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Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Feb 23rd, 2026

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  1. Trump’s Section 122 Tariffs Hit UK, EU Hardest as Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Levies, Benefiting Brazil, China, India The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump wrongly used IEEPA for tariffs, prompting a shift to 15% global duties under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act. Trade-weighted averages rise for UK (+2.1 points), EU (+0.8), Japan (+0.4), South Korea (+0.6), while plunging for Brazil (-13.6), China (-7.1), and India. Experts note heaviest IEEPA-hit nations gain most relief; early deal-makers suffer hikes. EU seeks clarity on prior 15% cap deal. China assesses; India delays trade talks. (Link)
  2. Blue Owl Capital Shares Slide Again as Debt Fund Liquidity Changes and $1.4B Asset Sale Heighten Private Credit Concerns Blue Owl Capital’s stock extended its recent selloff as investors reacted to the firm’s strategy to return capital from one of its private debt funds following a $1.4 billion loan portfolio sale. The alternative asset manager adjusted redemption mechanics for Blue Owl Capital Corp II, opting to return capital through asset sales rather than traditional quarterly liquidity windows. The developments have fueled broader concerns around liquidity, valuation transparency, and structural risks within retail-oriented private credit vehicles. The market reaction underscores growing scrutiny of private credit managers as fundraising slows and pressures rise. (Link)
  3. Cristiano Ronaldo Invests $7.5 Million in Herbalife’s (NYSE: HLF) Pro2col AI Wellness Tech, Secures 10% Stake in Key Subsidiary Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF) announced soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s $7.5 million investment in HBL Pro2col Software, LLC, gaining a 10% equity stake. The deal includes service and sponsorship commitments, highlighting Ronaldo’s faith in Pro2col’s AI-driven, personalized wellness platform. Since partnering with Herbalife in 2013, Ronaldo endorsed products like Herbalife24 CR7 Drive. Pro2col uses data for custom plans, tracks habits via Pro2Score, and aids distributors. Now in U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico beta and expanding to EMEA, boosting their data-centric strategy. (Link)
  4. True North PE Injects INR 150Cr ($16.5M) into High-Growth ACN Healthcare RCM; $20M More Eyed as India’s Outsourcing Boom Accelerates True North Private Equity’s Credit Opportunities Fund I invests Rs 150 crore in ACN Healthcare RCM, a top Revenue Cycle Management provider with India operations and US clients. ACN boasts 68% CAGR growth over three years, employing 3,000+ professionals across four centers. Funds will fuel service expansion, strategic moves, and new facilities. More PE funds eye up to $20M in the round. India’s RCM market surges at 15-17% CAGR, driven by outsourcing, AI, and global demand, with India holding 50% of worldwide talent amid healthcare complexities. (Link)
  5. Danaher (NYSE: DHR) to Acquire Masimo (NASDAQ: MASI) in $9.9 Billion Cash Deal at $180/Share, Boosting Diagnostics with Pulse Oximetry Leader Amid Expected Synergies Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) has agreed to acquire Masimo Corporation (NASDAQ: MASI) for $180 per share in cash, valuing the deal at $9.9 billion enterprise value. The acquisition bolsters DHR’s Diagnostics segment with MASI’s pulse oximetry and patient monitoring tech, expecting high-single-digit revenue growth, $530M+ 2027 EBITDA, $125M cost synergies, and $50M revenue synergies by year five. Deal closes H2 2026 pending approvals; accretive to EPS by $0.15-$0.20 year one, $0.70 by year five. (Link)
  6. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) Explores $20 Billion Sale of DePuy Synthes Orthopedics Unit Amid Spinoff Plans Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) is preparing to sell its orthopedics unit, DePuy Synthes, in a deal potentially exceeding $20 billion, targeting private equity firms as top buyers, Reuters reports. The unit, which generated $9.3 billion in 2025 sales from hip, knee, and shoulder implants, was slated for a standalone spinoff within 18-24 months to focus on high-growth segments. J&J is assembling financials for upcoming buyer meetings; large PE firms may team up, with interest from medical device rivals possible. This follows resolutions of most ASR hip lawsuits. CFO eyes tax-free spinoff but open to sales. (Link)
  7. PE-backed Elevate Patient Financial Solutions acquires Centauri Health Solutions’ health systems services unit, expanding Medicaid eligibility, enrolment and complex revenue cycle capabilities across U.S. hospital clients Private equity–backed Elevate Patient Financial Solutions has agreed to acquire Centauri Health Solutions’ Health Systems Services (HSS) unit, a Phoenix-based provider of specialized eligibility and enrollment services for Medicaid and disability programs, out-of-state Medicaid billing, and complex revenue cycle solutions for hospitals and health systems. The deal strengthens Elevate PFS’s position in patient financial engagement and government program eligibility, broadens its national footprint, and is expected to drive cross-selling opportunities across existing provider relationships while supporting uncompensated-care and Medicaid-reliant populations. (Link)
  8. TriSalus Life Sciences (Nasdaq: TLSI) Prices $40M Common Stock Offering at $4.10/Share with 15% Over-Allotment Option, Closing February 23, 2026 TriSalus Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: TLSI) priced its underwritten public offering of 9,756,100 common shares at $4.10 each, expecting $40 million in gross proceeds before expenses. The oncology-focused medtech firm granted underwriter Lake Street Capital Markets a 30-day option for 1,463,415 additional shares (15% of the offering). Closing is set for February 23, 2026, subject to conditions, via an effective S-3 shelf registration. Funds will support general corporate purposes, amid devices like TriNav for tumor drug delivery and nelitolimod immunotherapy research. (Link)
  9. CenterWell, the healthcare services division of Humana Inc. (NYS: HUM) Expands Florida Footprint with Acquisition of MaxHealth from Arsenal Capital Partners CenterWell, the healthcare services division of Humana Inc., has completed its acquisition of MaxHealth from private equity firm Arsenal Capital Partners and the company’s founder-shareholders. The deal strengthens CenterWell’s presence in Florida, adding a network of 54 owned primary care clinics, four specialty centers, and 24 affiliate clinics across West and South Florida. MaxHealth serves over 120,000 patients, including more than 80,000 in value-based care programs. The acquisition aligns with CenterWell’s strategy to expand its integrated, patient-centered care delivery network and enhance access to high-quality, coordinated healthcare services for seniors and other patients across the region. (Link)
