Spenser Lin No Comments

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

LECO_Weekly-Healthcare-News_7-20-2026Download

Healthcare Weekly News and Deals – 20 July, 2026

  1. PE-backed Ridgemont Equity Partners and Coogee Bay Partners Acquire Ohio-based Caring Transitions. Ridgemont Equity Partners, a Charlotte-based middle-market private equity firm, and Coogee Bay Partners (digital-marketplace operators Joshua Ellstein and Michael Felman) acquired Caring Transitions, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based nationwide franchise network providing senior move management, downsizing, estate-sale and home-cleanout services through its CTBids digital marketplace. Terms were undisclosed. Ellstein and Felman become Co-Executive Chairmen alongside President Joe Lewandowski. Founded in 2006, the Ohio company operates more than 300 franchise locations. The sponsors plan to scale and modernize the CTBids platform to capture liquidity from an aging population downsizing its households, blending Ridgemont’s buyout capital with Coogee Bay’s marketplace-operating expertise. (Link)
  2. Great Point Partners-backed VetnCare acquired Holistic Veterinary Care. VetnCare, a Northern California veterinary hospital group backed by Greenwich-based healthcare private equity firm Great Point Partners, acquired Holistic Veterinary Care, an Oakland practice specializing in integrative and rehabilitative animal medicine founded in 2009. Terms were undisclosed. The deal is VetnCare’s sixth add-on since Great Point’s investment and the first under CEO Matt Kirchner; founder Dr. Gary Richter stays on as Clinical Director. Great Point Partners, founded in 2003 with roughly 30 professionals, backs a buy-and-build strategy that has more than doubled VetnCare over three years while preserving local clinical leadership. The tuck-in extends the platform into alternative and rehabilitative care rather than simply adding locations. (Link)
  3. HCAP Partners / Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE)-backed PAX Health acquired independent medical examination provider MAKRAF IME. PAX Health, a behavioral health company backed by HCAP Partners and funds managed by Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE), acquired MAKRAF IME, a New Jersey statewide psychology and neuropsychology independent medical examination group serving 17 counties. Terms were undisclosed. The deal is PAX Health’s fourth acquisition since its March 2024 founding and expands its medical-legal evaluation platform for insurers, employers, attorneys and state agencies. MAKRAF’s licensed examiners deliver opinions on causality, permanency and fitness-for-duty. For its sponsors, the tuck-in advances a buy-and-build strategy in behavioral health, adding a complementary IME capability with an established statewide referral network to the Red Bank-based platform. (Link)
  4. Morgan Stanley/TPG-backed Guardian Dentistry Partners acquires Majority Stake in Select Dental Management. Guardian Dentistry Partners (GDP), a dental partnership organization capitalized by Morgan Stanley Private Credit, TPG Twin Brook and Prudential, agreed to a majority acquisition of Select Dental Management (SDM), adding 38 locations, 130 dentists and 720 team members across eight Northeastern states and Washington, D.C. SDM grew EBITDA 115% between 2022 and 2024 at roughly 20% practice-level margins. The deal, expected to close before the end of Q3 2026, significantly expands GDP’s geographic reach and reinforces its equity-ownership, dentist-partnership model. For its sponsors, the transaction scales a differentiated DPO platform through affiliation rather than transactional roll-up, prioritizing clinician retention and alignment. (Link)
  5. Family Capital Kaltroco acquired school-based mobile dental provider Smile America Partners from private equity firm Beach Point Capital Management. Kaltroco, a family-owned private investment company with offices in Nashville, Zurich and Cape Town, acquired Smile America Partners, the largest U.S. school-based mobile dental program, from seller Beach Point Capital Management. Terms were undisclosed, though the Farmington Hills, Michigan-based DSO generates roughly $20 million EBITDA on about $100 million revenue. Beach Point had bought majority control in January 2023 from Morgan Stanley Capital Partners. Smile America served over 370,000 children across 8,000-plus schools in 20 states in 2025. Kaltroco, which invests family capital with no outside LPs, backs continued expansion of pediatric dental access under existing CEO Steve Higginbotham. (Link)
  6. Hidden Harbor Capital Partners’ portfolio company Inspire Aesthetics partnered with Colorado-based Millard Plastic Surgery. Inspire Aesthetics, the plastic-surgery management services organization backed by lower-middle-market private equity firm Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, formed a strategic partnership with Millard Plastic Surgery, a Denver/Englewood, Colorado provider founded by Dr. John Millard and supported by four plastic surgeons. Terms were undisclosed. The affiliation extends Inspire’s national roll-up of premium aesthetic practices while preserving physician-led clinical decision-making. For Hidden Harbor, adding a well-regarded Colorado platform advances its buy-and-build thesis in high-end plastic surgery, layering operational resources onto a two-decade-old brand. The deal deepens Inspire’s geographic footprint in the Mountain West as sponsors continue consolidating the fragmented medical-aesthetics market. (Link)
  7. Macquarie Asset Management-backed Health Wave Partners acquired Alamar Senior Living from sellers Walton Street and Scarp Ridge Capital Partners. Health Wave Partners, a Chicago-based senior-housing investment platform backed by a strategic partnership with Macquarie Asset Management, acquired Alamar Senior Living, a 134-unit Class A assisted living and memory care community in Wellington, Florida. The seller was a partnership between Walton Street and Scarp Ridge Capital Partners. Terms were undisclosed. Built in 2018 and 96% occupied after a 2025 renovation, Alamar will continue under operator AgeWell Senior Living. The acquisition expands Health Wave’s presence in South Florida’s demographically favorable senior-housing market, reflecting its strategy of pairing high-quality communities with best-in-class operators to capture demand from an aging population. (Link)
  8. Ascension-owned AMSURG, acquired five North Carolina gastroenterology and endoscopy centers to expand its ambulatory surgery platform. AMSURG, one of the largest U.S. ambulatory surgery center operators with more than 250 centers and now part of Ascension following its roughly $3.9 billion take-private, added five North Carolina centers spanning the state’s eastern and central regions. Terms were undisclosed. The acquired centers bring 15 board-certified gastroenterologists and hepatologists offering colonoscopy, endoscopy and capsule imaging. The tuck-in reflects AMSURG’s continued buy-and-build consolidation of physician-aligned GI assets, deepening regional density in a specialty prized for recurring, outpatient procedure volume. The deal underscores how scaled ASC platforms keep absorbing community practices to strengthen payer positioning and geographic coverage. (Link)
  9. Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE: BKD) acquired the previously managed Brookdale Galleria community in Houston for $23.4 million. Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD), the largest U.S. senior-living operator with 541 communities, completed the $23.4 million acquisition of the 244-unit Brookdale Galleria independent and assisted living community in Houston’s affluent Galleria district. Management framed the price as a substantial discount to replacement cost, funding the deal with cash on hand and an expanded line of credit rather than equity issuance. With occupancy below Brookdale’s consolidated average, the company plans a repositioning through modest development capex to capture upside that accrues directly to shareholders. The purchase converts a managed asset into owned real estate in a strategically important market. (Link)
  10. Family-owned Family Hospice acquired North Georgia Community Hospice, LLC to complete its northwest Georgia footprint. Family Hospice, a family-owned, locally operated palliative and hospice provider founded in January 2022 and serving 13 locations across Georgia and South Carolina, completed its acquisition of North Georgia Community Hospice, a Dalton-based provider serving northwest Georgia. Terms were undisclosed. Backed by the nonprofit Family Hospice Foundation, the buyer positioned the deal as extending its full continuum of hospice and palliative services—including additional clinical and bereavement resources—into the region. The transaction reflects steady consolidation among community hospice operators pursuing regional density in a market shaped by favorable senior demographics and rising home-based, end-of-life care utilization across the Southeast. (Link)
  11. Physician-led Summit Spine & Joint Centers acquired Southeast Neurology & Pain Management (SNPM), its third acquisition in three years. Summit Spine & Joint Centers, a physician-led minimally invasive spine and interventional pain platform led by founder-CEO Dr. Amit Patel, acquired Southeast Neurology & Pain Management, adding clinics in Thomasville, Georgia and Tallahassee and Panama City, Florida. Terms were undisclosed. The deal—Summit’s third practice acquisition in three years—lifts its network to 55 clinics and 21 ambulatory surgery centers across Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The acquisition advances Summit’s strategy of partnering with established physician-led pain practices while preserving local clinical leadership, building regional density in interventional pain as demand for minimally invasive treatment grows across the Southeast. (Link)
  12. Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM) agreed to acquire Personalis, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSNL) for $16.25 per share, an enterprise value of roughly $1.5 billion. o prTempus AI (NASDAQ: TEM) agreed to acquire Personalis (Nasdaq: PSNL) at $16.25 per share—about $1.5 billion enterprise value net of Tempus’ existing stake—a 6% premium to Friday’s close and 28% to the unaffected 30-day VWAP. The primarily all-stock deal uses a floating exchange ratio capped at 0.3356, with Tempus able to elect up to 50% cash. It builds on a November 2023 partnership in which Tempus invested in Personalis and commercializes its ultrasensitive NeXT Personal MRD test. Tempus is buying deeper into the roughly $20 billion molecular residual disease market, integrating tumor-informed cancer monitoring across its AI-enabled precision-oncology platform; closing is expected late 2026 or early 2027. (Link)
  13. BrainsWay Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: BWAoY) made a $500,000 minority preferred-equity investment in outpatient behavioral health platform Sound Minds Behavioral. BrainsWay (NASDAQ/TASE: BWAY), a neurostimulation medtech company, took a minority position in Sound Minds Behavioral through a preferred, annually compounding security, deploying $500,000 as part of a strategic equity financing round. The structure mirrors BrainsWay’s playbook of supplying growth capital to expanding interventional-psychiatry providers while retaining focus on its core Deep TMS technology. Sound Minds operates outpatient mental-health clinics across Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, offering therapy, medication management, PHP/IOP and interventional psychiatry. For BrainsWay, the minority-stake model expands its distribution reach and aligns a growth-oriented partner with its device platform without diluting its clinical and scientific priorities. (Link)ot
