs that integrate advanced diagnostics, hormone and peptide therapies, IV recovery, performance medicine and lifestyle-focused support for high-performing clients such as professional athletes, entertainers and executives. Arete contributes a concierge recovery model delivered by a team of more than 45 traveling nurses and medical professionals, while Agentis brings precision-based longevity medicine focused on individualized, science-backed care. Leadership from both organizations position the deal as a way to expand geographic reach, increase accessibility and set a new standard for evidence-based performance longevity without disclosing financial terms. (Link)
  10. Apollo Care acquires eStrat, via its financial sponsor Flexpoint Ford to expand copay and patient access capabilities Apollo Care is adding eStrat’s copay program design and execution expertise to strengthen its technology-driven patient access, affordability and analytics platform. The combined offering aims to enable faster copay program launches, tighter integration between operations and analytics, and more seamless execution for pharmaceutical manufacturers across multiple therapeutic areas. Key eStrat team members are joining Apollo Care to ensure continuity for existing clients, with co-founder Trond Waerness stepping into a leadership role focused on patient affordability strategy. The companies say the deal will help manufacturers reduce complexity while improving access and affordability for patients. (Link)
  11. Zelis acquires Rivet, via its financial sponsors Bain Capital, Parthenon Capital Partners, Valspring Capital, BPEA Private Equity, Edison Partners, Bain Capital Ventures, Norwest, Ergo Partners, HarbourVest Partners and Mubadala Investment Company, to expand AI‑enabled revenue cycle analytics for healthcare payers and providers The deal adds Rivet’s analytics platform to Zelis’ existing payments technology, giving providers deeper visibility into claim payment patterns and denial trends via insight‑rich dashboards and workflow tools. By reducing transactional back‑and‑forth, payers can shift focus to collaborative efforts that improve first‑time claim success and cut down on costly rework. Executives from both companies frame the combination as a way to address mounting margin pressure, rising administrative costs and regulatory complexity while pushing the industry toward a more transparent, efficient financial experience for providers, payers and patients. (Link)
  12. Genomate Health acquires Oncompass Medicine to build integrated precision oncology platform in Europe The deal gives Genomate Health a long-standing European base with established logistics, clinical operations and market presence in personalized oncology, particularly in Hungary and across Europe. Oncompass, founded in 2003, brings two decades of experience in companion diagnostics and next-generation sequencing-based tumour profiling in routine clinical care. Scientific and clinical leadership will be driven by Genomate Health Founder and CSO Istvan Petak, who will also serve as Managing Director of Oncompass Medicine, as the combined organization deploys Genomate’s computational reasoning technology to turn complex molecular data into scalable, actionable treatment decisions for cancer patients worldwide. (Link)
  13. Behavioral Framework partners with Autism ETC, backed by Renovus Capital Partners, to expand autism care platform Autism ETC, which operates five ABA therapy and autism diagnostic clinics in Tennessee and Arizona, will join Behavioral Framework while retaining its leadership team and clinical staff to ensure continuity for families and employees. The combination is intended to extend high-quality, individualized autism services across both center-based and home-based models in the Southeast and beyond, supported by Behavioral Framework’s operational infrastructure, technology and growth resources. Both organizations emphasize preserving Autism ETC’s culture and clinical integrity while scaling access and investing in clinician development as part of Behavioral Framework’s broader growth strategy. (Link)
  14. EnableComp acquires Health Resources Optimization via its financial sponsors Primus Capital and Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe to expand complex revenue recovery for hospitals The acquisition brings H/ROI’s clinical denials and post‑bill DRG validation expertise under EnableComp, strengthening its focus on complex claims, DRG downgrades and medical‑necessity denials. The combined organization aims to capture more hidden revenue for providers facing intense margin pressure and payer scrutiny by pairing seasoned clinical judgment with an AI‑driven revenue cycle platform. Serving over 1,000 hospitals and recovering $3 billion annually, EnableComp is integrating H/ROI to deliver deeper clinical insights, earlier underpayment detection and faster resolution of intricate denials so health systems can safeguard margins and improve financial stability while maintaining patient care. (Link)
  15. Solis Mammography acquires Women’s Center for Radiology, via its financial sponsors Madison Dearborn Partners and TowerBrook Capital Partners to expand Florida breast imaging footprint The deal adds two Orlando centers to Solis Mammography’s existing nine Florida locations in Gainesville, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, marking the company’s entry into the Orlando market and broadening its statewide presence in specialized breast health services. The combined organization aims to deliver comfortable, convenient and compassionate breast imaging to more patients across greater Florida while maintaining personalized, community-focused care. (Link)

Venture and Other News   

  1. JPM26: Anthropic launches Claude for Healthcare to Turbocharge AI efficiency at HealthSystems, Payers Anthropic introduced Claude for Healthcare at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPM26), providing purpose-built, HIPAA-ready AI tools for health systems, payers, providers, and hospitals to accelerate administrative and clinical workflows including prior authorization, clinical documentation, claims management, care coordination, regulatory submissions, and patient message triage. The platform connects Claude to key data sources such as the CMS Coverage Database (Local and National Coverage Determinations), ICD-10 codes, National Provider Identifier Registry, and PubMed (with over 35 million biomedical literature entries), enabling natural language querying, surfacing coverage differences, reducing claim denials, and supporting FHIR interoperability via Agent Skills. It builds on the October launch of Claude for Life Sciences with additional connectors for platforms like Medidata and ClinicalTrials.gov, while offering consumer-facing features like medical history summarization and health metric pattern detection through beta integrations with HealthEx, Function, Apple Health, and Android Health Connect. Emphasizing AI safety through its Constitutional AI approach, the tools aim to minimize hallucinations, ensure reproducible and cited results, and amplify human capabilities in highstakes, regulated healthcare environments, with early adoption by organizations including Banner Health, Stanford Healthcare, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, AbbVie, and Genmab. (Link)
  2. OpenAI Invests in Merge Labs’ $250M Seed Led by OpenAI with Bain Capital, Interface Fund, Fifty Years and Gabe Newell to Advance Noninvasive Brain‑Computer Interfaces Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface “research lab” co-founded by Sam Altman and collaborators from Tools for Humanity, Forest Neurotech and Caltech, raised $250 million at an $850 million valuation to pursue non-invasive BCIs that link biological and artificial intelligence using molecules and deep-reaching modalities like ultrasound. The startup aims to extend human capabilities and restore or enhance brain function by interfacing with neurons at scale, with applications well beyond current medical BCI use cases. OpenAI plans to collaborate with Merge on foundation models and AI operating systems that interpret neural intent and work robustly with limited, noisy brain signals. (Link)
  3. Proxima raises $80M Seed Led by DCVC with NVentures, Braidwell, Roivant, AIX Ventures, Yosemite, Magnetic Ventures, Alexandria Venture Investments and Modi Ventures to Advance Proximity-Based Medicines The AI-native biotech, formerly VantAI, is developing proximity therapeutics that modulate protein–protein interactions, including modalities like molecular glues and PROTACs, to reach historically “undruggable” targets across oncology, immunology and other diseases. Its NeoLink data-generation technology and Neo AI model series generate proteome-scale structural data on protein complexes to enable rational design of proximity-modulating small molecules, with aims to improve safety and shorten development timelines. The company has secured multibillion-dollar research collaborations with Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb and Blueprint Medicines, with multiple partnered programs progressing toward the clinic and the first expected to enter trials in 2026. (Link)
  4. Vista AI raises $29.5M series B with Cedars-Sinai Health System, Intermountain Health, University of Utah Hospital System, Temple University/Fox Chase Cancer Center, Tampa General Hospital, Khosla Ventures and Bold Brain Capital to Expand Automated MRI Imaging Platform The company’s AI software automates MRI scanning workflows to reduce complexity and variability, helping radiology teams keep up with rising MRI demand amid technologist shortages. Vista AI plans to expand from its FDA-cleared cardiac MRI platform into brain, prostate and spine imaging and add remote scanning services so sites without in-house expertise can offer advanced exams. Early adopters such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Radiology Regional report 50% more cardiac MRI slots, elimination of a 28-day backlog, and scan times cut by more than half without adding staff or scanners. (Link)
  5. Converge Bio raises $25M Series A Led by Bessemer Venture Partners with TLV Partners, Saras Capital, Vintage Investment Partners and Executives from Meta, OpenAI and Wiz to Accelerate AI-Driven Drug Discovery The Boston- and Tel Aviv-based startup builds generative AI models trained on DNA, RNA and protein sequences to plug directly into pharma and biotech workflows across target discovery, antibody design, protein yield optimization and biomarker discovery. Its customer-facing systems integrate generative, predictive and physics-based docking models so clients receive ready-to-use platforms rather than stitching tools together. In two years, Converge has completed more than 40 programs with over a dozen customers across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Israel, reporting up to 4–4.5X protein yield gains and single‑nanomolar affinity antibodies, and is now expanding into Asia. (Link)
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News Healthcare Deals, Investments & Update Week ending Jan 12th 2026