  10. CSD Acquires New Mexico’s Leading Autism Provider BCI in Strategic Merger to Boost Southwest Access, Innovation, and Evidence-Based Behavioral Care Nationwide via its financial sponsors NMS Capital, CD Private Equity, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management Center for Social Dynamics (CSD), a top national autism therapy provider, has acquired Behavior Change Institute (BCI), New Mexico’s premier autism care organization known for clinical expertise and equitable access. Announced February 19, 2026, the deal unites research-driven models, shortening wait times and blending in-person, virtual, and tech-enhanced therapies. CSD CEO Kelly Bozarth hailed it as a “values-driven union” for faster breakthrough care. BCI leaders emphasized scaling their mission nationally while preserving clinical culture. Families retain teams with added CSD tools; the merger advances research, clinician training, and outcomes in underserved areas. (Link)
  11. VB Spine LLC Acquires Exclusive Rights to Augmedics’ FDA-Cleared xvision Spine System®, Bolstering AR Navigation Leadership in Spine Surgery with Nearly 13,000 Cases of Proven Use VB Spine LLC, the largest privately held spine company, announced a definitive agreement to acquire exclusive rights to Augmedics’ groundbreaking xvision Spine System®, the first FDA-cleared AR navigation platform for spine surgery. This move enhances VB Spine’s visualization portfolio, following its recent SpineHawk™ acquisition, and positions it as a global leader in AR-enabled solutions. xvision offers direct-patient visualization, precision, workflow efficiency, and radiation reduction, with nearly 13,000 procedures completed. The deal, expected to close soon pending approvals, supports VB Spine’s strategy to redefine spine care. (Link)
  12. St. David’s HealthCare Acquires Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, Strengthening Central Texas Cardiovascular Expertise in Strategic Integration Austin-based St. David’s HealthCare, part of HCA Healthcare and local nonprofits, has acquired Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (CTVS) on Feb. 15. The system, with nine hospitals, 190 care sites, and over 12,600 employees, will keep CTVS’s name, operations, physicians, providers, and 45 staff intact while aligning them under St. David’s. “This integration builds on decades of collaboration to elevate care and innovation,” said CEO David Huffstutler. The move advances cardiovascular standards in Central Texas. (Link)
  13. Epiphany Dermatology Expands Missouri Footprint with Strategic Partnership Joining Regional Dermatology’s St. Louis Clinics in Chesterfield and Festus Epiphany Dermatology has partnered with Regional Dermatology, LLC, founded in 2010 by board-certified dermatologist Sarah Jensen, M.D., to boost its presence in Missouri’s St. Louis market. The deal integrates Jensen’s team—including two advanced practice providers—at two locations: Chesterfield (West) and Festus. This enhances access to high-quality dermatology services like general care, skin cancer treatment, and Mohs surgery. Jensen praised Epiphany’s patient-focused values, while CEO Gheorghe Pusta highlighted the cultural fit and shared expertise. Epiphany now supports operations, marketing, and recruiting, operating 121 locations across 18 states from Austin, Texas. (Link)
  14. Gilead to Acquire Arcellx for Up to $7.8 Billion, Expanding Oncology and Cell Therapy Pipeline Gilead Sciences has agreed to acquire Arcellx in a transaction valued at up to $7.8 billion, strengthening its position in next-generation cell therapies for cancer. Arcellx’s lead programs focus on innovative immunotherapy approaches designed to improve durability and safety in hematologic malignancies. The acquisition builds on Gilead’s broader oncology strategy and deepens its commitment to high-growth, high-innovation therapeutic areas. The deal underscores continued large-cap biopharma appetite for differentiated oncology assets amid competitive cell therapy development. (Link)
  15. Viventium Acquires Apploi to Launch Unified HCM Platform Revolutionizing Post-Acute Care Workforce Management Amid Labor Crisis via its financial sponsor LLR Partners Viventium has acquired Apploi, creating a category-leading human capital management (HCM) platform tailored for post-acute and long-term care providers. The unified system integrates recruiting, credentialing, onboarding, payroll, scheduling, and compliance across all 50 states, addressing labor shortages and fragmented software silos. Viventium CEO Navin Gupta highlighted ending “fractured systems,” while Apploi CEO Adam Lewis emphasized full employee lifecycle support. Serving thousands of providers and hundreds of thousands of employees, the deal closed January 30, 2026. Financial terms undisclosed. (Link)
  16. Invo Fertility (Nasdaq: IVF), Acquires Indianapolis’ Family Beginnings for $760K, Bolstering Midwest Presence and Projecting $9M Clinic Revenue in 2025 Amid Growth Pivot Invo Fertility Inc. (Nasdaq: IVF), based in Sarasota, has acquired the nonclinical assets of Midwest fertility clinic Family Beginnings in Indianapolis for $760,000 in cash and preferred stock. The deal preserves Dr. James Donahue’s leadership and the existing team, with Invo providing operational support and tech investments. Family Beginnings reported $1M revenue and $200K net income for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2025—18% of Invo’s clinic revenue. Now with four clinics, Invo eyes $9M combined 2025 revenue, up from 2024’s $6.5M total (with $9.1M net loss). CEO Steve Shum calls it an “inflection point,” targeting acquisitions, organic growth, and 2026 expansion via marketing and tech. (Link)
  17. Northwell Health Bolsters South Shore Presence with $9.5M Off-Market Acquisition of Merrick Orthopedic Office Building from Berkeley Capital Northwell Health has expanded its real estate holdings by acquiring a 17,714-square-foot medical office building at 1728-1732 Sunrise Highway in Merrick for $9.5 million in an off-market deal. The property, on 0.46 acres, houses Northwell affiliate Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group, with about three years remaining on its lease. Northwell, self-represented, bought from Berkeley Capital LLC, represented by North Village Realty’s Tom Bigansky. The move secures long-term healthcare delivery in South Shore communities, reflecting generational planning and market confidence, Bigansky noted. (Link)
  18. Sensei Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: SNSE) Acquires Faeth Therapeutics in $200M-Backed Deal to Advance PIKTOR Cancer Therapy Sensei Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: SNSE) has acquired Faeth Therapeutics, gaining its lead asset PIKTOR—an investigational all-oral combo of serabelisib and sapanisertib targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway for endometrial and breast cancers. Concurrently, Sensei secured $200 million in Series B preferred stock financing from top investors like RA Capital, Vivo Capital, and Cormorant. Proceeds will fund Phase 2 topline data in endometrial cancer and a Phase 1b breast cancer trial by end-2026, plus ongoing solnerstotug studies. Post-deal, Faeth holders own 40.8%, investors 54.3%, and prior Sensei shareholders 4.9% on a fully diluted basis. (Link)
  19. Kinderhook Industries to Take Home Health and Hospice Provider Enhabit (NYSE: EHAB) Private in $1.1B Deal Private equity firm Kinderhook Industries has agreed to acquire Enhabit Inc., a Dallas-based home health and hospice services provider, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion. Under the terms of the deal, Enhabit shareholders will receive $13.80 per share in cash, representing a premium to the company’s recent trading levels. The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026, at which point Enhabit’s shares will be delisted from the NYSE. The acquisition reflects continued PE interest in the home health and hospice sector amid demographic tailwinds and demand for at-home care services. (Link)