  14. IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: IPGP) entered a binding offer to acquire Lumibird Medical from Lumibird SA for €300 million plus a €50 million earn-out. IPG Photonics (NASDAQ: IPGP) agreed to acquire Lumibird Medical for €300 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis, plus up to €50 million contingent on 2026–2027 performance, funding the purchase with cash on hand. France-based Lumibird Medical, whose brands include Quantel Medical, Ellex and Optotek Medical, posted FY2025 revenue of €112.2 million and EBITDA of €24.1 million (21.5% margin). IPG expects the high-margin ophthalmology-and-urology laser business to be accretive to gross margin, EBITDA and adjusted EPS in year one, lifting Advanced Solutions to roughly 26% of sales and adding about $1 billion of addressable market to its medical-laser growth platform. (Link)
  15. PE-backed Raintree acquired agentic-AI voice developer Spike Technologies to advance autonomous revenue-cycle management. Raintree, the leading EHR and practice-management platform for rehabilitation and physical-therapy organizations, acquired San Francisco-based Spike Technologies, a developer of agentic AI voice technology founded in 2022. Terms were undisclosed. The acquisition embeds AI voice agents natively into Raintree’s EMR to automate payer calls, claim follow-ups, eligibility, prior authorization and patient outreach—work that consumes front-desk staff amid roughly 13% claim-denial rates. Management framed the deal as a foundational step toward fully autonomous RCM. Strategically, Raintree is betting that native, context-aware automation—rather than bolted-on chatbots—will compress administrative cost and differentiate its platform in a large, labor-intensive workflow market. (Link)
  16. JLL Partners recapitalized life-sciences services firm CAI. JLL Partners, a New York-based middle-market private equity firm focused on healthcare, industrials and business services, closed a recapitalization of CAI, an Indianapolis-based professional services firm providing commissioning, qualification and validation (CQV) and operational-readiness services to life-sciences and mission-critical customers. Terms were undisclosed; the transaction closed July 1. CAI’s 700-plus professionals operate across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. JLL Partners, which has deployed roughly $9 billion of equity across 61 platform investments since 1988, aims to accelerate CAI’s global expansion, technology investment and service-line growth—another example of a specialist sponsor backing scaled pharma-services platforms serving highly regulated environments. (Link)
  17. Lyric acquired precision payment-accuracy company Concert to expand its Lyric42 healthcare decision-intelligence platform. Lyric, a Philadelphia-based leader in healthcare decision intelligence for payment accuracy, acquired Concert, a precision-health payment-accuracy company whose proprietary technology translates machine-readable clinical policies into real-time claims decisions. Terms were undisclosed. The acquisition builds on a commercial partnership begun in 2023, during which the pair’s shared diagnostics solution grew nearly tenfold. Lyric, which supports roughly 200 million lives and nine of the top ten U.S. health plans, will embed Concert’s policy intelligence into its AI-powered Lyric42 platform. Strategically, the deal shifts payment integrity toward shared, machine-readable policy standards as genetic testing and specialty therapies reshape plan cost management. (Link)
  18. Warburg Pincus acquired Indian pharmaceuticals company Integrace Private Limited from sellers True North and Temasek. Warburg Pincus, the global growth-investing firm, acquired Integrace Private Limited, an India-based orthopedics- and gynecology-focused pharmaceutical formulations company, from exiting investors True North and Temasek in a deal reported at around ₹1,200 crore (terms officially undisclosed). Integrace holds 20-plus brands—including Lizolid, Stiloz, Mifegest and Cytolog—and relationships with over 45,000 healthcare professionals through science-led marketing. Industry veteran Rehan Khan, formerly of MSD and Abbott India, joins as CEO. Warburg Pincus, active in Indian healthcare for three decades, is betting on building a scaled, therapy-focused branded formulations platform via consolidation in women’s health and orthopedics, backed by predictable chronic-care demand. (Link)
  19. Verdane acquired stakes in four Trifork Labs technology businesses—Axoniq, Dawn Health, Frameo and XCI—from publicly listed Trifork Group (Nasdaq Copenhagen: TRIFOR). Verdane, the Oslo-based specialist growth investor, acquired ownership stakes in four Trifork Labs companies—event-sourcing pioneer Axoniq, patient-centric digital-health business Dawn Health, WiFi photo-frame software provider Frameo, and cybersecurity firm XCI—from Trifork Group (Nasdaq Copenhagen: TRIFOR). Investing via its Freya funds, Verdane acquired 52% of the four companies’ combined €43.6 million book value, paying Trifork €22.8 million cash plus uncapped earnouts; three stakes will be co-owned with Trifork while XCI was fully acquired. Verdane will deploy operational advisors across go-to-market, data, finance and talent, with the digital-health asset Dawn Health anchoring the healthcare relevance of this growth-stage portfolio transaction. (Link)
  20. Avathon Capital-backed Summit Professional Education acquired pediatric pelvic-health educator Kids Bowel & Bladder. Summit Professional Education, a Franklin, Tennessee continuing-education provider backed by Avathon Capital, acquired Kids Bowel & Bladder (KBB), the leading U.S. continuing-education organization for pediatric pelvic health, founded by Dawn Sandalcidi. Terms were undisclosed. The deal extends Summit’s already-strong pelvic-health franchise into pediatric specialty care, adding on-demand and live courses plus a Certificate in Pediatric Pelvic Health. Summit—whose portfolio includes Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, PT Final Exam, the National Federation of Personal Trainers and The Knowledge Tree—has educated over 400,000 clinicians. (Link)
  21. Avera Health (Non Profit Health System) acquired physician-owned multispecialty group The Center for Neurosciences, Orthopaedics & Spine (CNOS). Avera Health, a Sioux Falls-based nonprofit health system, acquired The Center for Neurosciences, Orthopaedics & Spine (CNOS), a physician-owned multispecialty group headquartered in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Terms were undisclosed. The deal brings more than 100 physicians and advanced-practice providers plus over 350 staff across nine specialties—including orthopedics, neurosurgery, neurology and gastroenterology—and eight clinic locations into Avera, effective January 1, 2027, when the group becomes Avera CNOS. Building on an existing referral relationship across the South Dakota–Iowa–Nebraska Siouxland region, the acquisition reflects continued health-system consolidation of independent specialty groups to strengthen regional care continuity, employed-physician scale and integrated delivery across a tri-state footprint. (Link)
  22. Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS) agreed to acquire veterinary teleradiology platform VitalRADS. Zoetis (NYSE: ZTS), the world’s largest animal-health company, agreed to acquire VitalRADS, a veterinary teleradiology services platform, building on a partnership the two announced in August 2025. Terms were undisclosed; closing is expected in Q3 2026. VitalRADS provides cloud-based teleradiology, mobile ultrasound, outpatient imaging and cloud image storage, giving practices around-the-clock access to board-certified specialists across 25-plus species with two-hour STAT reads. Folding VitalRADS into its Global Diagnostics portfolio advances Zoetis’ build-out of an end-to-end Virtual Reference Lab with AI-assisted reporting. Strategically, the deal deepens the animal-health leader’s higher-growth diagnostics and imaging franchise, layering recurring specialist services onto its reference-laboratory network. (Link)
  23. Lōkahi Therapeutics completed a strategic business combination with Glucotrack, Inc. (Nasdaq: GCTK), taking control of the public company. Glucotrack (Nasdaq: GCTK) completed a strategic business combination with Lōkahi Therapeutics, a capital-efficient biopharmaceutical platform that acquires and advances overlooked therapeutic assets via its ai² sourcing model. Lōkahi becomes the operating and controlling business, using Glucotrack’s public listing as a capital-efficient platform; upon stockholder approvals and preferred-stock conversion, Lōkahi securityholders will hold roughly 90% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis. A planned private placement is intended to strengthen the capital structure. Glucotrack’s legacy continuous blood glucose monitoring business will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary. The reverse-merger structure gives Lōkahi public-market access to pursue a repeatable, acquisitive pipeline strategy. (Link)
  24. Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) DePuy Synthes acquired spine-implant maker Expanding Innovations, Inc. DePuy Synthes, the orthopedics business of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), acquired Expanding Innovations, a Mountain View, California commercial-stage medtech company specializing in expandable interbody cage technology for spine surgery. Terms were undisclosed. Expanding Innovations’ non-screw-based X-PAC portfolio—covering TLIF and LLIF expandable cages and a lumbar plate system—will complement DePuy Synthes’ TriALTIS Spine System and integrate into its VELYS enabling-tech platform. The deal strengthens J&J’s position in the fast-growing expandable interbody cage segment of the lumbar-fusion market. Strategically, it deepens the medtech giant’s spine portfolio and innovation pipeline as it competes for surgeon adoption in higher-growth orthopedic categories. (Link)
  25. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) agreed to acquire psychedelics developer AtaiBeckley Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAI) for up to $3.8 billion. Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) agreed to acquire AtaiBeckley (Nasdaq: ATAI), a New York clinical-stage biotech developing psychedelic-based mental-health therapies, for $6.75 per share in cash—about $2.8 billion upfront and a 26% premium—plus contingent value rights worth up to $2.50 per share (roughly $1 billion), for total potential value near $3.8 billion. AtaiBeckley’s lead candidate, BPL-003, is an intranasal 5-MeO-DMT formulation for treatment-resistant depression. Expected to close in Q3 2026 pending stockholder and regulatory approval, the deal extends Lilly’s cash-fueled acquisition spree beyond obesity and diabetes, bolstering its neuroscience pipeline and validating big pharma’s growing conviction in psychedelic medicine. (Link)