  1. 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference 2026 Commences in San Francisco with Industry Leaders and Dealmakers The world’s largest healthcare investment symposium kicks off today, running through January 15, 2026, at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco, bringing together global industry leaders, emerging companies, innovative technology creators, and the investment community. The conference features keynote addresses from JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary. Key panel discussions include OpenAI in healthcare, federated AI in oncology, women’s health innovation, and ARPA-H initiatives. Major pharmaceutical companies including Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Teva, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Merck, Moderna, and Samsung Biologics are presenting throughout the four-day event. (Link)
  2. Anthropic Launches Claude for Healthcare at JPM26, Partners with Banner Health, Stanford Health Care, and Novo Nordisk The AI company debuted Claude for Healthcare, a HIPAA-ready platform designed for payers, providers, and health systems, extending its Claude model into regulated healthcare environments. It offers secure integrations with databases such as CMS Coverage, ICD‑10, PubMed, and the National Provider Identifier Registry, supporting workflows like medical coding, claims management, and prior authorization. The launch, following Claude for Life Sciences, adds specialized tools for interoperability, clinical documentation, and real‑time analytics. Existing users—including Banner Health, Stanford Health Care, Sanofi, AbbVie, and Genmab—use Claude to automate administrative workflows and improve clinical and operational efficiency. (Link)
  3. Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) to acquire Ventyx Biosciences (NASD: VTYX) for $1.2 Billion to Advance Oral Inflammatory Disease Therapies The Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical giant will pay $14.00 per share in an all-cash transaction representing a 62% premium to Ventyx’s 30-day volume-weighted average trading price. The San Diego clinical-stage company develops NLRP3 inhibitors targeting chronic inflammation across cardiometabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory disorders. Dr. Daniel Skovronsky emphasized the acquisition strengthens Lilly’s capabilities in delivering advances for patients with challenging diseases. Entities affiliated with New Science Ventures and all Ventyx directors and officers signed voting agreements representing approximately 10% of outstanding common stock. The transaction requires Ventyx stockholder approval and regulatory clearances, expected to close in first half 2026. (Link)
  4. Aktis Oncology (NASD: AKTS) raises $318M in Upsized IPO with backing from Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck’s MRL Ventures Fund, Eli Lilly and Pfizer to Advance Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Therapies The company sold 17.6 million shares at $18 each, exceeding its initial estimate of 11.8 million shares priced between $16-$18, making it the largest biotech IPO since last year’s offerings from Metsera, LB Pharmaceuticals, and MapLight Therapeutics. Proceeds could increase by $47.6 million if underwriters exercise their option to purchase 2.6 million additional shares. The biotech allocated $140-$150 million to fund its ongoing U.S. phase 1b study of miniprotein radiopharmaceutical Ac-AKY-1189 for Nectin-4 expressing tumours, with results expected first quarter 2027, and $70-$80 million for phase 1b launch of Ac-AKY-2519 targeting B7-H3 expressing tumours. Shares begin trading Friday on Nasdaq under ticker “AKTS.” (Link)
  5. Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) partners with InduPro in Deal Worth Up to $950M to Develop Cancer Therapeutics The Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical company will collaborate on up to three undisclosed cancer targets while making an equity investment of undisclosed amount. InduPro will lead early discovery using its AI/ML-enabled membrane interactomics platform to create bi- and tri-specific therapeutics. The Seattle and Cambridge-based biotech analyses tumour antigen proximity to discover disease-specific protein-target pairs for developing bispecific antibody-drug conjugates and multispecific T-cell engagers. This marks InduPro’s second major pharma partnership following December’s collaboration with Sanofi on bispecific PD-1 agonist antibodies. InduPro raised $85 million in series A financing in June 2024, with lead candidate IDP-003 currently in studies enabling human testing. (Link)
  6. Haemonetics (NYSE: HAE) acquires Vivasure Medical Limited for €100M Upfront Plus Contingent Payments The Boston-based medical technology company purchased the Galway, Ireland firm to expand its presence in large-bore closure markets for structural heart and endovascular procedures. Vivasure’s PerQseal® Elite system uses a proprietary bioabsorbable patch to seal arteriotomies and venotomies up to 26 F from inside the vessel. The ELITE arterial study showed 0% major complications at thirty-day follow-up with immediate median time to haemostasis. Additional contingent consideration of up to €85 million depends on sales growth and milestone achievement. CEO Andrew Glass emphasized joining Haemonetics provides global scale to accelerate technology availability worldwide. (Link)
  7. Merck (NYSE: MRK) Completes $9 Billion Acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics for CD388 Influenza Drug Merck finalized its acquisition of Cidara through a tender offer at $221.50 per share, with 85.96% of outstanding shares tendered. The deal brings CD388, a potentially first-in-class long-acting antiviral for influenza prevention, into Merck’s respiratory portfolio. The investigational drug-Fc conjugate shows broad activity against influenza A and B strains and is designed to provide season-long protection for high-risk individuals without requiring immune response activation. Cidara becomes a wholly owned subsidiary, with its stock delisted from Nasdaq. (Link)
  8. IntelyCare acquires CareRev to Expand Healthcare Workforce Management Platform The tech-enabled staffing platform purchased the acute care labour marketplace to create a comprehensive clinical labour solution addressing critical workforce shortages across healthcare settings. The combined entity will operate both brands, offering integrated services spanning job boards, recruiting, contingent labour, and internal resource pools through a single technology platform. CEO Matthew Levesque emphasized the merger helps facilities efficiently manage permanent staff and contingent workers while maintaining care quality. IntelyCare previously achieved unicorn status with a $115 million Series C round in April 2022. Investors LRVHealth and Transformation Capital praised the strategic combination’s potential to lead workforce transformation in the healthcare sector. (Link)
  9. Verana Health merges with COTA to Expand Real-World Data Offerings Across Oncology and Specialties The combined entity will serve 17 of the top 20 global biopharma companies with access to over 95 million patients and 20,000 clinicians, including network expansion to more than 30 Academic Medical Centers. COTA’s oncology focus complements Verana Health’s existing data platforms in ophthalmology, urology, and neurology. The portfolio supports clinical trials, drug submissions, health economics research, and market-access strategies. Existing institutional investors committed an additional $52 million in equity investment. CEO Sujay Jadhav emphasized the combination raises standards for clinical expertise, data quality, and transparency across multiple therapeutic areas. (Link)
  10. Veritas Capital to acquire Majority Stake in Global Healthcare Exchange from Temasek and Warburg Pincus Veritas Capital will partner with existing shareholders to accelerate GHX’s growth strategy in healthcare supply chain software. The cloud-based platform connects providers and suppliers, serving Gartner’s top 25 U.S. healthcare systems and top 30 global medical-surgical suppliers. Through AI-driven automation and intelligent decision support, the company has delivered over $27 billion in savings over three years. The investment will enable faster product innovation, organic and inorganic growth opportunities, and enhanced AI capabilities to improve supply chain efficiency and patient care delivery. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. (Link)
  11. RadNet (NASD: RDNT) acquires Radiology Regional from LucidHealth, Expanding to Southwest Florida The acquisition brings 13 imaging centers across Naples, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte and Sarasota into RadNet’s network. Radiology Regional has provided multi-modality imaging services including MRI, CT, PET/CT, mammography, ultrasound and X-ray for half a century. The expansion adds approximately 400 employees and 44 contracted radiologists to RadNet’s existing five Florida locations. RadNet plans to deploy its DeepHealth AI-powered innovations to enhance clinical accuracy and streamline imaging processes. The deal is projected to contribute approximately $100 million in revenue during 2026, supporting growing demand for advanced imaging services in Florida’s rapidly expanding population. (Link)
  12. Corewell Health and Quest Diagnostics Form Joint Venture for Laboratory Services in Michigan The 51%-49% joint venture, Diagnostic Lab of Michigan, LLC, will establish a 100,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility at Corewell Health Southfield Center featuring automated microbiology and high-throughput molecular testing. Quest will provide Collaborative Lab Solutions including reference testing, professional management, workforce and supply chain services for all 21 Corewell Health hospital labs statewide, which will remain operational. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, with most laboratory services beginning in 2026 and the new facility operational by Q1 2027. Existing patient service centers will continue operating under joint venture management until the new laboratory opens. (Link)