Venture and Other News:

  1. Rainfall Health Secures $15M Series A to Supercharge AI Compliance Platform Amid CMS’s TEAM Mandate Launch, Unlocking $100M+ Revenue for Hospitals Rainfall Health, an AI-driven compliance platform for hospitals, closed a $15 million Series A round led by Two Bear Capital. The funding will expand AI and customer support teams to aid providers under CMS’s new Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM), launched January 1, 2026. TEAM targets high-cost surgeries like joint replacements and spinal fusions, offering 20% revenue boosts—over $100 million per health system—for meeting quality metrics. CEO Eddie Qureshi emphasized high-quality post-acute care. Backed by experts like former VA Secretary David Shulkin, Rainfall sets a national standard for value-based reimbursement and patient outcomes. (Link)
  2. ProSomnus Secures $38 Million Strategic Investment from Catalio Capital to Advance Next‑Generation Smart Sleep Medicine Platform ProSomnus Sleep Technologies, a leader in non‑CPAP Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) therapy, announced a $38 million strategic investment from healthcare investor Catalio Capital Management to accelerate global expansion and technology development. The funding will support next‑generation remote patient monitoring, proprietary sleep diagnostic devices, and comparative clinical studies. CEO Len Liptak emphasized that the partnership validates ProSomnus’s mission to deliver data‑driven, patient‑preferred OSA therapies. CFO Jason Orchard noted the investment will optimize infrastructure and enhance patient outcomes. Catalio’s Dr. Nicholas von Guionneau joins as Board Observer, highlighting ProSomnus’s leadership in connected, precision sleep solutions. (Link)
  3. Dallas-Based SpendRule Exits Stealth with $2M Seed Round from Abundant Venture Partners, MemorialCare Innovation Fund, and Zeal Capital Partners to Automate AI-Powered Contract Compliance and Invoice Validation for Hospitals like OSF HealthCare, Kettering Health, MemorialCare, and MUSC Health SpendRule, founded by Chris Heckler and Joseph Akintolayo, automates contract compliance and invoice validation for health systems. Its AI software checks purchased services invoices against contract terms pre-payment, integrating seamlessly with ERP systems, contract management, and accounts payable workflows. The funding will expand the team and advance AI infrastructure. Backed by Abundant Venture Partners—a Chicago VC focused on healthcare innovation with a network of 22+ provider organizations—SpendRule serves major clients including OSF HealthCare, Kettering Health, MemorialCare, and MUSC Health. (Link)
  4. Covetrus and MWI Animal Health Strike $3.5 Billion Merger Deal, Forming Tech-Enhanced Platform with Cencora Retaining Major Stake Covetrus and MWI Animal Health announced a blockbuster $3.5 billion merger on February 18, creating a unified “comprehensive animal health platform.” MWI’s owners, Cencora, will receive $1.25 billion in cash and equity stakes, retaining a 34.3% share in the new entity. Leaders hailed the deal for blending MWI’s supply chain prowess and customer ties in companion and production animal sectors with Covetrus’ tech-driven veterinary solutions. The combo promises enhanced logistics, cost savings, broader customer reach—from vets and producers to pet owners—and accelerated innovation to make animal care more affordable and accessible. (Link)
  5. Grail’s Galleri Multi-Cancer Early Detection Blood Test Misses Primary Endpoints in Large Screening Trial Grail’s Galleri multi-cancer early detection blood test recently failed to meet its primary endpoints in a large clinical screening study, raising doubts about its effectiveness as a broad population screening tool. Following the release of these results, the company’s stock experienced a significant decline as investors reassessed commercial prospects. The data suggested lower than expected sensitivity for detecting certain cancers, which could complicate regulatory and reimbursement pathways. The outcome underscores ongoing challenges for next-generation liquid biopsy tests in proving clinical utility at scale. (Link)
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Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Feb 16th, 2026

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  1. Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) acquires Orna Therapeutics for up to $2.4 billion to enter in vivo CAR-T therapy market The all-cash acquisition gives Lilly access to Orna’s engineered circular RNA platform combined with lipid nanoparticles to generate cell therapies within patients’ bodies. Orna’s lead asset, ORN-252, targets CD19 for B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases and is described as clinical trial-ready. Founded in 2021 with technology from MIT researchers Alex Wesselhoeft, Ph.D. and Professor Dan Anderson, Ph.D., Massachusetts-based Orna raised $321 million across seed and Series B rounds and established collaborations with Merck & Co. and Vertex. The platform aims to deliver more durable therapeutic protein expression than current RNA or cell therapy approaches, addressing complexity and cost challenges of ex vivo CAR-T therapies. (Link)
  2. Sanofi (NASD: SNY) completes acquisition of Dynavax Technologies at $15.50 per share The acquisition includes Dynavax’s adult hepatitis B vaccine HEPLISAV-B, currently marketed in the U.S. with a differentiated two-dose regimen over one month, along with shingles vaccine candidate Z-1018 in phase 1/2 studies and additional vaccine pipeline projects. The tender offer expired on February 9, 2026, and Sanofi accepted all validly tendered shares on February 10, 2026. Following the merger under Delaware General Corporation Law Section 251(h), Dynavax became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Sanofi. The transaction augments Sanofi’s adult immunization presence by combining Dynavax’s vaccines with Sanofi’s commercial reach, global scale, and development capabilities. (Link)
  3. Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) completes combination with BD’s Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions (NYSE: BDX) businesses through Reverse Morris Trust transaction, forming global life sciences and diagnostics leader The transaction creates a combined company with Waters shareholders holding 60.8% and BD shareholders owning 39.2% on a fully diluted basis. Waters has established four divisions: Waters Analytical Sciences (separations science and mass spectrometry), Waters Biosciences (flow cytometry and single cell multiomics), Waters Advanced Diagnostics (microbiology, molecular, and multiplex testing), and Waters Materials Sciences (thermal analysis and rheology). The company also appointed Dr. Claire M. Fraser, an internationally recognized genome scientist and former Director of The Institute for Genome Sciences at University of Maryland, to its Board of Directors, expanding the board to 11 members. (Link)
  4. Harbor Health acquires Rippl with continued backing from Kin Ventures, ARCH Venture Partners, General Catalyst, GV, F-Prime Capital, JSL Health and Mass General Brigham Ventures to expand dementia support services The acquisition expands Harbor Health’s condition-focused care pathways into dementia management and extends its geographic footprint into Florida, building on its 2025 purchase of 32 VillageMD clinics. Rippl’s dementia care platform helps seniors remain at home while avoiding unnecessary emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and post-acute care through early identification of medical and behavioral issues. The program will be available at Harbor Health and VillageMD locations in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso for Medicare Advantage members and traditional Medicare beneficiaries through CMS’ GUIDE program, supporting Harbor Health’s proactive, integrated care-and-coverage model. (Link)
  5. Patient Square Capital signs definitive agreement to acquire Paradigm from OMERS Private Equity The transaction reflects Patient Square’s long-standing relationship with Paradigm’s leadership and confidence in the company’s ability to manage complex, high-acuity cases while delivering measurable cost savings and improved outcomes. Walnut Creek-based Paradigm is a specialty care management organization focused on individuals with complex injuries and diagnoses, with growing leadership in payment integrity, home health, and network services across workers’ compensation and healthcare payer sectors. The acquisition marks the successful conclusion of Paradigm’s partnership with OMERS Private Equity. Patient Square will support Paradigm’s expansion beyond its proven workers’ compensation model into the broader healthcare landscape under CEO John S. Watts, Jr.’s leadership. (Link)
  6. ReviveHealth acquires Doseform, via its financial sponsor Eir Partners, to integrate AI driven automation and patient engagement platform across pharmacy operations The acquisition establishes Doseform as the patient management system for Revive’s Pharmacy Centers of Excellence, with deployment planned across all pharmacy locations. Founded in 2021, Doseform uses AI-driven two-way messaging to streamline prescription workflows, payments, and patient communications through automated SMS and mobile links. The platform enables patients to view prescriptions, confirm orders, complete intake forms, and submit payments directly from phones without portals or apps. It addresses routine questions about refills, copays, and order status through AI-enabled chat, reducing inbound call volume and allowing pharmacy teams to focus on higher-value services while supporting rapid growth and operational efficiency. (Link)
  7. Traumasoft acquires Huly, via its financial sponsor Serent Capital, to advance AI strategy for EMS industry Huly will retain its independent brand, leadership team, and R&D operations under Founder and CEO Nidhish Dhru, remaining accessible to EMS agencies regardless of their technology stack. The AI-native platform automates time-intensive administrative processes across pre-billing, Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement, and payroll workflows. Agencies using Huly report first-time billing rejections dropping from approximately 60% to near 10%, along with improved cash flow, accuracy, and staff productivity. Traumasoft customers will benefit from tightly integrated workflows connecting HMS, billing, QA/QI, and AI-driven automation. The structure allows Huly to innovate across the EMS ecosystem while delivering value within Traumasoft’s platform. (Link)
  8. Humana Health’s (NYSE: HUM) CenterWell completes acquisition of MaxHealth from Arsenal Capital Partners to expand senior-focused primary care network The Florida-based primary care organization operates 54 owned primary care clinics, 4 owned specialty/ancillary clinics, and 24 downstream affiliate clinics throughout West and South Florida, serving more than 120,000 patients including over 80,000 in value-based care programs. MaxHealth will now be affiliated with CenterWell Senior Primary Care, the nation’s largest senior-focused, value-based primary care provider, expanding CenterWell’s reach into new key markets. MaxHealth will continue operating under CEO Michelle Leslie’s leadership. (Link)
  9. Abound Health acquires Pro Care Unlimited, via its financial sponsors Housatonic Partners, Peterson Partners, The Cambria Group, Trilogy Search Partners, WSC & Company, Relay Investments, Aspect Investors and Endurance Search Partners, to expand intellectual and developmental disability services into Michigan Effective January 1, 2026, Michigan-based Pro Care Unlimited joined Abound Health while retaining its current name and leadership. Pro Care will gain access to Abound’s infrastructure, clinical oversight, leadership development programs, direct care worker recognition initiatives, emergency assistance through Abound Cares, and scholarships and training resources. Founded over 20 years ago in North Carolina, Abound Health now serves more than 6,000 individuals across North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan with over 7,500 team members. The acquisition aims to build one of Michigan’s most robust IDD networks. (Link)
  10. Natus Sensory acquires TheraB Medical to expand neonatal phototherapy portfolio with FDA-cleared wearable technology The acquisition adds TheraB Medical’s SnugLit™, the first FDA-cleared wearable phototherapy system designed as a single swaddle-style garment for treating neonatal jaundice, to Natus Sensory’s newborn care portfolio. SnugLit received FDA 510(k) clearance in January 2026 and enables infants to remain close to caregivers during treatment, supporting bonding and family-integrated care models. The wearable device complements Natus Sensory’s existing hospital-based phototherapy solutions, providing clinicians greater flexibility to tailor treatment across hospital and home-care settings. Natus Sensory’s global presence and established hospital relationships will enable access to innovative technology for families and clinicians. (Link)
  11. HealthMark Group acquires Purview, via its financial sponsors Aspect Investors, WSC & Company, Ridgemont Equity Partners, TA Associates Management, Saltoun Capital Partners and BaseFour, to expand digital access to medical imaging and modernize image sharing infrastructure The acquisition addresses the healthcare industry’s persistent reliance on physical discs for medical image sharing, with approximately two-thirds of radiological images still distributed this way. Purview’s cloud-based platform simplifies ingestion, analysis, and sharing of medical imaging data, providing quick and secure access to imaging records regardless of care delivery location. Trusted by numerous academic medical centers and five of the top ten children’s hospitals, Purview will integrate into HealthMark’s clinical data exchange solution to provide complete, timely access to medical imaging across regions, institutions, and care settings, accelerating care delivery and improving patient outcomes for authorized recipients. (Link)