Venture Deals and Other

  1. Index Ventures-led (VC-backed) Chai Discovery Raises $400M Series C. Chai Discovery raised a $400 million Series C led by Index Ventures alongside Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia Capital and Dimension, with new investors including Bain Capital Ventures, Battery Ventures, Baillie Gifford, BDT & MSD and Sapphire Ventures, plus returning backers Thrive Capital, OpenAI, Oak HC/FT, Menlo Ventures and General Catalyst. The round values the AI molecular-design company at $3.8 billion. Investors cited Chai’s rapid product velocity and commercial traction—its models are already deployed at large pharmaceutical partners—as the thesis. The capital accelerates development of Chai’s generative models for de novo antibody and molecule design targeting historically “undruggable” biology. (Link)
  2. Oak HC/FT-led (VC-backed) Corner Health Raises $32.5M Seed + Series A. Corner Health raised $32.5 million across Seed and Series A financing, with its Series A led by Oak HC/FT and participation from First Round Capital and Zigg Capital, alongside earlier backers Homebrew, Pathlight Ventures, Wischoff Ventures and Go Global Ventures. Oak HC/FT, a fintech-and-healthcare specialist managing over $7 billion, framed the primary-care shortage as an infrastructure problem its AI-native operating system, Cora, is built to solve. Corner Health equips nurse practitioners to launch independent practices, having scaled to 70-plus provider-owned clinics and 35,000 patient visits. The capital funds team growth, platform development and multi-state expansion of its clinician-ownership model. (Link)
  3. Lux Capital/VC-backed SONATA Launches Doctor-led Preventive-Health Membership. SONATA launched its physician-led, prevention-focused healthcare membership in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, backed by Lux Capital, Box Group, Sunflower Capital and operators from companies including Linear and Ramp. Round size was not disclosed. Co-founded by Sagan Schultz (ex-Linear, McKinsey) and David Deng (ex-Ramp, Flatiron Health), the $2,500-a-year membership combines whole-genome sequencing, 140-plus biomarkers, in-home testing and in-house clinical AI with ongoing board-certified physician care. For its venture backers, SONATA represents a bet on AI-enabled, longitudinal preventive care that synthesizes genomics and biomarkers into personalized, physician-directed plans—positioning the company in the fast-growing consumer preventive-health and longevity market. (Link)
  4. Arteria/VC-backed Provect AI Raises $7M. Provect AI, a Palo Alto medical-imaging software company, raised $7 million led by Arteria Capital and ValueStream Ventures, with participation from Newfund Capital and Sand Hill Angels, alongside FDA 510(k) clearance for its platform. The software reconstructs volumetric 3D images from standard 2D C-arm x-ray data without a CT scanner or added hardware, targeting spine and orthopedic image-guided procedures. Investors are backing a capital-light approach to intraoperative 3D imaging that integrates with existing PACS and navigation systems. The proceeds fund commercial expansion, customer deployments and continued product development as Provect commercializes its cleared technology into surgical workflows. (Link)
  5. Game Changers Ventures-led (VC-backed) Cognify Health Raises Seed. Cognify Health raised a seed round led by Game Changers Ventures to build a healthcare platform for youth athletics, starting with concussion care. Round size was undisclosed. Founded and led by Christian Juzang, Cognify connects families with a concussion specialist via telehealth within 24 hours and provides return-to-learn and return-to-play plans, drawing on clinicians tied to organizations including USA Basketball and UCLA BrainSPORT. For its lead investor, the thesis is building the “default healthcare layer” for youth sports—using concussion care as an entry point into a broader, nationwide integrated pediatric-athletics platform addressing an underserved, geographically fragmented care gap. (Link)
  6. Symbiotic Capital (Growth debt) Provides up to $65M to THINK Surgical. THINK Surgical, a Fremont, California orthopedic surgical-robot maker, secured a debt facility from healthcare-credit firm Symbiotic Capital providing up to $65 million of growth capital—an initial $25 million funded tranche, an additional $15 million milestone tranche, and up to $25 million discretionary. Combined with recent investments from existing backers, management expects the facility to fully finance the company to profitability. Proceeds advance the dual-channel commercial strategy for its TMINI Miniature Robotic System, compatible with roughly 70% of total-knee implants. For Symbiotic, the deal reflects private-credit appetite to fund scaled, commercial-stage medtech growth without dilutive equity at a critical inflection. (Link)
  7. Orlando Health Ventures-led (Health-system/VC) 410 Medical Raises $12M. 410 Medical, a Durham, North Carolina critical-care device company, closed an oversubscribed $12 million financing led by Orlando Health Ventures, with participation from Hatteras Venture Partners, Ballad Health, OSF Healthcare, Rex Health Ventures, CU Healthcare Innovations Fund, Sarnova, Catalyst by Wellstar, Tampa General and an undisclosed strategic investor. The heavy health-system investor syndicate reflects clinical conviction in 410’s LifeFlow rapid fluid-and-blood delivery products, used at 500-plus hospitals and EMS agencies. Orlando Health Ventures deepened an existing partnership by leading the round. Proceeds scale commercial operations and support a next-generation LifeFlow infuser planned for 2027. (Link)
  8. Capital Q Ventures (Strategic partnership investment) in Woddle. Woddle, a smart-nursery and infant-monitoring healthcare startup previously backed by Madison-based HealthX Ventures, announced a strategic partnership and investment from Capital Q Ventures, an Orlando, Florida alternative-investment firm spanning venture capital, private credit and private equity. Round size was undisclosed. Woddle builds technology-enabled tools for parents and caregivers, initially focused on the modern nursery. For Capital Q, the investment adds a consumer-health hardware-and-software company to a portfolio that emphasizes hands-on support for growth-stage businesses. The partnership provides Woddle additional capital and strategic backing as it scales its baby-focused product line and builds out its parenting-support platform. (Link)
  9. Insight Partners-led (Growth/VC-backed) TytoCare Raises $25M+ TytoCare closed an oversubscribed growth round exceeding $25 million led by Insight Partners, with participation from HOOP, OliveTree, OrbiMed, Qumra Capital and Qualcomm Ventures, alongside the appointment of Adam Pellegrini as CEO. Insight Partners, which manages over $90 billion, cited institutional conviction in TytoCare’s market position and demand for AI-enabled remote diagnostics. TytoCare, a remote physical-examination company with FDA-cleared devices and AI software-as-a-medical-device algorithms, is repositioning as an AI-first clinical-enablement platform for chronic and complex disease. Proceeds fund its AI algorithm pipeline, deeper payer and health-system partnerships, and go-to-market expansion into cardiometabolic, oncology and post-acute populations. (Link)