Venture and Other News  

  1. AirNexis secures $200M Series A Led by Frazier Life Sciences with OrbiMed, Goldman Sachs Alternatives, SR One; Licenses Haisco Pharmaceutical’s COPD Asset in $955M Deal Founded by Frazier Life Sciences, the California biotech obtained exclusive rights outside China to HSK39004 (AN01), a PDE3/4 inhibitor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for $40 million upfront. Haisco will hold 19.9% equity and earn potential regulatory and commercial milestone payments plus royalties. The dual-mechanism inhaler launched three phase 2 trials in 2025, testing different dosage forms including inhalation suspension and powder designed to expand airways and reduce inflammation. The series A round included participation from OrbiMed, Life Sciences at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, SR One, Longitude Capital and Enavate Sciences. CEO Maria Fardis, former Lassen Therapeutics chief, leads the startup. (Link)
  2. Pomelo Care banks $92M Series C Led by Stripes with Andreessen Horowitz, PLUS Capital, Atomico, BoxGroup, and SV Angel to Expand Virtual Women’s and Paediatric Healthcare The startup, now valued at $1.7 billion, is expanding beyond maternity care to reproductive health, paediatrics, hormonal health, and menopause services. Pomelo partners with health plans and employers, covering over 25 million lives and supporting nearly 7% of U.S. births. Independent studies show the platform reduces total care costs, lowers NICU and ER utilization, and delivers 3-5x ROI through outcomes including 37% fewer preterm births and 46% reduction in emergency room visits. The company has raised  ~ $171 million to date and recently launched a midlife care program demonstrating 88% symptom reduction in 60 days. (Link)
  3. Ventaris Surgical raises $30M Series A Led by Longitude Capital and Vensana Capital with Atypical Ventures, Neotribe Ventures, and Boutique Venture Partners The San Carlos-based medical device company is developing a ureteroscopic system designed to improve complete stone clearance during kidney stone procedures. CEO Surag Mantri emphasized the technology removes unnecessary friction from surgeries, allowing surgeons to focus on achieving consistent outcomes. Varun Gupta of Longitude Capital and Justin Klein of Vensana Capital will join the Board of Directors alongside independent member Amir Abolfathi. Proceeds will support continued clinical development and advancement toward regulatory and commercial milestones. Maxwell Bikoff noted the technology addresses critical unmet needs in current standard of care for one of the most common urologic interventions. (Link)
  4. Canopy raises $22M Series B Led by 111° West Capital and ACME Capital to Expand Healthcare Staff Safety Platform The San Francisco-based company’s platform is deployed across 60 major U.S. health systems supporting over 300,000 healthcare workers in more than 1,200 buildings. The technology addresses workplace violence, which has increased 63% over the past five years, through discreet duress alerts and real-time situational awareness. Current clients include Boston Children’s Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, and University of Michigan Health–Sparrow. CEO Shan Sinha emphasized the platform’s safety-first architecture as a core operational requirement. Bharat Sundaram, CEO of Hallmark Healthcare Solutions, joins the board. Funding will accelerate nationwide expansion and rollout of operational tools including Canopy Find and Canopy Track. (Link)
  5. Healthcare Investment and News Outlook for 2026 
    • LECO – 2026 Healthcare Investment Perspective (Link)
    • Pitchbook  – 2026 Healthcare Outlook (Link
    • Forbes – The Healthcare Industry Outlook For 2026 (Link
    • Deloitte – 2026 US Health Care Outlook (Link
    • E&Y  – Healthcare Sector Outlook: growing amid headwinds in 2026  (Link
    • PwC  – US Deals 2026 outlook Health services (Link
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News Healthcare Deals, Investments & Update Week ending Jan 5th 2026