Venture and Other News  

  1. Talkiatry raises oversubscribed $210M Series D led by Perceptive Advisors with Sofina, Andreessen Horowitz and Left Lane Capital to expand telepsychiatry services The New York City-based company will use proceeds to build technology and expand services across the mental health acuity spectrum, including lower-acuity offerings like couples therapy and future higher-acuity services such as intensive outpatient support. Talkiatry directly employs over 800 full-time psychiatrists and is in-network with more than 100 insurers covering over 170 million lives, delivering 3 million patient visits to date. The company’s Mindshare Partner Program partners with over one-third of the country’s top 20 health systems, enabling patient referrals while integrating with existing EMR systems and workflows, achieving cost reductions up to $700 per member per month. (Link)
  2. Solace Health raises $130M Series C led by IVP with Menlo Ventures, SignalFire, Torch Capital, Inspired Capital, and RiverPark Ventures to scale patient advocacy platform at $1B valuation Founded in 2022, Solace Health will use proceeds to expand its national advocate network beyond 2,000 existing advocates, invest in platform and clinical research, and deepen payer and provider partnerships to embed advocacy earlier in patient journeys. The digital platform matches Medicare and Medicare Advantage patients with trained healthcare advocates who coordinate care, manage appointment logistics, attend appointments, reduce medical bills, organize documents, manage insurance appeals, and oversee care transitions. Serving over 20,000 patients monthly, 98% report better outcomes, with 95% paying no out-of-pocket costs for services. (Link)
  3. Garner Health raises $118M Series D led by Kleiner Perkins with Redpoint, Maverick, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, Mercy and Plus Capital to scale AI-driven care navigation platform at $1.35B valuation The New York-based company will use proceeds to expand its proprietary doctor ranking platform, scale AI-driven navigation and appointment booking capabilities, and grow its team. Garner leverages medical data covering over 320 million patient records to identify high-performing doctors who follow latest research and avoid unnecessary procedures, showing top providers have 75% lower complication and mortality rates. The platform acts as a financial administrator layering atop existing health plans, covering out-of-pocket costs when employees see top providers. This results in employees paying 80% less while employers achieve 12% total healthcare cost reduction, serving over 2.5 million members across 700 clients. (Link)
  4. Anterior raises $40M funding round led by FPV and Kinnevik with NEA and Sequoia Capital to scale AI platform for health insurers The round brings Anterior’s total funding to $64 million as the company expands its clinician-led AI platform that supports health plans with prior authorization, payment integrity, and risk adjustment workflows. Founded by physician and former Google product leader Dr. Abdel Mahmoud, Anterior deploys AI directly into clinical workflows with a team comprising 40% clinicians who contribute to the codebase. The company has deployed across major U.S. health plans including Geisinger Health Plan, built strategic integrations with HealthEdge, and supports organizations covering 50 million lives through its Forward Deployed Clinician model that pairs advanced technology with embedded clinical expertise. (Link)
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Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Feb 9th, 2026