CLICK HERE to sign up
for all news and updates

Spenser Lin No Comments

Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Jul 6th, 2026

LECO_Weekly-Healthcare-News_7-6-2026Download

Healthcare Weekly News and Deals –July 6th, 2026

  1. Select Medical Holdings Corporation (formerly NYSE: SEM) has completed a $3.9 billion management buyout led by Executive Chairman Robert A. Ortenzio, Senior EVP Martin F. Jackson, and private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe. Select Medical (NYSE: SEM) completed its acquisition by a consortium led by Executive Chairman Robert A. Ortenzio, Senior EVP Martin F. Jackson, and private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe at $16.50 per share, valuing the healthcare operator at approximately $3.9 billion. The price represents an 18% premium over SEM’s unaffected price as of November 24, 2025, and a 25% premium to the 90-day VWAP. WCAS, founded in 1979, focuses on healthcare and technology and has managed more than $33 billion in committed capital. The insider-led structure lets management pursue a concentrated rehabilitation strategy free of quarterly earnings pressure; SEM was delisted from the NYSE on July 1, 2026. (Link)
  2. Blue Owl Capital Inc. (NYSE: OWL) has completed the acquisition of Sila Realty Trust, Inc. (formerly NYSE: SILA) in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.4 billion to expand its Real Assets platform. Blue Owl Capital (NYSE: OWL) announced its managed funds completed the acquisition of Sila Realty Trust, a net lease REIT focused on healthcare properties. The all-cash deal was valued at approximately $2.4 billion at $30.38 per share, a 19% premium to Sila’s April 17, 2026 close and a 25.6% premium to the 30-day VWAP. Sila stockholders approved the merger with more than 98% of votes cast in favor, and the stock was delisted. For Blue Owl (NYSE: OWL), which manages $315 billion in assets, the acquisition adds Sila’s 137 healthcare properties across 65 markets, deepening exposure to durable, essential real estate. (Link)
  3. BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (NASD: BBIO) has raised up to $1 billion in convertible preferred equity led by Sixth Street with participation from HealthCare Royalty, a business of KKR (NYSE: KKR). BridgeBio Pharma (NASD: BBIO) entered an agreement with funds managed by Sixth Street and funds managed by HealthCare Royalty, a business of KKR (NYSE: KKR), to invest up to $1 billion in newly issued convertible preferred equity. Sixth Street funded $800 million as lead investor, with HealthCare Royalty funding $133.9 million at closing. The terms favor BridgeBio: a 7.00% initial dividend payable in kind or cash, an initial conversion price of $137.79 (over a 100% premium to the 30-day VWAP), stepping to $153.10 after year five, with permanent equity and no holder redemption. The capital funds Attruby’s growth and three planned launches. (Link)
  4. PACS Group, Inc. (NYSE: PACS) has agreed to acquire the operations of 34 skilled nursing facilities across six western states from Eduro Healthcare to broaden its post-acute platform. PACS Group (NYSE: PACS) entered a definitive agreement to acquire the operations of 34 skilled nursing facilities across six western states from Eduro Healthcare, a family-owned operator with nearly 20 years of history. The operations span Texas (22), Montana (six), South Dakota (three), and one each in New Mexico, North Dakota, and Utah, comprising 3,633 skilled nursing beds. The deal reflects PACS’s aggressive, acquisition-driven strategy that has propelled its market capitalization to $6.32 billion, though it also adds operational complexity and regulatory scrutiny that investors are weighing. CEO Jason Murray emphasized aligned operating models built on empowering local leadership. (Link)
  5. National HealthCare Corporation (NYSE American: NHC) has acquired 32 skilled nursing facilities and three independent living facilities from National Health Investors, Inc. (NYSE: NHI) for $560 million to convert leased assets into owned real estate. National HealthCare Corporation (NYSE American: NHC) completed the $560 million acquisition of 32 skilled nursing facilities and three independent living facilities from National Health Investors, Inc. and its affiliates, assets NHC had operated since a 1991 Master Lease. The strategic logic is ownership economics: management said the deal is expected to be accretive to earnings and cash flow, and CEO Steve Flatt framed owning versus leasing as yielding stronger long-term investor returns. NHC (NYSE American: NHC) shares have surged over 101% in the past year, trading near a 52-week high, with 12 consecutive years of dividend increases. The seven-state portfolio deepens NHC’s owned footprint across the Southeast. (Link)
  6. United Therapeutics Corporation (NASD: UTHR) has acquired Thymmune Therapeutics, Inc. for $140 million in cash plus up to $160 million in milestones to expand its regenerative medicine pipeline. United Therapeutics (NASD: UTHR) acquired preclinical biotech Thymmune Therapeutics, paying $140 million in cash subject to post-closing adjustments, with former equityholders eligible for up to $160 million in earn-outs tied to clinical and regulatory milestones through 2031. The structure ties the bulk of upside to performance, limiting UTHR’s downside on an early-stage asset. United Therapeutics reported $1.28 billion in cash as of March 31, 2026, comfortably funding the deal. Strategically, the acquisition strengthens UTHR’s regenerative medicine portfolio and supports its long-term strategy to expand transplantable organ supply, complementing its UThymoKidney program and adding lead candidate THY-100 for congenital athymia. (Link)
  7. GTCR-backed Experity has acquired Exdion Healthcare to accelerate AI-driven revenue cycle management automation for on-demand care. Experity, the on-demand healthcare technology platform used by nearly half of all U.S. urgent care clinics, acquired Exdion Healthcare, an AI-driven SaaS company specializing in the patient chart-to-cash lifecycle. The deal reflects sponsor GTCR’s vertical-integration playbook: Experity is backed by GTCR, a Chicago private equity firm, whose urgent-care strategy has been to own the EMR, practice management, billing, and analytics layers. GTCR Principal Radu Cret said the combination reflects the firm’s Leaders Strategy, scaling differentiated AI capabilities into a unified platform. Founded in 1980, GTCR has invested more than $35 billion in over 300 companies and manages approximately $45 billion in equity capital. Exdion’s insurance-focused affiliate was excluded. (Link)
  8. U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. (NYSE: USPH) Acquires 12-Clinic Physical Therapy Practice in New State Expansion. U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. (NYSE: USPH) announced the acquisition of a 12-clinic physical therapy practice effective July 1, 2026, acquiring a 67% equity interest (sellers retain 33%). The practice generates ~112,000 annual visits and $12 million in revenue, expanding USPH’s footprint to 45 states. The add-on aligns with USPH’s growth strategy of partnering with high-quality local operators while leveraging national scale in outpatient PT and industrial injury prevention. COO-West Graham Reeve highlighted alignment in clinical excellence and community relationships. This continues USPH’s disciplined M&A approach in a fragmented market. (Link)
  9. An affiliate of Peak Rock Capital has completed the acquisition of Asembia LLC from the Irene family to expand its healthcare portfolio through technology investment and add-on acquisitions. An affiliate of Peak Rock Capital, a middle-market private investment firm, completed the acquisition of Asembia LLC and its related entities, a specialty-pharma commercialization platform offering HUB services, specialty distribution, data services, pharmacy software, and GPO solutions. Peak Rock makes investments in the range of $50 million to $1.5 billion. The thesis is founder-partnership plus buy-and-build: Managing Director Spencer Moore said Peak Rock will invest in technology, capabilities, and marketing while pursuing complementary acquisitions to support accelerated growth. CEO Anthony DiSimone framed the deal as demonstrating Peak Rock’s commitment to founder-owned businesses with strong growth potential in resilient, technology-enabled healthcare. (Link)
  10. Gainline Capital Partners’ portfolio company M&M International has acquired KC Tech to expand its medical-grade tubing manufacturing capabilities. Gainline Capital Partners announced that its portfolio company M&M International, a manufacturer of precision-engineered stainless-steel tubing serving the medical device market, acquired KC Tech, a fellow manufacturer also focused on that market. This is a classic private-equity add-on: Gainline acquired M&M in July 2024 and installed a U.S.-based management team to support growth through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Gainline partner Rob Dellinger said the buy-and-build plan was in place from the outset, with KC Tech the next step. Gainline invests in U.S.-based middle-market companies, prioritizing first-institutional-capital partnerships; financial terms were not disclosed. The deal adds larger-diameter tubing to M&M’s portfolio. (Link)
  11. Martis Capital Management has acquired a majority stake in Deerfield Group from Edgewater Funds, with founders and management retaining significant ownership, to expand its healthcare marketing platform. Martis Capital Management, a middle-market healthcare private equity firm, acquired a majority equity stake in Deerfield Group, a marketing, communications, and media partner for healthcare and life sciences. Financial terms were not disclosed, and Deerfield’s founders and management team retain significant ownership. The deal marks a transition from prior investor Edgewater Funds, during which Deerfield grew revenue more than 30 percent annually since 2017. Managing Partner Mario Moreno cited Deerfield’s differentiated platform at the intersection of healthcare marketing, media, and technology. Since 2011, Martis has raised more than $2.2 billion from institutional clients for North American middle-market healthcare. (Link)