  • Happy New Year –  Healthcare Investment and News Outlook for 2026
    • Pitchbook  – 2026 Healthcare Outlook (Link)
    • Forbes – The Healthcare Industry Outlook For 2026 (Link)
    • Healthcare Sector Outlook: growing amid headwinds in 2026  (Link)
    • PwC  – US Deals 2026 outlook Health services (Link)
    • Deloitte – 2026 US Health Care Outlook (Link)
  • FONAR Corporation (NASD: FONR) CEO Timothy Damadian Leads $19 Per Share Take-Private Acquisition with OceanFirst Bank Financing The buyer group, including management members, board directors, and third-party investors, will acquire all outstanding shares not already owned by the group at prices representing a 31.5% premium to pre-announcement closing and 39.7% premium to the 90-day average. A special committee of disinterested directors unanimously recommended the deal after independent review. Financing includes $35 million from committed debt, $10 million in subordinated debt, and $45 million in equity contributions, with no financing contingencies. The transaction requires majority approval from all voting shares and disinterested shareholders, expected to close in fiscal Q3 2026, after which shares will be delisted from Nasdaq. (Link)
  • Insilico Medicine partners with Servier in $888M AI-Driven Cancer R&D Deal Following Hong Kong IPO The collaboration will leverage Insilico’s Pharma.AI platform to discover and develop drugs targeting challenging cancer targets, with Insilico receiving $32 million in upfront and R&D payments. Insilico leads AI-driven discovery while Servier shares R&D costs and handles clinical validation and commercialization. The agreement follows Insilico’s recent Hong Kong listing that raised $293 million and builds on its 2025 momentum, including a $110 million venture round and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly. For Servier, this represents another strategic move in its ambition to become a leading innovative pharma by 2030, following recent deals worth $450 million with Kaerus Bioscience and $210 million with Ideaya Biosciences. (Link)
  • PathoCare Holdings Receives $1.75B Valuation in Third-Party Tender Offer, Expands Financing Round with Lehrer Financial Assessment The secondary share purchase follows the company’s previous $150 million venture investment, recapitalization, acquisition, and $500 million secondary tender offer independently valued by Houston-based Lehrer Financial. PathoCare has appointed an independent financial advisory firm to conduct a formal fairness opinion and valuation review using recognized techniques, peer comparisons, and market data. The company simultaneously expanded its private equity financing round from $25 million to $50 million due to heightened institutional interest. Proceeds will fund product development, intellectual property expansion, regulatory readiness, engineering, and commercialization of its flagship PathoWand point-of-care diagnostic platform. (Link)
  • Maimonides Health Joins NYC Health + Hospitals Under Mayor Eric Adams Deal to Stabilize Brooklyn Healthcare The financially struggling Maimonides Health, a century-old community fixture in Brooklyn, will become part of the city’s public health system pending regulatory approval expected before April 1. The partnership will enable Maimonides—which operates three hospitals and 80+ sites serving 600,000 outpatients and 35,000 inpatients annually—to receive higher Medicaid reimbursement rates and access NYC Health + Hospitals’ electronic health records platform. Over 80% of Maimonides’ admitted patients rely on Medicare or Medicaid, which reimburse only 60 cents per dollar compared to commercial insurance, contributing to annual losses of tens of millions, including $165 million in 2021. (Link)
  • Marlborough Hospital Becomes UMass Memorial Medical Center Campus Following Massachusetts Public Health Council Approval The 79-bed facility, previously affiliated with UMass Memorial Health under an independent medical license, officially merged on January 1 after approval in July. The integration brings enhanced services including an expanded emergency department, new CT scanner, outpatient clinic, and improved cancer treatment capabilities. Despite the organizational change, patients will continue seeing the same medical staff while gaining broader access to specialty care, advanced technologies, and tertiary services through the coordinated clinical team, keeping more healthcare services available locally within the system’s smallest campus. (Link)
  • Proactive MD acquires California Ophthalmology Practices, Expands Value-Based Care Network The Los Angeles-based healthcare leader adds multiple ophthalmology practices following recent expansions in Indiana, Texas, and Colorado. This acquisition strengthens Proactive MD’s integrated healthcare solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing costs for employer-sponsored healthcare, health plan providers, and third-party administrators. Since launching its growth strategy in 2021, the company has expanded offerings to include clinical diagnostics, pathology services, occupational health, virtual and urgent care, healthcare technology, pharmacy products, and a 340B pharmacy provider network. The organization operates as the only national primary care provider owning and operating its own labs, pathology groups, pharmacies, 340B networks, and healthcare technology platforms. (Link)
  • Biobeat Technologies closes $50 million Series B led by Ally Bridge Group, OrbiMed Advisors and Elevage Medical to expand U.S. commercialization of FDA‑cleared cuff‑less ambulatory blood pressure monitoring system The capital will fund a field sales team and commercial expansion for Biobeat’s disposable patch device, which monitors blood pressure continuously for 24 hours without disruptive inflation cycles, allowing patients to maintain daily activities and sleep undisturbed. At test completion, the device is discarded and a high-quality report appears automatically in electronic medical records within seconds. The company welcomed Steven Plachtyna of Ally Bridge, Dina Chaya of OrbiMed and Evan Melrose of Elevage to its Board of Directors, underscoring its ambition to establish ABPM as a standard of care for diagnosing and titrating anti-hypertensive medications for the more than 100 million hypertensive patients in the United States. (Link)
  • Nacuity Pharmaceuticals raises $12.89 Million Led by Foundation Fighting Blindness’ Retinal Degeneration Fund and National Neurovision Research Institute The Fort Worth-based clinical-stage biotech developing antioxidant therapies for blinding eye diseases caused by oxidative stress secured $12.89 million in funding led by Foundation Fighting Blindness’ Retinal Degeneration Fund and National Neurovision Research Institute, with participation from undisclosed investors. This round brings the company’s total funding to $40.59 million. The capital supports Nacuity’s advancement of its antioxidant therapeutic pipeline targeting retinal degenerative conditions. The involvement of specialized ophthalmology-focused investors underscores confidence in the company’s approach to treating oxidative stress-related vision loss and its potential to address unmet needs in blinding eye disease treatment. (Link)
  • Alume Biosciences raises $5.32 Million in Series C Venture Funding Alume Biosciences secured $5.32 million in Series C venture funding as of December 31, 2025. This capital injection supports the company’s ongoing development and expansion efforts. The funding round demonstrates continued investor confidence in the bioscience company’s business model and technological platform. The specific use of proceeds and details regarding lead investors were not disclosed in the announcement. This represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory as it advances its research, development, and commercialization initiatives within the biosciences sector. (Link)
Neil Johnson No Comments

News Healthcare Deals, Investments & Update Week ending Dec 22nd 2025

  • Medline (NASD: MDLN) soars 41% in Nasdaq debut after IPO backed by Blackstone, Carlyle, and Hellman & Friedman, raising $6.26 billion in 2025’s largest offering Medline’s IPO drew strong investor interest, valuing the firm at $46 billion after a 41% stock surge. Generating $977 million in profit on $20.6 billion in revenue, the company’s global manufacturing network limits tariff risks. Its steady, cash-rich model contrasts with typical volatile, high-growth market entrants. (Link)
  • Cencora (NYSE: COR) (formerly AmerisourceBergen) to acquire majority stake in OneOncology in $5 billion deal, after already holding a minority position, bolstering community oncology network and specialty distribution strategy The deal combines debt financing and an equity rollover to maintain physician autonomy while integrating OneOncology’s nationwide network within Cencora’s platform. The partnership enhances clinical trials, care coordination, and technology access, supporting community-based cancer care. Analysts see the transaction as a strong vote of confidence in oncology’s growth potential. (Link)
  • BioMarin (NASD: BMRN) to acquire Amicus Therapeutics (NASD: FOLD) for $4.8 billion, expanding rare disease portfolio with Galafold and Pombiliti-Opfolda The acquisition strengthens BioMarin’s rare disease pipeline by adding Amicus’ Galafold and Pombiliti-Opfolda therapies and kidney candidate DMX-200. These assets complement BioMarin’s enzyme replacement treatments and Voxzogo, supporting revenue growth and global expansion. Analysts view the deal as a strategic fit, reflected in BioMarin’s post-announcement stock surge. (Link)
  • Matt Holt to lead creation of Thoreau, a $30 billion AI‑enabled health‑tech venture combining New Mountain Capital’s Datavant, Swoop, Machinify, Smarter Technologies and Office Ally The deal would combine five healthcare tech companies into one AI-focused platform aimed at cutting medical costs for payers and providers. New Mountain Capital is weighing a structure that returns about 12 billion dollars in cash plus equity and warrants to its investors, exceeding prior portfolio valuations. (Link)
  • HCAP Partners invests in Puzzle Healthcare to scale post‑acute care coordination platform across U.S. skilled nursing facilities The investment will accelerate Puzzle Healthcare’s expansion of post-acute care coordination services that track patients for 90 days after skilled nursing stays. Operating in 230 facilities across 15 states, Puzzle uses data-driven workflows to reduce readmissions, lower costs, and safeguard providers from Medicare penalties through improved care continuity. (Link)
  • Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) and MiniMed move toward Nasdaq listing with S‑1 filing for diabetes business IPO The S‑1 filing initiates Medtronic’s plan to spin off its Diabetes unit as MiniMed, which intends to trade on Nasdaq under “MMED.” The IPO and potential split‑off structure depend on regulatory approval and market conditions. MiniMed will focus on AI‑enabled insulin delivery and continuous glucose monitoring technologies. (Link)
  • Philips to acquire SpectraWAVE to advance AI‑enabled intravascular coronary imaging and physiology through HyperVue and X1‑FFR The acquisition integrates SpectraWAVE’s X1‑FFR software, which measures coronary blood flow from angiograms, with its HyperVue imaging platform combining OCT and NIRS to visualize arterial plaque. Philips aims to unify AI-driven imaging and physiology tools to improve stent placement accuracy and standardize coronary disease treatment quality worldwide. (Link)
  • HealthStream (NASD: HSTM) acquires MissionCare Collective in deal valued up to $40 million to build largest U.S. caregiver career network The deal brings MissionCare Collective’s 5.2‑million caregiver network and platforms like myCNAjobs and CoachUp Care into HealthStream’s hStream ecosystem. It expands workforce solutions to home health and long‑term care providers, addressing caregiver shortages and aging‑population demands through enhanced recruiting, training, and retention tools supported by cash, stock, and earnout terms. (Link)
  • XOMA Royalty (NASDAQ: XOMA) to acquire Generation Bio (NASDAQ: GBIO) gaining exposure to Moderna collaboration and ctLNP nucleic acid delivery platform The transaction gives Generation Bio shareholders cash and contingent value rights linked to cash reserves, lease savings, and potential revenues from the Moderna partnership and ctLNP platform. Executed through a tender offer and merger, the deal has 15% shareholder support and is expected to close by February 2026. (Link)
  • Accordion acquires Pinnacle Healthcare Advisors, via its financial sponsors Charlesbank Capital Partners and Motive Partners, to build scaled revenue cycle management platform for health systems and healthcare investors The acquisition merges Pinnacle’s expertise in cash acceleration, AR reduction, and EHR optimization with Accordion’s AI-driven RCM Center of Excellence. The combined platform aims to help health systems tackle margin pressures, payer complexity, and denial rates by improving revenue performance through advanced analytics and integrated operational support. (Link)
  • INVO Fertility (NASD: IVF) to acquire Indiana clinic Family Beginnings to expand Midwest fertility footprint after $4.0M private placement The acquisition supports INVO Fertility’s U.S. expansion strategy centered on assisted reproductive technology, including INVOcell-based intravaginal culture. Family Beginnings adds a reputable Indiana clinic with $1.2 million in annual revenue and a full fertility service lineup. The $750,000 deal combines cash and preferred stock, with founder Dr. James Donahue remaining as leader. (Link)
  • Enjoin acquires Paediatric Resource Group to expand paediatric and adult CDI, APR‑DRG and physician advisor solutions for U.S. hospitals The acquisition combines Enjoin’s adult DRG assurance capabilities with PRG’s paediatric and neonatal CDI expertise to create a unified, tech-enabled revenue integrity platform. It enhances support for children’s and acute-care hospitals through utilization review and denials management, expanding nationwide CDI services under 3 Boomerang’s strategic healthcare platform. (Link)
  • Sentact acquires Performance Health Partners and Vizient Patient Safety Organization to build an integrated, analytics‑driven patient safety and incident reporting platform across U.S. care settings The acquisitions expand Sentact’s patient safety capabilities by integrating Performance Health Partners’ advanced incident management system and the Vizient Patient Safety Organization’s nationwide collaborative. Combined, they enhance data-driven risk analysis, workflow automation, and advisory support to help healthcare providers identify risks, improve safety practices, and elevate clinical outcomes systemwide. (Link)
  • Prosperous Health acquires Peninsula Health Center to expand integrated outpatient mental health and addiction services across Palos Verdes and the South Bay The merger creates a comprehensive behavioral health network offering detox, outpatient, and long-term therapy within integrated care plans for addiction and mental illness. Combining Prosperous Health’s physician-led model with Peninsula’s accredited programs enhances local access, continuity of care, telehealth services, and collaboration with hospitals and public health partners. (Link)
Neil Johnson No Comments