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  1. Weight-loss drugs to compete on biggest stage with Super Bowl ads (Link)
    • Official NFL Super Bowl Commercials 2026 – All Commercials (Link)
      • Novo Nordisk (Wegovy): Celebrity-filled oral weight-loss pill promo. (Link)
      • Hims & Hers: Highlights wealth-health inequality gap. (Link)
      • Ro: Serena Williams promotes GLP-1 telehealth. (Link)
      • Novartis: Encourages prostate cancer blood test screening. (Link)
      • Boehringer Ingelheim: Raises awareness for kidney disease screening. (Link)
  2. TrumpRx launches with AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer to offer discounted drugs for U.S. cash‑paying patients under Most favoured Nation policy
    The TrumpRx direct‑to‑consumer platform introduces over 40 discounted prescription drugs to help uninsured or cash‑paying U.S. patients access more affordable treatments. The initiative, backed by the first five pharmaceutical companies signing pricing deals under the Most Favoured Nation policy, includes major blockbusters such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, both offered at significantly reduced prices. Additional products include insulin, fertility therapies, and inhalers from Pfizer and others. Sixteen global drugmakers are expected to join the platform, which aims to align U.S. medication prices with international standards while reshaping the domestic pricing landscape and consumer access dynamics. (Link)
  3. Takeda deepens AI drug discovery push with $1.7 billion Iambic deal
    Takeda Pharmaceutical enters multi-year AI drug discovery collaboration with Iambic Therapeutics worth more than $1.7 billion to accelerate small-molecule development in oncology, inflammation, and gastrointestinal diseases. The partnership underscores Takeda’s push to fully integrate AI into its R&D engine, following prior deals like its Nabla Bio collaboration, as big pharma bets on AI to speed discovery, reduce costs, and target complex diseases more precisely. Iambic, a San Diego-based biotech with a growing pipeline of AI-discovered candidates, gains validation and funding to expand its platform amid surging interest in AI-driven drug design. (Link)
  4. Once Upon a Farm (NYSE: OFRM) raises $198M in NYSE IPO backed by Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan to expand organic children’s food business co-founded by Jennifer Garner
    The company’s public debut marks a major milestone for the organic children’s food brand, offering 11 million shares at $18 each. Founded by Cassandra Curtis and Ari Raz in 2015 and later joined by Jennifer Garner and John Foraker, Once Upon a Farm produces cold-pressed pouches, frozen meals, and oat bars made from responsibly sourced fruits and vegetables. The IPO strengthens its ability to meet rising consumer demand for clean, nutritious food products while amplifying its retail presence. Despite global supply challenges, the company aims to grow amid increasing momentum in the health-conscious food and beverage market. (Link)
  5. TenetHealthcare (NYSE: THC) receives $1.9B from CommonSpirit to regain full ownership of Conifer Health Solutions
    Under the agreement, CommonSpirit will pay Tenet Healthcare $1.9 billion in instalments over three years to sell its 23.8% equity stake in Conifer Health Solutions, Tenet’s revenue cycle management subsidiary. The transaction, retroactive to January 1, 2026, also includes a $540 million payment from Conifer to eliminate CommonSpirit’s capital account and finalize the stake redemption. Conifer will continue providing services to CommonSpirit through the end of 2026 while onboarding new clients. Tenet expects the move to strengthen its financial outlook, citing operational efficiency, revenue growth, and strategic alignment as key drivers for sustaining profitability and future expansion. (Link)
  6. PrimeGen US to merge with DT Cloud Star Acquisition Corporation (NASD: DTSQ) in a $1.5B business combination to accelerate stem cell and exosome therapy development
    The merger will position PrimeGen US for public market access and expanded funding to advance its regenerative medicine portfolio. The company’s lead program centers on its proprietary Triple Activated Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) platform, being developed as a treatment for acute alcoholic hepatitis and other liver-related conditions. The deal, expected to close in the second half of 2026 pending shareholder and regulatory approvals, will support clinical progression, regulatory submissions, and potential commercialization. PrimeGen’s leadership emphasized that the transaction marks a major step toward scaling its two-decade foundation in stem cell innovation into transformative therapies for critical diseases. (Link)
  7. Eikon Therapeutics (NASD: EIKN) raises $381M in upsized Nasdaq IPO, the largest biotech listing since 2024, led by former Merck executive Roger Perlmutter
    Proceeds from the public offering will fund the clinical advancement of Eikon’s oncology pipeline, notably EIK1001, a toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist currently studied with Keytruda in melanoma and lung cancer. Additional programs include PARP1 inhibitors EIK1003 and EIK1004—targeting ovarian, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers—and EIK1005, a WRN helicase inhibitor in early-stage development for solid tumours. The company, founded in 2021, continues to build momentum on its immunotherapy and precision oncology strategy, backed by prior multimillion-dollar financing rounds that have supported rapid progression from preclinical research to multiple active phase 1/2 and 2/3 trials across critical cancer indications. (Link)
  8. SpyGlass Pharma (NASD: SGP) launches $150M Nasdaq IPO for advancing long-acting eye drug delivery innovation
    Funds from the IPO will advance SpyGlass Pharma’s lead candidate, the Bimatoprost Drug Pad-IOL System, a long-acting intraocular lens designed to deliver sustained treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The device, implanted during cataract surgery, provides years of drug release, potentially eliminating the need for daily eye drops. Proceeds will support two phase 3 clinical trials already underway and a potential commercial rollout upon successful results. Early studies demonstrated significant intraocular pressure reduction, affirming the platform’s promise. SpyGlass joins a wave of biotech companies reinvigorating the IPO market as investors renew interest in ophthalmic and drug-delivery innovations. (Link)
  9. Agomab Therapeutics (NASD: AGMB) raises $200M in Nasdaq IPO to support development of ALK5 inhibitors for fibrostenosing Crohn’s disease and pulmonary fibrosis
    Proceeds from the IPO will fund Agomab Therapeutics’ next-stage clinical programs, including a global phase 2b trial for ontunisertib, its leading oral ALK5 inhibitor targeting fibro stenosing Crohn’s disease. The company also plans to advance AGMB‑447, another ALK5 inhibitor in phase 1 studies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, toward midstage development. Both candidates were obtained through Agomab’s 2021 acquisition of Origo Biopharma. The IPO proceeds will also bolster operational growth and global research capabilities as Agomab pursues fibrosis-modifying therapies aimed at halting disease progression in patients with chronic intestinal and respiratory conditions. (Link)
  10. Veradermics (NYSE: MANE) raises $256M in NYSE IPO with investment interest from Eli Lilly and Wellington Management to advance oral minoxidil hair regrowth therapy
    The Connecticut-based biotech’s IPO marks a strong debut, with shares more than doubling in their first trading session. Veradermics focuses on developing VDPHL01, an extended-release oral version of minoxidil, intended to overcome limitations of topical Rogaine. The funds will support phase 3 trials evaluating its efficacy in treating pattern hair loss. Eli Lilly expressed interest in acquiring up to 4.9% of issued shares, while Wellington Management indicated plans to invest up to $30 million. The company seeks to capture a major share of the expanding global hair loss market and lead innovation in convenient, effective hair restoration therapies. (Link)
  11. Kaiser Permanente and Renown Health complete joint venture to jointly own Hometown Health and expand integrated care access in northern Nevada
    The finalized partnership marks Kaiser Permanente’s entry into northern Nevada through the joint ownership of Hometown Health and collaboration with Renown Health’s established provider network. The venture aims to expand access to affordable, value-based care while integrating insurance coverage and clinical delivery across the region. Kaiser Permanente will open two new medical centers in 2026, adding to its existing Reno location, and plans to introduce its digital health platform and in-house pharmacy network by 2027. The collaboration combines Kaiser Permanente’s national capabilities with Renown’s strong local presence to enhance clinical outcomes and improve patient experience across northern Nevada. (Link)
  12. NuvemRx acquires 340B referral technology company par8o from R1 RCM, via its financial sponsors Parthenon Capital Partners and Rainmaker Strategic Capital to enhance specialty care coordination and expand pharmacy network capabilities
    The acquisition integrates par8o’s AI-powered referral capture technology with NuvemRx’s pharmacy management and third-party administration services, enabling covered entities to more efficiently manage 340B referrals and specialty prescriptions. The combined platform now supports over 800 covered entities and impacts more than 70 million patients nationwide. By automating up to 85% of the referral and eligibility process, the integration reduces administrative burdens, enhances compliance, and increases savings opportunities for safety-net providers. The move strengthens NuvemRx’s mission to simplify pharmacy operations, expand access to affordable care, and improve coordination across community health and specialty care networks.  (Link)
  13. MedRisk to acquire Horizon Casualty Services PPO Network business from Horizon Mutual Holdings, via its financial sponsors CVC Capital Partners and The Carlyle Group to expand managed care capabilities in workers’ compensation and auto casualty markets
    The acquisition enhances MedRisk’s reach and service offerings within the casualty claims industry by integrating Horizon Casualty Services’ PPO Network business. The move aligns with MedRisk’s strategy to deliver improved patient outcomes, streamlined claims management, and optimized payment solutions. The integration supports faster recovery times, smarter spending, and enhanced client value while reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and superior service across workers’ compensation and auto casualty markets. (Link)
  14. Coloplast discloses definitive agreement for Uramedica acquisition in Q1 2025/26 earnings Report
    Coloplast US signs definitive merger agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Uromedica, a privately held US medtech company specializing in minimally invasive treatments for stress urinary incontinence, making Uromedica a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition is expected to close in February 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and requisite Uromedica shareholder approval. The move aligns with Coloplast’s strategy to bolster growth in urology through targeted additions, amid strong organic performance in the division. (Link)
  15. Konovo acquires Rare Patient Voice, via its financial sponsors Bain Capital Credit, Frazier Healthcare Partners, GV Investment Managers and Leavitt Equity Partners to expand access to 200,000+ patients and caregivers The acquisition strengthens Konovo’s healthcare intelligence platform by combining its data-driven capabilities and healthcare provider network with Rare Patient Voice’s extensive, community-driven database of patients and caregivers. This integration enhances the ability of researchers to access hard-to-reach populations and capture real-world patient insights across therapeutic areas. Konovo plans to scale these efforts globally while integrating patient and clinician perspectives into unified, technology-enabled research solutions. The partnership drives faster, more informed decision-making for healthcare organizations advancing innovation in complex diseases. (Link)
  16. RadNet (NASD: RDNT) acquires Northwest Radiology in Indiana, adding six imaging centers to expand Midwest footprint and enhance AI-powered diagnostic services
    The acquisition marks RadNet’s entry into Indiana, extending its national imaging network into the Midwest through six outpatient centers in the Indianapolis region. Northwest Radiology’s 18 radiologists will continue providing contracted professional services, ensuring continuity and maintaining strong local physician relationships. The integration will leverage RadNet’s advanced imaging technologies and AI-driven workflows to improve early disease detection and overall population health management. With the addition expected to generate approximately $18 million in annual revenue, RadNet aims to expand its proactive diagnostic approach while strengthening patient access to high-quality, cost-effective imaging care across Indiana. (Link)
  17. Nautic Partners completes growth investment in KabaFusion as Novo Holdings exits, supporting expansion of home infusion care services
    The partnership marks a new phase for KabaFusion, a national leader in home and alternate site infusion therapy. With operations covering 45 states through 33 pharmacies and 21 infusion suites, the company will leverage Nautic Partners’ investment to accelerate its growth and innovation initiatives. KabaFusion’s management team, which remains significant investors, will continue leading the organization to enhance patient access and clinical excellence. The investment underscores Nautic’s strategy of backing mission-driven healthcare providers delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, marking the exit of Novo Holdings following its successful tenure supporting KabaFusion’s nationwide expansion. (Link)
  18. Black Pearl Equities Announces Intention to Commence Tender Offer to Acquire Selectis Health, Inc.
    Black Pearl Equities, LLC announces intention to commence an all-cash tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Selectis Health, Inc. (OTC: GBCS) at $4.00 per share. The proposed transaction is subject to negotiation and execution of definitive transaction documentation as well as customary closing conditions.  Selectis Health operates skilled nursing and transitional care facilities, and this unsolicited proposal follows the company’s recent asset sales and operational streamlining efforts. (Link)
  19. Vanderbilt Health acquires Tennova’s Clarksville Hospital, Tennova ER-Sango, and physician clinics from Community Health Systems to expand regional care network
    The acquisition expands Vanderbilt Health’s footprint across Middle Tennessee, adding the 270-bed Clarksville hospital, freestanding Sango ER, and multiple physician practices to its growing regional system. Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital (VCH) will serve as a hub for expanded emergency, surgical, and specialty services, with new paediatric and adult programs planned in collaboration with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. The integration brings nearly 1,100 staff and over 30 physicians into Vanderbilt’s network, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality, community-based care. The move marks Vanderbilt’s fourth regional hospital acquisition, extending its reach beyond Nashville and strengthening access to advanced health services statewide. (Link)