  12. Momentum Life Sciences has received a strategic growth investment from Parthenon Capital to accelerate its specialty-therapy commercialization platform and fund acquisitions. Momentum Life Sciences, a commercialization platform offering patient- and provider-facing solutions for specialty therapy initiation and adherence, announced a strategic investment from Parthenon Capital, a growth-oriented private equity firm. Financial terms were not disclosed, and Momentum’s existing leadership team will continue as significant shareholders. The structure is a management-aligned growth recapitalization: the capital will accelerate Momentum’s growth strategy and fund strategic acquisitions. Parthenon Partner Dan Killeen cited therapy adoption and adherence as acute, underserved challenges and a compelling opportunity to expand across the commercialization ecosystem. Parthenon, with offices in Boston, San Francisco, and Austin, has particular expertise in healthcare and technology services. (Link)
  13. Cathay Capital has launched and invested in Ascendia Autism Care, with Gladstone Capital Corporation (NASD: GLAD) as a capital partner, to expand access to evidence-based ABA therapy. Cathay Capital launched Ascendia Autism Care, a platform expanding access to evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, beginning with a founding affiliate operating 20 centers across eight states. Cathay’s investment is sized to fund both the founding transaction and substantial growth capital, though financial terms were not disclosed. Crucially, Gladstone Capital Corporation (NASD: GLAD) was a capital partner in the transaction. The thesis targets an acute supply-demand gap; Cathay VP Jackson Catalano cited significant unmet need and the benefits of early intervention. Cathay Capital, founded in 2007, now manages more than $5.5 billion in assets, and plans de novo expansion plus school-based channels over 24 months. (Link)
  14. OpenLoop has acquired Y Combinator-backed Hey Revia, founded by Shaun Wei and David Zhu, to expand its AI-powered telehealth communications infrastructure. OpenLoop, an Iowa-based infrastructure telehealth platform, acquired Hey Revia, a Y Combinator-backed AI voice and communication platform automates healthcare operations such as insurance verification, prior authorizations, and pharmacy coordination. OpenLoop will integrate Hey Revia’s offerings into Launchpad, its self-serve platform for launching branded telehealth services, compressing client onboarding. Cofounders Shaun Wei and David Zhu join OpenLoop as EVP of engineering and senior director of engineering, respectively. The transaction extends OpenLoop’s acquisitive push following its earlier purchase of food-as-medicine platform Season Health. (Link)
  15. INVO Fertility, Inc. (NASD: IVF) has acquired the remaining stake in HRCFG from Karen Hammond, Lisa Ray, and Nicholas Cataldo for $175,001 to take full control of its Birmingham, Alabama fertility clinic. INVO Fertility (NASD: IVF) entered a Membership Interest Transfer Agreement to acquire 100% of HRCFG, gaining full control of its Birmingham, Alabama fertility clinic. The structuring is highly deferred and cash-flow-funded: the $175,001 consideration includes $1 at closing, $48,000 paid pro rata in equal monthly installments over nine months starting October 2026, and $127,000 drawn from HRCFG’s own free cash flow. For INVO (NASD: IVF), the appeal is consolidation—the company will consolidate the Alabama clinic’s results prospectively—converting a partial interest into a wholly owned revenue stream with minimal upfront capital outlay. Sellers will provide transition services for about four months and support for 12 months thereafter. (Link)
  16. Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT) has announced the sale of its Life Sciences & Healthcare segment for $600 million to reduce leverage and refocus on its Academia & Government and Intellectual Property markets. Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT) announced it has agreed to sell its Life Sciences & Healthcare segment for $600 million. The divestiture caps a process launched in February 2026, when Clarivate said a sale would allow further emphasis on its Academia & Government and Intellectual Property markets and that proceeds would strengthen its balance sheet through reduced leverage. The strategic driver is debt: Clarivate carries roughly $4.6 billion in long-term debt at a net leverage ratio of 7.7x trailing EBITDA, and the segment generated $389.8 million in 2025 revenue, its smallest at about 16% of the total. The acquirer was not identified in the sources available at the time of writing. (Link)
  17. Klick Health, backed by Linden Capital Partners and GIC, has acquired Oxford PharmaGenesis to expand its scientific-to-commercial capabilities for life sciences clients. Klick Health struck its third takeover in 18 months, acquiring UK-based Oxford PharmaGenesis to expand global reach and deepen scientific expertise. The deal follows a capital-backed roll-up strategy: months after acquiring Ward6’s Singapore operations, Klick received growth investment from Linden Capital Partners and GIC to accelerate expansion, and one year later made Oxford PharmaGenesis its biggest acquisition yet. The rationale is capability convergence—deepening Klick’s scientific expertise while expanding real-world evidence and health economics and outcomes research capabilities—positioning the combined firm against other private-equity-backed groups scaling in life sciences communications. Financial terms were not disclosed. (Link)
  18. Pacira BioSciences (NASD: PCRX) Agrees to Divest iovera° Business to Zimmer Biomet for Up to $140 Million. Pacira BioSciences, Inc. (NASD: PCRX) has agreed to divest its iovera° cryoneurolysis business to Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZBH) for up to $140 million, including $70 million upfront and up to $70 million in revenue-based milestones through 2031. The move supports Pacira’s 5×30 strategy and transition to a pure-play innovative biopharmaceutical company focused on non-opioid pain therapies. Zimmer Biomet, a global medical technology leader, gains a complementary drug-free pain management device with established adoption and spasticity program upside. The transaction includes a transition services agreement and is expected to close in Q3 2026. (Link)
  19. ClearOne (NASD: CLRO) Enters Merger Agreement with Vivani Subsidiary Cortigent to Create Neurostimulation Public Platform ClearOne, Inc. (NASD: CLRO) has entered a definitive merger agreement with Cortigent, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vivani Medical, Inc. (NASD: VANI). The deal includes a concurrent $10–15 million financing. Upon closing, the combined entity will operate as Cortigent Holdings, Inc. (expected ticker: CRGT), with Vivani owning a majority stake. Cortigent is developing precision neurostimulation implants (including the Orion cortical system with FDA Breakthrough Device Designation) for vision restoration and stroke recovery. The transaction provides Cortigent a public listing and growth capital while positioning the combined company in the high-potential neurotechnology space. Expected close in Q3 2026. (Link)
  20. Corten Capital has acquired Beacon Intelligence from the Hanson Wade Group, with Ampersand Capital Partners investing as a minority co-investor, to accelerate life sciences R&D intelligence. Corten Capital completed its acquisition of Beacon Intelligence from the Hanson Wade Group, with Ampersand Capital Partners investing alongside Corten as a minority co-investor, establishing Beacon as a fully independent company. The strategic aim is scale for a proprietary data platform: the investment gives Beacon resources to deepen coverage, expand into new therapeutic areas, and accelerate product features. Beacon is the third investment from Corten Capital II, which closed in March 2024 with €680 million in capital commitments, and Corten is partnering with management led by CEO Rob Poolman and Chair Sati S. Sian. David Anderson, General Partner at Ampersand, will join the board. (Link)
  21. Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (NYSE: PBH) Completes Acquisition of LaCorium Health and Prices $400 Million Senior Notes Offering. Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (NYSE: PBH) has closed its previously announced acquisition of LaCorium Health, an Australian leader in therapeutic skincare products (Dermal Therapy®, Flexitol®, and Crampeze® brands) for approximately $150 million in cash. LaCorium generates ~$40 million in annual revenue and is expected to contribute ~$12 million in EBITDA post-synergies, with strong growth potential through category expansion and geographic reach. The deal was financed with cash on hand and existing credit facilities. Concurrently, Prestige priced a $400 million senior notes offering (6.25% due 2034) to refinance existing debt. The transaction bolsters Prestige’s international consumer healthcare portfolio. (Link)
  22. Byggmästare Anders J Ahlström Holding AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: AJA B) reported that its portfolio company Safe Life completed four acquisitions during Q2 2026, adding roughly €20 million in annual revenue. Byggmästare Anders J Ahlström Holding’s largest portfolio company, Safe Life, added approximately €20 million in annual revenue through four acquisitions in Q2 2026, enhancing its buy-and-build strategy. The acquisitions broaden Safe Life’s presence in Europe and North America and align with its shift toward recurring, subscription-based revenue. For the listed investor Byggmästaren (Nasdaq Stockholm: AJA B), the value creation is concentrated: it owns roughly 12% of Safe Life, which represents about 34% of reported NAV. With €15 million acquired in Q1 and €20 million in Q2, Safe Life added ~€35 million of acquired revenue in H1—covering 80–115% of the assumed annual pace in the analyst valuation framework. (Link)