News Healthcare Deals, Investments & Update Week ending Dec 15th 2025

  • Novo Nordisk completes $4.7B acquisition of Akero Therapeutics (Nasdaq: AKRO) with additional $0.5B CVR tied to EFX approval Akero Therapeutics becomes a wholly owned subsidiary following the acquisition, delisting its shares from Nasdaq. The agreement includes additional payment contingent on FDA approval of EFX for MASH-related cirrhosis. The move strengthens Novo Nordisk’s liver and metabolic disease portfolio and expands its U.S. research and development operations. (Link)
  • Teleflex (NYSE: TFX) divests OEM, urology, and acute care units in $2B deals with Montagu, Kohlberg, and Intersurgical Teleflex is restructuring to prioritize its cardiovascular portfolio through divestments totalling $2 billion. Montagu and Kohlberg will acquire its OEM division, while Intersurgical will buy acute care and urology lines. Proceeds will partly fund a $1 billion share repurchase, with both deals expected to close in late 2026. (Link)
  • Lumexa Imaging (NASD: LMRI) raises nearly $463M in IPO, earns Moody’s credit upgrade after debt reduction plan The IPO valued Lumexa Imaging at $1.76 billion, with proceeds mainly used to refinance debt and extend maturities, reducing obligations by over $370 million. Moody’s upgraded its rating due to improved credit strength. Founded in 2018, the company operates 184 imaging centers and continues expanding through acquisitions and AI initiatives. (Link)
  • Cycle Pharmaceuticals to acquire Applied Therapeutics (Nasdaq: APLT) to advance CNS rare disease treatments through lead drug candidate Govorestat Applied Therapeutics shareholders will receive cash and contingent value rights tied to regulatory and sales milestones under the merger agreement. Cycle will provide up to $8.5 million in bridge funding to support operations until closing. The board unanimously approved the deal, expected to complete in early 2026. (Link)
  • HarmonEyes completes acquisition of iFocus Health to expand AI-driven solutions for ADHD treatment The merger integrates iFocus Health’s AI technology into HarmonEyes’ behavioral health platform to advance personalized ADHD care. Combining data analytics and machine learning, the partnership aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes while expanding evidence-based, AI-driven mental health solutions for broader accessibility and clinical scalability. (Link)
  • Handspring Health acquires Joon Care to expand paediatric and adolescent behavioral health services The merger combines Handspring Health’s paediatric care focus with Joon Care’s virtual therapy model to enhance youth mental health services. It expands market reach through Joon’s Washington base and payer ties while integrating technology for improved engagement and outcomes, supporting Handspring’s growth and evidence-based, scalable care model. (Link)
  • Perimeter Solutions to acquire Medical Manufacturing Technologies in $685 million cash deal The transaction adds Medical Manufacturing Technologies’ expertise in minimally invasive device production to Perimeter Solutions’ portfolio, aligning with its strategy to invest in high-margin growth sectors. Funded by debt and cash, the deal expands Perimeter’s presence into medical manufacturing and is expected to close in early 2026 pending approval. (Link)
  • AMSURG acquires Advanced Center for Surgery to expand into Central Pennsylvania outpatient market The deal adds a 12,500-square-foot surgical center in Altoona with four operating rooms and 17 specialists to AMSURG’s network. Known for outpatient joint replacements, the facility strengthens AMSURG’s Pennsylvania presence and supports its mission to empower independent physicians and expand access to quality, value-based outpatient surgical care. (Link)
  • Select Medical acquires Landmark Hospital of Savannah from Landmark Holdings of Florida to expand long-term acute care services The acquisition adds a 50-bed long-term acute care hospital in Savannah to Select Medical’s network, replacing its former local facility. The site now treats medically complex patients needing extended recovery. This expansion strengthens Select Medical’s Southeast presence and supports its nationwide growth in post-acute and rehabilitation services. (Link)
  • Mercy Health and Lifepoint Health open new 72-bed Behavioral Hospital in Youngstown to expand mental health and substance abuse care The new 72-bed behavioral hospital provides inpatient care for mental health and substance use disorders, including programs for veterans and first responders. Using evidence-based, trauma-informed methods, it aims to ease ER burdens and improve community support, with inpatient admissions starting in January and outpatient services launching in May. (Link)
Neil Johnson No Comments