Venture and Other News  

  1. Midi Health closes $100M Series D in Goodwater Capital–led round with Foresite Capital, Serena Ventures, Advance Venture Partners, GV, Emerson Collective, SemperVirens and McKesson Ventures to scale national women’s health platform
    The virtual women’s health clinic now serves over 230,000 patients across 50 states through a network of 500 providers, treating 25,000 patients weekly. Founded in 2021 to address perimenopause and menopause care, the company is expanding into metabolic health, weight management, and musculoskeletal health. The platform uses AI-powered tools for chart analysis, scheduling, and care protocols while offering insurance-backed services reaching 45 million women. The company reports improved screening adherence rates and up to 13% lower total cost of care, with plans to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage. (Link)
  2. Chamber raises $60M Series A led by Frist Cressey Ventures with General Catalyst, AlleyCorp, American Family Ventures, Company Ventures, Optum Ventures, Healthworx Ventures and Black Opal Ventures to scale cardiology value-based care
    The funding will accelerate Chamber’s mission to modernize cardiovascular care through value-based models that improve outcomes while lowering costs. The company’s platform integrates AI-driven insights to help cardiologists identify high-risk patients, close care gaps, and streamline workflows within existing systems. Partnering with both payers and practices, Chamber supports data-informed, proactive management of chronic heart disease. With more than 500 cardiologists across seven states already on its network, the company plans to expand its national footprint and strengthen partnerships with health plans. The investment underscores growing momentum behind value-based innovations addressing cardiovascular care delivery and patient experience. (Link)
  3. Alaffia Health raises $55M Series B led by Transformation Capital with FirstMark Capital, Tau Ventures, and Twine Ventures to expand AI-driven health plan operations
    The latest funding round accelerates Alaffia Health’s mission to reduce healthcare’s $570 billion in administrative waste through advanced, clinically informed AI for health plan claims management. The company’s platform combines physician oversight with agentic AI to enhance accuracy, speed reviews, and achieve measurable cost savings for national and regional payers. Delivering over 20% savings on high-cost claims and fivefold ROI, Alaffia plans to use the new capital for R&D, product innovation, and scaling adoption across the healthcare ecosystem. The investment supports ongoing efforts to create transparent, compliant, and efficient claims infrastructure that strengthens affordability and systemwide operational performance. (Link)
  4. Third Arc Bio raises $52M Series A extension led by Andreessen Horowitz with Omega Funds, Goldman Sachs Alternatives, BVF Partners, T. Rowe Price, Galapagos NV, AbbVie Ventures and Alderline Group to advance oncology and immunology pipeline
    The funding strengthens Third Arc Bio’s efforts to expand its multifunctional antibody programs in oncology and immunology. The capital will accelerate clinical development of the company’s lead asset, ARC101—a bispecific T cell engager targeting CLDN6 in advanced solid tumours—while advancing next-generation inflammation and immune modulation candidates toward human trials. Leveraging its ARCTag (Tethered Agonist) platform, Third Arc Bio aims to localize immune activity precisely at disease sites, enhancing efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity. Supported by a seasoned scientific team, the company continues to validate its platform approach to develop targeted biologics addressing major unmet medical needs. (Link)