Venture Deals and Other

  1. Flare Therapeutics Inc. has secured $85 million in an insider-led Series C financing led by Third Rock Ventures and Nextech Invest, with participation from Pfizer Ventures, Eli Lilly, Novartis, and others. Flare Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech targeting transcription factors, closed an $85 million Series C led by existing investors. The round was led by Third Rock Ventures and Nextech Invest and included Pfizer Ventures, Boxer Capital, GordonMD Global Investments, Invus, Casdin Capital, Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis, Agent Capital, and Eventide Asset Management. The insider-led composition signals conviction from a syndicate that includes strategic pharma investors. Proceeds will advance Flare’s ARON degrader FX-111 to proof of concept and fund preclinical development of the ARON RIPTAC program, alongside the appointment of veteran executive Anna Protopapas as CEO to steer its prostate-cancer focus. (Link)
  2. Integral Privacy Technologies has raised $25 million in total funding from backers including Caffeinated Capital, GreatPoint Ventures, Array Ventures, LiveRamp Ventures, Haystack, and Venrex. Integral Privacy Technologies, a San Francisco-based developer of automated data privacy engineering and decentralized telemetry protection software, raised $25 million in total funding. Backers included Venrex, The General Partnership, Array Ventures, GreatPoint Ventures, LiveRamp Ventures, Haystack, Virtue Ventures, Also Capital, Caffeinated Capital, LifeX Ventures, Circle & Co, and WS Investments. The broad syndicate reflects investor appetite for privacy infrastructure tied to AI development. The company intends to use the funds to expand its privacy engineering and statistical methodology divisions, invest in continuous risk-assessment linkage infrastructure, and accelerate go-to-market operations across global AI development labs. Integral spent four years validating peer-reviewed disclosure methodologies across healthcare and life sciences. (Link)
  3. Pictor Holdings Inc. has secured a $7.5 million bridge round from existing investors to accelerate commercialization of its targeted proteomic platform. Pictor Holdings, a Carlsbad, California-based targeted proteomic platform company, closed a $7.5 million bridge round of growth capital supported by existing investors. The financing brings Pictor’s total capital raised to approximately $30 million and will fund expanded commercial partnerships, platform and manufacturing scale-up, and translational studies across human and animal health markets. The insider-only backing signals continuity of conviction ahead of a larger raise; as CFO Tim Shannon noted, existing-investor support reflects confidence in the platform and commercial model as the company advances toward a Series A. Pictor has launched seven commercial products and secured four strategic partnerships in its first U.S. year. (Link)
  4. Upside Lands $20M Series A to Solve the U.S. Housing Crisis for Healthcare. Upside, a housing stability platform purpose-built for healthcare, closed a $20 million Series A co-led by Aquiline and Flare Capital Partners with participation from 645 Ventures, Freestyle Capital, Triple Impact Capital, and Techstars. The company addresses housing instability—a major driver of healthcare costs—by pairing dedicated Care Guides with AI-supported housing orchestration and a proprietary affordable housing database. Operating across 10 states with partnerships including four of the largest national payers, Upside has achieved 90%+ enrollment, stabilization for more than half of members within 90 days, and up to 4x ROI within 12 months. Proceeds will support expansion across Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and employer-sponsored markets. (Link)
  5. Lycia Therapeutics Raises $75 Million in Oversubscribed Series D Financing and Strengthens Leadership Team. Lycia Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing LYTAC and cataLYTAC degraders targeting extracellular proteins for autoimmune, inflammatory, and allergic diseases, closed an oversubscribed $75 million Series D. The round was co-led by Janus Henderson Investors and Balyasny Asset Management with participation from Adage Capital Management, HBM Healthcare Investments, OrbiMed, and continued support from existing investors including Eli Lilly, Franklin Templeton, Invus, RTW Investments, and Venrock. Proceeds will advance lead programs LCA-0061 (IgE degrader for food allergy) and LCA-0321 (for Graves’ disease) toward early clinical proof-of-concept. The company also appointed Amy Bachrodt as Chief Financial Officer and promoted Karen Flick to General Counsel. (Link)
  6. Anodyne Nanotech Closes $12.6 Million Series A to Advance Once-Weekly GLP-1 Patch into Phase I Clinical Trials. Anodyne Nanotech Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing transdermal delivery of large molecules via its HeroPatch microneedle platform, closed a $12.6 million Series A led by Velocity Partners VC and co-led by Evercurious VC, with participation from Relativity Healthcare Partners. Proceeds will advance ANN-101, a once-weekly GLP-1 patch for obesity, into Phase I trials, support manufacturing scale-up, and expand the platform for peptides, antibodies, and nucleic acids. The company is also developing combination patches (e.g., apelin/GLP-1) to address lean mass loss associated with GLP-1 therapies. New board member Vikram Lamba (ex-Zosano Pharma, Bayer) joined as part of the round. (Link)
  7. Ladder Health Raises $7 Million Seed to Address Pediatric Therapy Waitlist Crisis. Ladder Health, a virtual-first pediatric developmental care company, closed an oversubscribed $7 million Seed round led by Nina Capital with participation from Mairs & Power Venture Capital, South Dakota First Capital, 25madison Health, Hatteras Venture Partners, Create Health Ventures, Jumpstart Capital, and others. The company delivers speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy through an AI-enabled platform that activates caregivers and extends care into the home. Ladder partners with health systems and pediatric practices to reduce wait times from months to days, currently operating in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Maryland with plans for further expansion. The funding will support geographic growth and platform development. (Link)
Spenser Lin No Comments

Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Jun 29th, 2026

LECO_Weekly-Healthcare-News_6-29-2026Download
  1. The Doctors Company, the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer and parent of TDC Group, has completed its $1.3 billion all-cash acquisition of specialty insurer ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE: PRA) at $25.00 per share, creating a combined platform protecting more than 200,000 healthcare professionals nationwide. Napa, California-based The Doctors Company finalized its $1.3 billion buyout of ProAssurance (NYSE: PRA), acquiring all outstanding shares at $25.00 per share in cash — a transaction that ProAssurance shareholders had approved in June 2025. With the deal closed, PRA’s common stock has been delisted from the NYSE and deregistered with the SEC. The combined entity, operating under TDC Group, now holds $12 billion in assets and more than $2.5 billion in direct written premium, pairing The Doctors Company’s medical malpractice franchise with ProAssurance’s specialty lines spanning medical liability, medical technology and life sciences products liability, and workers’ compensation. ProAssurance will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary while an optimal structural review is conducted. (Link)
  2. Merck KGaA Agrees to Acquire Bio-Techne Corporation (NASD: TECH) for $11.3 Billion in Cash at $73 Per Share — a 36% Premium to the One-Month VWAP — in Merck KGaA’s Largest Acquisition Since the $17 Billion Sigma-Aldrich Deal in 2014 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, entered into a definitive agreement on June 25, 2026 to acquire Minneapolis-based Bio-Techne (Nasdaq: TECH), a global provider of life science tools including 6,000 recombinant proteins, 425,000 antibodies, ProteinSimple analytical instruments, and RNAscope spatial biology technologies, for $73 per share in cash — a total enterprise value of approximately $11.3 billion. The transaction will be funded through existing cash and new debt while preserving an investment-grade rating, with Merck KGaA expecting immediate EBITDA accretion and approximately €140 million in annual cost synergies by year three; the deal is expected to close in late 2026 or early 2027 pending Bio-Techne shareholder and regulatory approvals. (Link)
  3. PsychPlus, a Houston-based psychiatric and therapeutic care provider, has acquired multinational digital mental health platform Koa Health to form what the companies describe as the world’s largest technology-enabled mental health company. PsychPlus completed its acquisition of Koa Health in an all-strategic transaction whose value was not disclosed, positioning the combined platform to serve more than 6 million patients across the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia-Pacific. The deal pairs PsychPlus’s proprietary clinical technology network — scaled to over 200 US locations in five years — with Koa Health’s digital-first delivery model, 56 patents, and 23 peer-reviewed studies. Led by CEO Dr. Faisal Tai, PsychPlus is investing to build an integrated, multi-channel care continuum; Koa Health founder Dr. Oliver Harrison joins as President. The combination targets faster patient access and a scalable global mental-health blueprint. (Link)
  4. Strata Critical Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRTA) has acquired the Heart and Lung Transplant National Recovery Program (HLT-NRP) for $21.5 million to expand its national organ recovery platform. Strata Critical Medical (Nasdaq: SRTA) completed its purchase of HLT-NRP at a mid-single-digit multiple of pre-synergy Adjusted EBITDA, structured as roughly 80% cash and 20% stock subject to a multi-year lockup tied to the seller’s continued involvement. HLT-NRP is expected to generate approximately $10.0 million in revenue and $3.1 million in Adjusted EBITDA for full-year 2026. Co-CEOs Will Heyburn and Melissa Tomkiel framed the deal as adding clinical depth and geographic reach in Florida and California, deepening its fastest-growing Transplant Clinical line. CFO Mat Schneider emphasized the acquisition fits Strata’s capital allocation framework, expecting growth and operational synergies to lower the effective purchase price over time. (Link)
  5. AMR Clinical Acquires ClinOhio Research Services, Adding a Columbus, Ohio Multi-Therapeutic Clinical Research Site Specializing in Women’s Health, Dermatology, and Family Practice to Its 30+ Site National Network Knoxville, Tennessee-based AMR Clinical, a Curewell Capital-backed integrated research site organization with more than 30 U.S. locations and over 8,000 completed trials across more than 145,000 enrolled participants, announced on June 29, 2026 the acquisition of ClinOhio Research Services, a Columbus, Ohio-based multi-therapeutic clinical research facility specializing in Women’s Health, Dermatology, and Family Practice. The addition expands AMR’s geographic footprint into the Columbus market — home to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and one of the most active clinical research ecosystems in the Midwest — and deepens its therapeutic capabilities across its Phase I–IV trial platform. AMR has grown to 30+ sites through a combination of acquisitions and organic site launches under Curewell Capital’s ownership. (Link)
  6. CareRite Centers has acquired the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Queens from a Grand Healthcare System–linked entity (Clearview Land LLC) for $58.2 million. New Jersey–based CareRite Centers, an elder care and rehabilitation provider, deployed $58.2 million to acquire a 179-bed facility plus an adjacent parking lot in Whitestone, Queens, in a transaction recorded June 24. The deal closed April 28 and was signed for the buyer by co-founder and principal Mark Friedman. The seller, Clearview Land LLC, appears tied to Grand Healthcare System CEO Jeremy Strauss, whose New York network spans roughly 12 skilled nursing and rehab centers. The purchase price sits far above the property’s 2022 city-assessed market value of $8.1 million, marking a substantial premium as CareRite expands its regional footprint beyond its existing Brooklyn and Manhattan facilities. (Link)
  7. TELEO Capital Management has acquired pharmaceutical manufacturing intelligence platform SmartFactory Rx — now rebranded Modersys — from semiconductor-equipment maker Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) in a corporate carve-out. Boise-based private equity firm TELEO Capital Management acquired Modersys (formerly SmartFactory Rx) from Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) for an undisclosed sum, executing the carve-out strategy central to its lower-middle-market playbook. TELEO, which targets technology, software, and healthcare IT, will operate Modersys as an independent company to accelerate AI-driven product innovation for biopharma and life-sciences manufacturers. (Link)
  8. Incline Equity Partners has partnered with West Physics to expand its medical and health physics testing platform. Pittsburgh-based private equity firm Incline Equity Partners, which targets the middle market with enterprise values of $25–$750 million, backed Atlanta-headquartered West Physics, a market leader in accreditation and testing services for MRI, CT and X-ray imaging equipment. Financial terms were not disclosed. Managing Director Nic Meiring signaled the investment thesis: pursuing expansion into adjacent service offerings and new geographies both organically and through strategic M&A within a highly fragmented industry. Founder and CEO Dr. Geoff West will continue leading the company, planning to accelerate organic growth by investing in the services support structure, in-house residency program and broader physicist network. (Link)
  9. Chicago Pacific Founders has made a strategic growth investment in Attune, the Chicago-based Agentic Engagement Platform for Healthcare, to scale AI-driven patient coordination across value-based care. Healthcare-focused private equity firm and operator Chicago Pacific Founders (CPF) made an undisclosed strategic growth investment in Attune, an AI-powered patient-engagement platform. CPF — which manages more than 3 million lives across its value-based care network and invests exclusively in value-based care, healthcare services, and tech-enabled businesses — is deploying capital as an operator to embed Attune across its delivery models. The investment, framed by Co-Founder and Managing Partner Vance Vanier and Attune CEO Matt Coughlin, targets an estimated $430–480 billion in annual US care-coordination waste. Attune has outperformed human advocate teams, exceeding one Medicaid health-risk-assessment target by 40% within three weeks of going live. (Link)
  10. Hunterdon Health and Hackensack Meridian Health have signed a letter of intent to pursue a proposed merger of the two New Jersey nonprofit health systems. Flemington-based Hunterdon Health and Edison-based Hackensack Meridian Health signed a nonbinding letter of intent June 22 after both boards of trustees voted to advance merger exploration. The letter of intent is nonbinding and does not represent a final deal, with no immediate changes to patient care, staffing or compensation. As a nonprofit combination, no purchase price applies; the strategic rationale centers on pooling resources, technology and expertise to expand services, invest in clinical research, and compete against larger, better-resourced systems. Leaders Patrick Gavin and Robert Garrett cited mission alignment and patient-centered innovation as both parties work toward a definitive agreement. (Link)
  11. DermDox Group has acquired Modern Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, expanding its dermatology, aesthetics and specialty healthcare platform. DermDox Group, a growing platform focused on dermatology, aesthetics and specialty healthcare services, completed a strategic transaction acquiring Modern Aesthetics Plastic Surgery. The deal reflects sustained strategic-buyer and investor demand for high-quality assets in the aesthetics and elective healthcare sectors, where consolidation continues across physician practices, med spas, plastic surgery and dermatology. The acquisition expands DermDox’s capabilities within the aesthetic and surgical services market while providing Modern Aesthetics with additional resources to support future growth and patient care initiatives. (Link)
  12. New York-based investment group Black Pearl Equities has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Selectis Health, Inc. (OTCQB: GBCS), a Denver-based skilled nursing and senior living operator, for $5.75 per share in cash in a transaction valued at an implied premium to market.Brooklyn, New York-based Black Pearl Equities has agreed to acquire Selectis Health (OTCQB: GBCS) through a cash tender offer at $5.75 per share — a deal unanimously approved by Selectis’s Board of Directors as fair and in the best interests of stockholders. The transaction, structured as a tender offer followed by a short-form merger under the Utah Revised Business Corporation Act, requires valid tender of at least 70% of outstanding shares and carries no financing contingency. The deal is expected to close in Q3 2026. Selectis currently operates eight skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living properties across Arkansas and Oklahoma, serving Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents. Black Pearl, a healthcare-focused investment and advisory firm, will take Selectis private as a wholly owned subsidiary. (Link)
  13. Standard Dental Labs Inc. has signed a letter of intent to acquire an additional dental laboratory in the Tampa Bay region. Orlando-based dental laboratory consolidator Standard Dental Labs (OTCQB: TUTH) executed a non-binding LOI to acquire an established, undisclosed dental lab in Tampa Bay, advancing its strategy of building a regional Florida network. President and CEO James D. Brooks said the firm continues identifying high-quality labs whose owners value joining a larger organization. The LOI follows the company’s acquisition of BRLIT Dental Laboratory last month and remains subject to due diligence and definitive agreements. Brooks emphasized that developing regional density creates economies of scale and long-term shareholder value, with an active acquisition pipeline across Central Florida driven by owner succession planning and consolidation pressures. (Link)
  14. Fortitude Mining Holdings, Inc., currently wholly owned by Digital Currency Group (DCG), has agreed to combine with HeartSciences Inc. (Nasdaq: HSCS) in an all-stock business combination to take its vertically integrated Zcash mining platform public. Digital Currency Group, the sole stockholder of Fortitude Mining Holdings, will hold approximately 95% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis at closing, reflecting continued conviction in the venture mining business. Fortitude and HeartSciences (Nasdaq: HSCS) entered a definitive all-stock merger agreement expected to close in the second half of 2026, with the combined entity operating under the Fortitude brand and trading on Nasdaq under the ticker “TUDE,” subject to approval. DCG founder and CEO Barry Silbert framed Zcash as one of the most compelling opportunities in digital assets, pairing Bitcoin-style scarcity and Proof-of-Work discipline with privacy properties. The public listing gives Fortitude capital-markets access to scale its mining platform. (Link)