News Healthcare Deals, Investments & Update Week ending Dec 1st 2025

  • Patient Square Capital completes $2.6 billion take-private acquisition of Premier, Inc (NASD: PINC), paying $28.25 per share in all-cash deal. The deal takes Premier private and keeps its operations focused on powering healthcare improvement through analytics, supply chain offerings, collaboratives, and advisory services. As part of a larger healthcare-focused portfolio, the company is expected to use additional capital and expertise to enhance technology-driven tools that help providers improve outcomes and reduce costs. (Link)
  • Bruker Corporation (NASD: BRKR) acquires AST Revolution to advance WAVE and Arc rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing technologies and expand clinical diagnostics portfolio The deal shifts a revitalized rapid testing platform into a larger diagnostics ecosystem, keeping focus on delivering quicker, clinically actionable antimicrobial susceptibility results. With prior investment having stabilized and advanced the WAVE and Arc systems, the new owner is expected to use its scale, market access, and technical depth to speed adoption in laboratories and hospitals. (Link)
  • MDI NetworX acquires Cobalt MedPlans (Clarity Performance Solutions) from Cobalt Health Solutions, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Subsidiary, to Expand U.S. Payer Services and Deploy InsightPro AI Platform The deal adds 250 U.S. staff and two Kansas delivery centers, lifting the company’s global workforce above 7,500 and growing its domestic operations to four sites. It plans to intensify investment in automation, analytics, and workforce capabilities to deliver scalable, end-to-end payer operations while tightening control of administrative costs. (Link)
  • US Fertility partners with L Catterton and Amulet Capital Partners in new co-lead investor structure to expand access to advanced reproductive care across the U.S. The updated ownership structure preserves significant physician ownership while adding growth capital and consumer-health expertise to scale US Fertility’s clinics, labs, and research programs. It supports broader access to IVF, IUI, genetic testing, and related services, while reinforcing a physician-led, patient-centered care model for tens of thousands of new patients annually. (Link)
  • MedEdge Holdings launches with $450 million management-led buyout to integrate Abyrx’s biomaterials portfolio and Kairuku’s surgical SaaS platform The holding company will merge biomaterials and surgical software capabilities to streamline product sourcing, inventory control, and case coordination for hospitals and OR teams. Profitable operations plus new capital will fund acquisitions of 10–15 commercial-stage products, aiming to cut administrative complexity while broadening access to next‑generation surgical technologies. (Link)
  • FluidAI Medical acquires Emmetros Limited, developer of SparxConnect, to strengthen AI-driven Stream Inara patient engagement The integration focuses on stronger postoperative monitoring and communication, using collaboration tools to guide patients before procedures and through home recovery. It supports earlier discharge while preserving visibility into outcomes and patient‑reported data, and complements existing monitoring, surgical decision support, and recovery programs to boost throughput, bed utilization, and personalized recovery planning. (Link)
  • Innova Therapeutics acquires Enci Therapeutics to advance IVT-8086, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting SFRP2 in solid and hematologic cancers The deal centralizes control of IVT-8086 to accelerate its development as a targeted therapy against a key signalling pathway driving angiogenesis, tumour growth, immune evasion, and metastasis. Strong preclinical data support its potential both as monotherapy and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, alongside a companion diagnostic to guide detection, prognosis, and relapse monitoring. (Link)
  • MiCare Path acquires Compwell, LLC to accelerate national expansion of AI-powered virtual care platform The platform now supports large, multispecialty patient panels with reimbursable programs for remote monitoring and ongoing care management. New capital and the Compwell integration will grow clinical services, deepen health system collaborations, and accelerate AI-driven workflow automation, enabling more proactive, personalized virtual care that extends clinician support into patients’ daily lives. (Link)
  • Brown’s Medical Imaging and Prestige Medical Imaging merge to expand nationwide, multi-vendor medical imaging service capabilities The merged business broadens nationwide coverage while maintaining a vendor-agnostic service model with strong uptime and response commitments. A 150‑plus engineer field force provides fast remote and onsite support, underpinned by a customer‑first, end‑to‑end service philosophy. Leadership promotions reinforce continuity and position the company for its next phase of growth. (Link)
  • AleraCare, backed by Hildred Capital Management, to merge with Pure Healthcare to Form National Platform for Ambulatory Infusion and Specialty Care The merged platform operates 77 infusion centers in 14 states, pairing complex-chronic-care expertise with expanding home and alternate-site services. A unified contracting and technology backbone supports payors, providers, and biopharma with faster therapy starts, better adherence, and AI-enabled scheduling, benefits checks, and real-time outcomes tracking, while maintaining a safety- and compassion-focused culture. (Link)
Neil Johnson No Comments

News Healthcare Deals, Investments & Update Week ending Nov 24th 2025

  • Abbott (NYSE: ABT) to acquire Exact Sciences (NASD: EXAS) in $21 Billion All-Cash Deal to Expand Global Cancer Screening and Precision Oncology Diagnostics Portfolio   The deal will make Exact Sciences a subsidiary, helping Abbott reach $12 billion in diagnostics sales. Exact’s Madison, Wisconsin presence and leadership will remain, with the CEO advising during transition. Shareholder and regulatory approvals are expected before closing in mid-2026. (Link)
  • Merck (NYSE: MRK) to acquire Cidara Therapeutics (NASD: CDTX) for $9.2 Billion, Gaining Late-Phase Antiviral CD388 for Influenza Prevention After the deal’s approval, Cidara Therapeutics will strengthen Merck’s presence in antivirals with CD388 targeting high-risk influenza populations. The acquisition structure ensures all Cidara shares are purchased, pending regulatory clearance, with closing planned for the first quarter of 2026. (Link)
  • GE Healthcare (NASD: GEHC) to acquire Intelerad in $2.3 Billion Deal to Expand Cloud-Enabled and AI-Driven Imaging Platform for Radiology, Cardiology, and Outpatient Enterprise Markets The integration will modernize imaging workflows for outpatient and ambulatory care, leveraging Intelerad’s SaaS and AI strengths to streamline operations, unify data, and improve provider efficiency. Backed by global reach and financial flexibility, GE HealthCare expects significant recurring revenue and top-line growth from expanded cloud imaging offerings. (Link)
  • Solventum (NYSE: SOLV) to acquire Acera Surgical for $725 Million Plus Milestone Payments, Expanding Advanced Wound Care Portfolio with Synthetic Tissue Matrices Technology Acera’s Restrata product, a fully resorbable electrospun fiber matrix, treats hard-to-heal acute care wounds by supporting cellular growth and healing. Solventum will use its sales expertise and international presence to accelerate Restrata’s adoption, aiming for commercial and operational synergies that drive leadership in advanced regenerative wound care. (Link)
  • Halozyme Therapeutics (NASD: HALO) completes $750 Million Acquisition of Elektrofi, Unlocks Hypercon™ Technology for High-Concentration Biologics and Expands Drug Delivery Offerings Hypercon™ enables highly concentrated biologics to be delivered subcutaneously, improving patient convenience and supporting at-home care. Halozyme Therapeutics will pursue royalty-based licensing for products built on Elektrofi’s technology, with expected milestone payments and clinical launches that could begin driving revenues and broader market impact starting in 2030. (Link)
  • Nanox Imaging (NASD: NNOX) to acquire VasoHealthcare IT from Vaso Corporation (OTCQX: VASO) for Up to $800,000 to Accelerate U.S. Rollout of FDA-Cleared AI Medical Imaging Solutions Nanox’s platform brings real-time AI analysis and automated detection to routine CT imaging, offering multiple FDA-cleared solutions for radiology and cardiology. The acquisition leverages VasoHealthcare IT’s healthcare relationships for broader market coverage, enabling faster hospital adoption and improved integration of AI-driven workflows for earlier chronic disease identification. (Link)
  • RadNet (NASD: RDNT) acquires River Radiology, Strengthening New York Imaging Network and Expanding Lenox Hill Radiology’s Geographic Reach River Radiology’s Kingston facility delivers patient-centered care with advanced imaging services such as MRI, CT, PET/CT, 3D mammography, and ultrasound. Extended weekday hours and flexible scheduling support provider referrals. Its reputation for accurate reports, innovative screening, and compassionate service has defined medical imaging excellence across the Hudson Valley region. (Link)
  • ClearPoint Neuro (NASD: CLPT) completes acquisition of IRRAS, Bringing IRRAflow System and Expanding Neurocritical Care and Drug Delivery Capabilities IRRAflow uses active irrigation and drainage to effectively treat brain haemorrhages, leading to faster clearance of blood, fewer catheter infections, and reduced risk of blockages compared to passive drains. Clinical studies report improved patient outcomes, shorter treatment duration, and lower hospital costs for those treated with this innovative technology. (Link)
  • Reliant Healthcare and Care Fusion Rx Merge to Transform U.S. Infusion Therapy with Expanded Home and Ambulatory Service Platform Reliant Healthcare operates 14 infusion centers and specialty pharmacies across the southern U.S., while Care Fusion Rx brings expertise in advanced therapies—including immunoglobulin treatments—for chronic and rare diseases. The merger will drive national expansion with new locations, broader coverage, and investment in patient-focused care guided by experienced leadership. (Link)
  • ARC Health Partners acquires Clarity Counselling Center, Adding Wilmington-Based Practice to 23-Group National Network and Expanding North Carolina Reach with Backing from Thurston Group Clarity Counselling Center offers therapy for individuals, couples, and families, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, and relationship issues in Wilmington, NC. Their team of over 13 therapists uses evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT, ensuring client-therapist matching and personalized care for children, teens, and adults. (Link)
  • MRO acquires Clinetic, via its financial sponsors Healthworx and Parthenon Capital Partners to Transform Patient Recruitment and Streamline Clinical Trial Enrollment with Scalable AI-EHR Integration Clinetic’s software uses AI to analyse both structured and unstructured patient data for real-time matching to clinical studies, dramatically accelerating recruitment. By integrating with EHRs, it supports secure workflow automation, precise cohort building, and reduces site workload—expediting enrollment for a nationwide hospital network and the Q-Centrix Research Network. (Link)
  • OhioHealth, a Columbus-based nonprofit health system, is acquiring the independent 220-bed Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, OH.  The deal will expand OhioHealth’s network to 17 hospitals and enhance regional care. The boards endorsed the merger in September 2024 after a non-binding letter of intent, with benefits including increased efficiencies, improved quality measures, and access to larger system resources for a growing population. Pending regulatory approvals and government filings, the deal is expected to close in 2026; no financial terms were disclosed. (Link)
  • WVU Health System to acquire Independence Health System, Growing to 30-Hospital Network with $800 Million Investment Commitment Morgantown-based WVU Health System will acquire Greensburg’s Independence Health System, including five hospitals, physician groups, and subsidiaries, rebranding under WVU Medicine. WVU pledges $800 million over five years for facility modernization. Closing anticipated in fall 2026.  (Link)
  • Function Health raises $298 Million Series B led by Redpoint Ventures and a16z at $2.5 Billion valuation for Medical Intelligence Lab launch. Function Health offers comprehensive lab testing, body scans, and health data consolidation to detect over 1,000 conditions early via more than 100 biomarkers. The funding will expand U.S. locations, develop AI health features, and lower annual membership pricing.  It also backs the Medical Intelligence Lab to advance health and longevity research for proactive care. (Link)
Neil Johnson No Comments