Market Rumours

  1. Seed Health reportedly retains Centerview Partners to explore potential sale amid strong financial performance
    Seed Health has reportedly hired Centerview Partners to advise on a potential sale as it attracts strong interest from strategic and private equity buyers. Generating about $200 million in revenue and over $50 million in EBITDA, the company aims to leverage rising global demand for premium probiotics and wellness products.
  2. HHAeXchange reportedly explores sale with Centerview Partners advising; backed by Cressey & Company and Hg Capital
    The company, generating about $100 million in recurring revenue, develops software that streamlines compliance and operations for Medicaid homecare providers. Having expanded through acquisitions of Sandata Technologies, Generations Homecare Systems, and Cashe Software, it reflects growing investor interest in post‑acute healthcare tech consolidation during ongoing strategic review discussions.
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Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Jan 26th, 2026

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  1. Winter Storm Fern Cripples Half the Country This Weekend
    • CNBC: $100B expected economic loss and damages from storm (Link) 
    • CNBC: Transportation Sec. Duffy says air travel will return to normal by Wednesday (Link) 
    • The Weather Channel: Winter Storm Fern Turns Deadly In Louisiana, Outages For Hundreds Of Thousands Vulnerable To Ice, Snow (Link) 
    • National Public Radio: As the winter storm rages, here’s what to know in your state(Link)
  2. GSK (NYSE:GSK) pays $2.2B to acquire Rapt Therapeutics (NASD:RAPT) and Food Allergy Antibody Ozureprubart GSK is acquiring Rapt Therapeutics for $58 per share, gaining global (ex‑China) rights to ozureprubart, an extended‑half‑life anti‑IgE antibody being studied as a 12‑weekly prophylactic treatment for food allergies. Unlike currently approved IgE inhibitors that require injections every 2–4 weeks, ozureprubart aims to offer sustained protection with less frequent dosing while targeting the same validated pathway as Xolair. The deal follows Rapt’s strategic pivot away from its CCR4 inhibitor program after clinical setbacks and positions ozureprubart for phase 2 readout in 2027 and a planned phase 3 program, backed by GSK’s global development and commercialization infrastructure. (Link)
  3. BioCryst (NASD: BCRX) acquires Astria Therapeutics (NASD:ATXS) in $700M deal to Build Comprehensive Hereditary Angioedema Treatment Platform The transaction adds Navenibart, a long-acting plasma kallikrein inhibitor in Phase 3, which is being developed as a prophylactic HAE treatment with every‑three or every‑six month dosing to improve patient convenience and attack control. BioCryst now pairs its existing oral therapy ORLADEYO with a potential injectable option to give clinicians more flexibility in tailoring care. The deal also brings STAR0310, an early atopic dermatitis program for which strategic options will be explored, and augments BioCryst’s leadership with Astria’s former CEO joining the board and a senior development leader taking charge of technical operations. (Link)
  4. Georgia ProtonCare Center, Inc. Files Chapter 11 to Facilitate Competitive Sale Process and Enters Into Asset Purchase Agreement With Emory Healthcare Georgia ProtonCare Center (GPCC), owner of Georgia’s only proton therapy cancer treatment facility in Midtown Atlanta, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to facilitate a court-supervised sale process and ensure uninterrupted patient care. The company has signed an asset purchase agreement with Emory Healthcare (via Emory University Hospital Midtown) as the stalking horse bidder to acquire substantially all assets, with Emory clinicians already providing daily treatment at the center. GPCC aims to complete the competitive sale by Q2 2026, prioritizing seamless continuation of precision proton therapy services for cancer patients while operations continue as usual under court-approved funding. (Link)
  5. KidsChoice Announces Majority Investment from Aquitaine Capital to Support Growth and Clinical Excellence KidsChoice, an Oklahoma-based provider of clinic-centered autism and pediatric therapy services including ABA, speech, and occupational therapy, has secured a majority investment from women-owned private equity firm Aquitaine Capital to fuel expansion, enhance clinical excellence, and strengthen infrastructure. The partnership supports thoughtful growth through new clinic openings, strategic M&A, and complementary offerings while prioritizing individualized, outcomes-driven care for children and families. (Link)
  6. Community Health Systems Sells Crestwood Medical Center to Huntsville Hospital Health System in $450M Deal The transaction will transfer Crestwood Medical Center, a 180‑bed acute care hospital in Huntsville, Alabama, along with a freestanding emergency department in Harvest and multiple clinics and outpatient assets, to a regional nonprofit operator. Crestwood’s roughly 1,000 employees will continue normal operations with no planned changes to services or medical staff privileges during the transition. Huntsville Hospital Health System, already a major 14‑hospital network across northern Alabama and southern Tennessee, views the deal as a way to better coordinate local care as Huntsville’s population rapidly grows, while the seller continues its strategy of divesting assets to strengthen its financial position. (Link)
  7. BioStem Technologies (OTC: BSEM) and BioTissue sign Up to $40M Surgical and Wound Care Asset DealThe transaction adds BioTissue’s Neox and Clarix placental- and umbilical‑tissue allograft product lines, along with a national direct and independent sales force and key group purchasing organization contracts, giving BioStem an immediate presence in hospital inpatient and outpatient settings. The acquired surgical and wound care assets, which generated about $29 million in 2025 sales, broaden BioStem’s chronic and acute wound care portfolio and create entry into high‑value segments such as burns and soft‑tissue repair. Deal terms include an upfront $15 million cash payment plus up to $25 million in potential regulatory and commercial milestone payments. (Link)
  8. Harmony Healthcare IT acquires Blue Elm, via its financial sponsor Novacap to build Comprehensive MEDITECH Data Lifecycle Platform Harmony Healthcare IT has acquired Blue Elm to offer MEDITECH hospitals a single, end-to-end partner for data extraction, conversion, migration, archiving, optimization, and real-time access across all MEDITECH versions. The combined capabilities help hospitals retire costly legacy systems, strengthen data integrity, and improve accessibility as they upgrade or transition EHR platforms. By unifying services under one organization and relying on U.S.-based resources instead of offshore outsourcing, the company aims to shorten complex project timelines, enhance security and quality, and better support hospitals under pressure to improve care quality while reducing operating costs. (Link)
  9. PhaseWell Research acquires Bio Behavioral Health Partner, via its financial sponsor Shore Capital Partners to expand Community-Based Neuropsychiatric Clinical Trials The acquisition will strengthen PhaseWell’s national network of community clinical research sites focused on neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The collaboration aims to broaden patient access to neuropsychiatric trials by leveraging BBH’s experience in community-based studies and PhaseWell’s nationwide platform and infrastructure. Together, the organizations plan to support sponsors with reliable patient enrolment, strong operational execution, and high-quality data while advancing next-generation CNS therapeutics across complex therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular/metabolic conditions, and dermatology. (Link)
  10. Pair Team acquires Town Square to Advance AI-Enabled Community Care for Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries The acquisition combines an AI-driven medical group with a social care coordination platform to better integrate clinical, behavioral, and social services for underserved populations. Technology will orchestrate complex, cross-setting care tasks so human teams can concentrate on clinical decisions, hands-on support, and relationships with patients and local organizations. Town Square’s founder will lead network expansion and community partnerships within the new structure, which emphasizes responsible AI, robust outcomes measurement, and investment in community-based infrastructure to extend whole-person care to people historically excluded from the healthcare system. (Link)
  11. Aspen Surgical expands Infection Prevention Portfolio with acquisition of Ruhof Healthcare, via its financial sponsors Linden and Audax Private Equity The buyer is adding enzymatic detergents, cleaning verification tools, and automated and manual instrument and endoscope reprocessing solutions to deepen its presence in operating rooms, sterile processing, and endoscopy settings. Ruhof’s portfolio, including Endozime detergents, ScopeValet single-use consumables, CleanRead ATP contamination monitoring, and instrument refurbishment services, will bolster the SPD360 Performance Solutions platform and complement existing brands such as Symmetry, Bookwalter, and Precept. The transaction covers all Ruhof operations, brands, and product lines, with integration set to begin immediately and no near-term disruption expected for customers, suppliers, or employees. (Link)
  12. TridentCare acquires DispatchHealth Imaging Unit to Grow National Portable Diagnostics Network The acquisition adds a multistate mobile X‑ray and ultrasound operation that serves patients at home, in post‑acute facilities, and in correctional settings, expanding TridentCare’s reach and capacity. By integrating these imaging teams and customers into its national infrastructure, TridentCare aims to speed response times, improve scheduling flexibility, and deliver more consistent service quality for clinicians and patients. DispatchHealth will continue focusing on providing complex care in the home and will coordinate imaging through technology and partnerships so patients and providers experience seamless, integrated services. (Link)
  13. Morris & Dickson Completes Transaction to Acquire Prodigy Health Morris & Dickson (M&D), the nation’s largest independent wholesale and specialty pharmaceutical distributor, has completed its acquisition of Prodigy Health, a specialty pharmaceutical distribution and services company focused on plasma-derived therapies. The transaction expands M&D’s specialty portfolio, broadens access to plasma therapies for hospitals, clinics, infusion centers, and alternative care sites nationwide, and strengthens its independent platform for manufacturers through a compliance-first approach. (Link)
  14. Main Post Partners and HomeWell Leadership acquire HomeWell Franchising to Accelerate Senior In‑Home Care Growth The deal pairs a national non‑medical home care franchisor with a private equity firm experienced in franchising and consumer service brands, aiming to fuel the next phase of expansion. The partners emphasize a “partnership, not ownership” philosophy, focusing on close collaboration with franchisees and caregivers to scale services while preserving mission and culture. Building on several years of rapid revenue growth and record franchise development, the company plans to invest in tools, resources, and support that help local agencies grow and better serve seniors and homebound individuals in their communities. (Link)