News Healthcare Deals, Investments & Update Week ending Nov 17th 2025

  • Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) completes $7 Billion acquisition of Metsera (NASD: MTSR), adds MET-097i, MET-233i, and Expands Clinical Obesity Pipeline in Strategic Move for Cardiometabolic Therapeutics Leadership: The acquisition of Metsera brings new advanced obesity and cardiometabolic drug candidates, including injectable and oral therapies, accelerating innovation in this high-growth field. The deal enables rapid research, expanded expertise, and improved access to cutting-edge treatments, driven by milestone-based investments and integration of Metsera’s scientific strengths. (Link)
  • Day One Biopharmaceuticals (NASD: DAWN) to acquire Mersana Therapeutics (NASD: MRSN) in $285 Million Deal to Advance Novel ADC Emiltatug Ledadotin for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and expanded Oncology Portfolio: Emiltatug ledadotin (Emi-Le) targets B7-H4 in adenoid cystic carcinoma, showing promising early anti-tumour activity for patients lacking effective therapies. Day One’s acquisition plan supports rapid clinical progress, with milestones tied to regulatory and commercial outcomes, aiming to advance this innovative cancer treatment for diverse, underserved populations. (Link)
  • Galecto (NASD: GLTO) acquires Damora Therapeutics, With $285M Investment Led by Fairmount, Viking Global, Venrock, Wellington, RA Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Others to Advance Anti-mutCALR Therapies for Blood Cancers: The merger advances pioneering treatments for rare blood cancers, with lead antibody DMR-001 designed for greater potency and patient convenience. Expanded research and strategic guidance support rapid clinical progress, including novel therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia, improved trial designs, and broader access for affected patients. (Link)
  • Fabric acquires UCM Digital Health, adding 400 Payer and Employer Clients, to expand AI-Powered Virtual Care Nationwide: The acquisition expands Fabric’s reach, offering AI-powered virtual care for over one million new lives and enhancing efficiency for patients, payers, and providers. By integrating UCM’s clinical expertise, Fabric improves seamless care delivery, cost savings, and access, strengthening its network across health systems and employer partnerships nationwide. (Link)
  • Luma Health acquires Tonic Health from R1, Expanding Patient Intake and Follow-Up Solutions for Over 1,000 Health Systems and 100 Million Patients, for EHR-Integrated Care Innovation: The integration empowers healthcare organizations with advanced digital tools for automating patient intake, consent, and follow-up. By reducing manual tasks and streamlining data coordination, clinical teams benefit from improved workflow efficiency and better patient communication. Enhanced electronic health record connectivity ensures patients experience smoother journeys and greater access to personalized care. (Link)
  • Emergence, backed by The Pritzker Organization, acquires MedEvolve, to Transform AI-Driven Revenue Cycle Management for Healthcare Providers: MedEvolve will accelerate development of advanced automation and analytics tools to help healthcare organizations address operational inefficiencies and financial pressures. Its platform offers real-time insights for process improvement and margin recovery, supporting increased transparency, effective collections, and sustainable performance management in complex revenue cycle operations. (Link)
  • Get Well and RhythmX AI Combine Under SymphonyAI Group, to Form GW RhythmX and Advance Precision Care AI for 150 Health Systems and 85 Million Patients: The combined entity delivers integrated engagement and precision care using AI-driven data insights, streamlining patient support and clinical workflow for providers. Its enterprise-scale approach offers tailored recommendations, improved outcomes, and operational efficiency, with demonstrated success in enhancing care quality, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction across diverse healthcare settings. (Link)
  • Diversis Capital Unites Genesis Automation Healthcare, Kermit, and Meperia to Launch First End-to-End Clinical Supply Chain Platform and Highlight $1B in Global Annual Savings for 100+ Hospitals and Health Networks: The Genesis platform streamlines hospital and ambulatory center supply chains with unified digital management for inventory, charge capture, and contract pricing. Automated workflows and analytics improve data quality, reduce waste, and strengthen compliance, enabling clinicians to prioritize patient care while finance teams achieve greater transparency and control over spending. (Link)
  • Vituity Integrates Focus Medical Imaging, Expands Physician-Led Model Into Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology for Hospitals and Health Systems Nationwide: The partnership enhances clinical services with a physician-led approach, empowering medical professionals in decision-making and governance. Expanded diagnostic and interventional radiology offerings, combined with innovative teleradiology, improve operational efficiency and patient care. Hospitals and imaging centers gain more coordinated, effective, and sustainable service delivery across the healthcare continuum. (Link)
  • OneOncology and Cancer Specialists of North Florida (CSNF) Forge Partnership, via its financial sponsor TPG, to Elevate Community-Based Cancer Care and Expand Integrated Oncology Services Across North Florida: The collaboration improves oncology care for thousands of patients with access to advanced diagnostics, accelerated clinical research, and streamlined treatment delivery. Patients benefit from reduced wait times, comprehensive support, and integrated technology resources, while clinicians retain independence and expand expertise. The alliance promotes regional access to innovative therapies and superior care coordination. (Link)
  • Hyve acquires Health Grown Advisory Network (HGAN), Strengthening Healthcare Innovation Partnerships and Behavioural Health Tech Integration: The integration provides ongoing support and tailored connections for digital health innovators and organizations, enhancing marketing, strategy, and system navigation. Expanded advisory resources deepen collaboration, foster scalable partnerships, and enable health industry leaders to engage beyond traditional event cycles, increasing opportunities for impactful innovation and consumer health benefits. (Link)
  • The Lockwood Group acquires Research To Practice (RTP), via its financial sponsor Ares Management, expanding Global Oncology Education: The partnership enhances global oncology education by combining proven training formats with advanced consulting and communication expertise. Oncology professionals gain access to innovative, evidence-based resources reflecting current clinical advances. This collaboration delivers practical knowledge, supports professional growth, and helps clinicians make informed decisions to improve patient outcomes worldwide. (Link)
Neil Johnson No Comments

News Healthcare Deals, Investments & Update Week ending Oct 27th 2025

    1. Hologic (NASD: HOLX) to go private in $18.3 Billion acquisition by Blackstone and TPG, Minority Stakes for Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and GIC     The transaction is designed to deliver compelling value to shareholders and highlights continued innovation in women’s health and AI-driven diagnostics. Hologic will maintain its brand and headquarters while operating privately. The agreement includes a 45-day “go-shop” period, and closing remains subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, with completion anticipated in the first half of 2026. (Link)

    2. Novartis (NYSE: NVS) to acquire Avidity Biosciences (NASD: RNA) for $12 Billion; SpinCo to Emerge as Independent Cardiology-Focused Company The deal, unanimously approved by both boards, will give Novartis global rights to innovative RNA-based neuromuscular therapies and boost its neuroscience pipeline with potential first-in-class candidates. Avidity shareholders will receive additional SpinCo stock or cash linked to its cardiology assets. Regulatory and shareholder approvals are pending. (Link)

    3. Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) to acquire Adverum Biotechnologies (NASD: ADVM) in Deal Centered on Ixo-vec Gene Therapy Lilly’s purchase will help advance Ixo-vec, a novel gene therapy for vision loss, offering shareholders potential milestone payments based on regulatory and sales goals. This late-stage treatment addresses a major unmet need for wet age-related macular degeneration. The acquisition also secures short-term funding for Adverum’s clinical progress. (Link)

    4. Alkermes (NASD: ALKS) to acquire Avadel Pharmaceuticals (NASD: AVDL) for Up to $2.1 Billion, Expanding Sleep Medicine Portfolio with LUMRYZ™ Alkermes’ acquisition adds the FDA-approved LUMRYZ™, a once-at-bedtime sodium oxybate treatment for narcolepsy symptoms like cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness. The deal offers shareholders $18.50 upfront plus $1.50 contingent on FDA label expansion, a 38% premium over recent prices. Closing is expected in Q1 2026, enhancing Alkermes’ sleep medicine portfolio and leveraging Avadel’s expertise for future pipeline development. (Link)

    5. DocGo (NASD: DCGO) acquires SteadyMD to Expand Telehealth Services Nationwide; SteadyMD Co-Founders Join Leadership Team DocGo acquired SteadyMD to expand its telehealth reach across all 50 states, integrating SteadyMD’s virtual clinician network with its mobile healthcare services. SteadyMD, expected to generate $25 million in 2025, serves over 3 million patients, including Fortune 10 clients. SteadyMD’s leadership joins DocGo’s team, and the acquisition is funded by DocGo’s cash reserves. (Link)

    6. Lemonaid Health acquired by Bambu Ventures to relaunch as Independent Telemedicine Platform after Bankruptcy Lemonaid Health, after bankruptcy will pursue aggressive growth as an independent telemedicine and pharmacy platform. Bambu and Innova Partners provide executive leadership, focusing on affordable care, same-day prescriptions, and market expansion. Key board appointments and new investors support innovation and differentiation. (Link)

      7. Opyn Health, Inc. acquires Empara to Integrate AI-Driven Benefits Engagement and Boost Platform for Self-Insured Healthcare Combining Opyn’s price transparency and virtual care expertise with Empara’s AI-powered app streamlines benefits administration and cost management for members and administrators. Empara’s founders join Opyn, and the unified platform will serve TPAs, brokers, and self-insured employers—aiming to replace legacy systems with a seamless digital access point for healthcare. (Link)

      8. Oasis Health Partners® acquires PreferCare to Strengthen Value-Based, Preventive Primary Care for Seniors in North Carolina PreferCare enhances Oasis’s capabilities with in-home and virtual care for seniors, leveraging new tools, analytics, and clinical support. The partnership improves coordinated care, preventive screenings, and early interventions. By empowering physicians and supporting practices, Oasis advances health equity and outcomes, building healthier communities through a value-based care model. (Link)

      9. Duly Health and Care acquire Woodridge Clinic, via its financial sponsors Ares Private Equity Group, Guidon Partners and Athyrium Capital Management, expanding Physician-led Primary Care Services across Chicagoland Woodridge Clinic, founded in 1986, excels in primary care, diabetes management, and occupational therapy. Joining Duly gives its team access to new resources and technology, expanding specialty care and services in Lemont, Lombard, and Woodridge. This partnership strengthens coordinated, patient-focused care for local families and supports ongoing provider recruitment. (Link)

      10. Frontline Healthcare Partners acquires Integracare Inc. to drive expansion of Private-Pay Home Care across Ontario, Canada Integracare will benefit from expanded operational resources and Frontline’s healthcare investment expertise to reach new communities. The partnership preserves its focus on personalized, quality home care and workplace excellence, supporting growth beyond Toronto, Mississauga, and Ottawa. This move helps advance Integracare’s mission and expands personalized home health solutions across Ontario. (Link)

      11. Cerebral raises $25 Million in Latest Funding Round, Accelerating Growth and Platform Integration The capital infusion, following the Resilience Lab acquisition, will support Cerebral’s nationwide expansion, platform integration, and quality initiatives like improved clinical training. Funds will enhance telehealth services, solidify insurance partnerships, and drive innovation in therapy, psychiatry, and medication management, as the company rebuilds after leadership and regulatory challenges. (Link)

        12. Counsel Health raises $25 Million Series A Led by Andreessen Horowitz and GV to Launch Physician-Supervised AI Front Door for Healthcare Following $11 Million Seed Round Counsel Health’s platform delivers instant, context-aware medical guidance via chat or voice, using AI with physician oversight for diagnosis, prescriptions, or referrals and unlimited follow-up. It reports a 96% resolution rate, rapid response times, and measurable cost savings. Serving 100,000+ members now, it’s expanding to reach millions nationwide. (Link)

        13. Faeth Therapeutics raises $25 Million, led by S2G Investments, with Support from KdT Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Future Ventures, Cantos Ventures, Digitalis Ventures, B Capital Group, Avicella Capital, THO Seed Fund and Others Faeth Therapeutics’ funding will support a randomized phase 2 trial of its PIKTOR regimen after an 80% response rate and 11-month median progression-free survival in endometrial cancer. The capital enables insulin control research, expansion into rectal cancer and rare metabolic disorders, and growth of the MetabOS™ precision oncology platform. (Link)