Venture and Other News  

  1. Zarminali Paediatrics raises $110M in Series A funding led by Healthier Capital, with participation from General Catalyst, K2 HealthVentures, and Boston Children’s Hospital to expand integrated paediatric care footprint The company will use the new capital to scale its proprietary tech platform, enter additional states and open de novo clinics while continuing to acquire established paediatric groups. Its model centers on a single branded multispecialty practice that co-locates clinics with urgent care, directly employing both paediatricians and specialists to coordinate care across the full continuum outside the hospital. Since launching in 2024, Zarminali has rapidly expanded to 28 clinics in eight states and plans at least 15 new sites in 2026, while laying groundwork for future value-based arrangements and building analytics to track clinician performance and patient outcomes. (Link)
  2. Mendra launches with $82M Series A co-led by OrbiMed, 8VC, and 5AM Ventures, with participation from Lux Capital and Wing VC to advance AI-driven rare disease therapeutics Mendra will use the oversubscribed financing to acquire and develop an initial portfolio of high-potential rare disease assets while applying AI to speed patient identification, trial enrollment and global market access. The company is built to modernize how rare disease medicines are developed and commercialized so they reach underserved patients more efficiently worldwide. A veteran leadership team with deep experience in rare disease drug development, global commercialization and AI—drawn from organizations such as BioMarin, Modis Therapeutics, Escient Pharmaceuticals, Palantir and Bayer—will guide strategy across asset selection, clinical execution and business development. (Link)
  3. AnswersNow raises $40M in Series B funding led by HealthQuest Capital, with participation from Left Lane Capital and Owl Ventures to Scale AI-Enabled Virtual Autism Therapy The company will use the new capital to expand its platform, double clinical headcount, add senior leaders and launch new service lines to meet surging demand for autism support. Its AI-driven model pairs families across the U.S. with Master’s- and PhD-level BCBAs for targeted, parent-mediated virtual ABA, cutting weekly therapy time from 30+ hours to about 4–5 while sustaining strong clinical gains. Outcomes data show high family-reported improvements, substantial cost savings for payors and a consistently strong satisfaction score, with forthcoming research in 2026 intended to further validate clinical and economic impact. (Link)
  4. BrightInsight secures $13M investment from Eclipse, General Catalyst, Insight Partners, Mayo Clinic and New Leaf Venture Partners to scale its AI-enabled medication adherence platform The company will deploy the capital to expand its AI-enabled persistence and adherence solutions, including a co-developed Patient App used across multiple diseases and therapies worldwide. By leveraging real-world data and advanced analytics, the platform targets chronically low adherence rates, aiming to predict churn and trigger personalized interventions that keep patients on therapy. BrightInsight reports strong patient engagement and one-year retention across programs and plans to deepen its product roadmap, broaden disease and biopharma partnerships, and add support for caregivers and nurse educators to ease pressure on health systems. (Link)
  5. McKinsey & Co Released their Annual Healthcare Outlook Report. To remain competitive in 2026 and beyond, healthcare leaders must improve performance, embrace technology and rethink traditional care models (Link)
  6. IPO Watchlist
    • Once Upon a Farm — Organic children’s food company co-founded by Jennifer Garner, is targeting a valuation of up to $764.4 million in its upcoming U.S. IPO on the NYSE under the ticker OFRM. (Link)
    • Kallyope — New York City-based biotechnology company specializing in novel therapeutics targeting the gut-brain axis and neural circuits.
    • Kardium — Vancouver area based medical device company focused on cardiac electrophysiology solutions; develops advanced catheter-based systems for the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of atrial fibrillation.
    • Tenpoint Therapeutics — London, UK-headquartered (with U.S. operations in Seattle and Irvine) ophthalmic biotechnology company dedicated to age-related vision restoration therapies.
    • Vensure Employer Solutions — Chandler, AZ -based professional employer organization (PEO) and provider of human capital management (HCM) technology serving the healthcare and broader employer ecosystem.
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Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Jan 20th, 2026

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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)
Spenser Lin No Comments

News Healthcare Deals, Investments & Update Week ending Jan 12th 2026

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  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) 
Neil Johnson No Comments

News Healthcare Deals, Investments & Update Week ending Jan 5th 2026

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  • 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

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

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  • 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)