Venture Deals and Other

  1. GRAIL, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRAL) has completed a $110 million equity financing from Samsung entities, including Samsung C&T Corporation, to fund its growth and international expansion. GRAIL (Nasdaq: GRAL) closed a $110 million equity investment from Samsung affiliates. The Samsung entities purchased GRAIL common stock at $70.05 per share, representing a long-term investment supporting GRAIL’s growth and international expansion. The strategic capital strengthens GRAIL’s balance sheet and extends its cash runway as it pursues U.S. regulatory approval and reimbursement for its Galleri multi-cancer early detection test. GRAIL and Samsung C&T intend to collaborate to commercialize Galleri in South Korea, with potential expansion into Japan and Singapore. Samsung C&T, which has invested in Samsung Biologics, continues building its biopharmaceutical and life sciences portfolio through this milestone deal. (Link)
  2. Assort Health has raised a $120 million Series C led by Menlo Ventures, with backing from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Felicis, First Round Capital, Chemistry, Joe Montana, Tau Ventures and Quiet Capital, reaching unicorn status. Assort Health secured $120 million in Series C funding, hitting unicorn status, to scale its voice AI agent platform for healthcare. Menlo Ventures led the round, joined by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Felicis, First Round Capital, Chemistry, Joe Montana, Tau Ventures and Quiet Capital. Menlo partner Matt Murphy cited Assort’s category leadership, strong ROI and proven specialty-care execution. The company has raised $222 million to date and hit a $1.2 billion valuation, with revenue jumping 20x in 15 months. Investors are betting on Assort’s proprietary specialty dataset and Synapse AI model as defensible moats in a rapidly consolidating, capital-intensive market. (Link)
  3. xCures has raised a $46 million Series B led by Innovius Capital, with participation from iGrow, GKCC and Spring Mountain Capital, to scale its clinical data structuring platform. xCures completed a $46 million Series B financing led by Innovius Capital, with heavy participation from iGrow, GKCC, Spring Mountain Capital and existing institutional investors. The round pushes the company’s total institutional funding past $76 million to scale its Clinical Clarity Engine, which turns unstructured medical records into decision-ready data. Innovius Capital partner Stu Posluns emphasized that the future of healthcare AI depends on the accuracy, completeness and trust profile of underlying clinical data. xCures has processed more than 300 million medical records from over 550,000 healthcare locations, a defensive moat investors view as difficult for lightweight entrants to replicate. (Link)
  4. Prosper AI has raised a $30 million Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation from Base10, Emergence Capital, Y Combinator and Company Ventures, to build an AI workforce for healthcare operations. Prosper AI banked $30 million to scale its agentic AI platform powering administrative tasks from patient scheduling to insurance verification and patient billing. Andreessen Horowitz led the Series A round, with participation from Base10 and continued support from Emergence Capital, Y Combinator and Company Ventures. a16z partner Jay Rughani cited the founders’ ambition and strong competitive win rates as the conviction drivers, noting the platform’s end-to-end pull-through across customers. The funding follows roughly 5x revenue growth since the September seed round; capital will expand engineering and customer teams and deepen integrations across major EHR platforms. (Link)
  5. Rapalogix Health Raises $20 Million in Series A Financing to Advance Its Pipeline of Longevity-Based Skin Health Products Targeting the mTOR Pathway, a Scientifically Validated Mechanism Linked to Cellular Aging and Skin Regeneration Carlsbad, California-based Rapalogix Health, a biotechnology company pioneering longevity-based skin health through mTOR pathway modulation, closed a $20 million Series A to advance its proprietary product pipeline and expand commercial operations. Rapalogix is developing prescription and consumer products using rapamycin analogs targeting mTOR — a cellular pathway linked to aging, inflammation, and skin regeneration — in a category positioned at the intersection of dermatology, longevity medicine, and aesthetic health as investor and consumer interest in science-backed longevity products accelerates. (Link)
  6. Hera has raised a $27 million Series A led by Bain Capital Ventures, with participation from Accel and IA Ventures, to expand its AI-powered senior care coordination platform. Hera raised $27 million in Series A funding led by Bain Capital Ventures, with continued participation from Accel and IA Ventures. Angel investors also participated, including the CFO of Mount Sinai. Bain Capital Ventures partner Alysaa Co praised the founding team’s mix of personal conviction and technical depth honed at Headway and Palantir, viewing Hera’s platform as one that learns what genuinely helps aging families rather than merely surfacing options. The capital will fund continued buildout of Hera’s AI platform and expansion into California, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, targeting more than 25 states by year-end after reaching 95% retention across over 1,000 families. (Link)
  7. Pathway Labs has raised an $8.5 million seed round led by AlleyCorp and Breyer Capital to deploy its FDA-cleared cardiology AI tool, alongside a partnership with OpenEvidence. Pathway Labs announced an $8.5 million seed round led by AlleyCorp and Breyer Capital to expand deployment across health systems, grow its clinical and commercial teams, and support ongoing R&D. The financing coincides with the launch of EchoNext, the first FDA-approved AI tool reading standard ECGs to flag structural heart disease. Breyer Capital’s Dr. Morgan Cheatham praised the company for surfacing imperceptible diagnostic signals from widely ordered tests, while AlleyCorp’s Dr. Alexi Nazem called the technology a pioneering new type of AI-enabled medicine. The capital will fund integration into real clinical workflows at national scale via the OpenEvidence platform. (Link)
  8. Upside has secured a $20 million Series A led by Aquiline, with participation from Flare Capital Partners and existing investors 645 Ventures, Freestyle Capital, Triple Impact Capital and Techstars. Upside banked a $20 million Series A to address the U.S. housing crisis through a healthcare lens. Aquiline led the round, with participation from Flare Capital Partners and support from existing investors 645 Ventures, Freestyle Capital, Triple Impact Capital and Techstars. Aquiline partner Dante La Ruffa framed housing instability as a persistent driver of avoidable healthcare spend and pointed to strategic connectivity across health plan, payer and broker channels. The funding will be deployed simultaneously across Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and employer-sponsored markets, funding leadership hires, operational depth and continued technology investment as Upside scales its housing stability platform. (Link)
  9. Anodyne Nanotech Closes $12.6 Million Series A Led by Velocity Partners VC to Advance ANN-101 — a Once-Weekly GLP-1 Transdermal Patch for Obesity Requiring No Injection or Cold Storage — into Phase I Clinical Trials Boston-based Anodyne Nanotech closed a $12.6 million Series A co-led by Velocity Partners VC and Evercurious VC, with major participation from Relativity Healthcare Partners, to advance ANN-101, its once-weekly GLP-1 patch for obesity, into Phase I clinical trials and scale manufacturing of its HeroPatch™ transdermal delivery platform capable of delivering multi-milligram weekly GLP-1 doses without an injection or cold storage. The financing also supports Anodyne’s pipeline including an apelin/GLP-1 combination patch designed to counter lean-muscle loss — a key side effect of current GLP-1 injectable therapies. (Link)
  10. Ladder Health has raised a $7 million seed round led by Nina Capital, with participation from Mairs & Power Venture Capital, South Dakota First Capital, 25madison Health, Hatteras Venture Partners, Create Health Ventures, Jumpstart Capital, White Oak Enterprises, Groove Capital and 7Rock Ventures. Ladder Health raised $7 million in an oversubscribed seed round led by Nina Capital to expand its virtual-first pediatric developmental care platform. Additional investors included Mairs & Power Venture Capital, South Dakota First Capital, 25madison Health, Hatteras Venture Partners, Create Health Ventures, Jumpstart Capital, White Oak Enterprises, Groove Capital and 7Rock Ventures. The diversified syndicate is backing a company addressing nationwide provider shortages and waitlists for pediatric therapy. The capital will support expansion across North Carolina, Massachusetts and Maryland, entry into additional markets, enhancement of its AI-enabled care platform, and deeper partnerships with pediatric practices and health systems. (Link)
Spenser Lin No Comments

Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Jun 22nd, 2026

LECO_Weekly-Healthcare-News_6-22-2026Download
  1. Apollo Global-Backed Thoreau Group Signs Definitive Agreement for Strategic Growth Investment in Ensemble Health Partners, the Nation’s Largest RCM Managed Services Provider, at an Approximately $12 Billion Valuation Thoreau Group — the healthcare investment platform founded by former New Mountain Capital executive Matt Holt and backed by Apollo Global Management — signed a definitive agreement on June 17–18, 2026 to make a strategic growth investment in Ensemble Health Partners at an estimated $12 billion valuation. Ensemble manages more than $55 billion in net patient revenue annually across 200+ hospitals and approximately 12,000 employees, serving major health systems through billing, payment, and AI-enabled RCM services — including an RCM-native large language model developed in partnership with Cohere — following a $4.75 billion dividend recapitalization completed in January 2026. Legacy investors Berkshire Partners, Warburg Pincus, and Bon Secours Mercy Health will continue as co-investors. The transaction positions Thoreau at the center of the scaled healthcare administrative outsourcing sector. (Link)
  2. Abry Partners has closed a $780 million single-asset continuation fund anchored by Neuberger Berman and Apollo S3 (NYSE: APO) to retain its investment in Centauri Health Solutions, while simultaneously divesting Centauri’s Provider Solutions business to Elevate, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity and Parthenon Capital Partners. Boston-based private equity firm Abry Partners orchestrated a $780 million single-asset continuation fund to extend its ownership of Centauri Health Solutions — a healthcare technology company serving U.S. health plans and health systems — transferring the asset from Abry Fund IX into the new vehicle. The Continuation Fund was co-anchored by Neuberger Berman and Apollo S3 (NYSE: APO), with additional commitments from Abry’s existing LP base. Concurrently, Centauri’s Provider Solutions business was divested to Elevate, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity and Parthenon Capital Partners, sharpening Centauri’s focus as a pure-play payer technology and data intelligence platform. Since Abry’s 2020 investment, Centauri’s payer business tripled revenue and quadrupled EBITDA. (Link)
  3. Altaris has agreed to acquire Simulations Plus (Nasdaq: SLP) for approximately $375 million in an all-cash transaction, representing a 26% premium to the company’s 60-day volume-weighted average price, with the deal expected to close in Q4 2026. New York-based Altaris, an investment firm managing over $9 billion in equity capital with an exclusive focus on healthcare, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Simulations Plus (Nasdaq: SLP) at $18.50 per share in cash. Altaris anticipates combining the target with Chemical Computing Group (CCG), an existing Altaris portfolio company focused on molecular design software, to create a more integrated AI-driven drug development platform. The all-cash transaction, unanimously approved by Simulations Plus’s board, is financed through committed equity and debt from Altaris-affiliated funds without a financing contingency. Simulations Plus co-founder Dr. Walter Woltosz has entered into a voting support agreement backing the deal. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2026 subject to stockholder and regulatory approvals. (Link)
  4. Abarca Health and LucyRx Announce Strategic Combination to Create the Only Modern PBM Built for Commercial and Government Scale Abarca Health and LucyRx have announced a strategic combination to form a modern, independent pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) with the scale and technology to serve commercial and government clients nationwide. The combined entity, operating under the parent brand Healthcare Revolution Partners, will provide prescription services to more than 9 million members. Abarca contributes its Darwin Healthcare Intelligence platform — a cloud-native, configurable PBM technology stack — while LucyRx brings clinical capabilities and deep expertise serving employers and labor groups. Both brands will continue operating as subsidiaries with no disruption to clients or members. The combination arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of traditional PBM consolidation and demand for transparent, independent alternatives. (Link)
  5. Singlepoint Healthcare Acquires Healix, Expanding National Infusion Capabilities Singlepoint Healthcare has acquired Healix, a leading provider of outpatient infusion management services operating more than 220 physician-owned and ambulatory infusion centers nationwide. The deal enhances Singlepoint’s integrated care model for inflammatory diseases by adding specialized infusion services spanning infectious disease, gastroenterology, neurology, rheumatology, and related therapeutic areas. This marks Singlepoint’s third acquisition in the past year, reflecting an accelerated buy-and-build strategy in the outpatient infusion market — a high-growth segment driven by biosimilar adoption, site-of-care migration from hospitals to lower-cost settings, and increasing prevalence of chronic inflammatory conditions. Healix will continue its focus on optimizing patient care in outpatient settings following integration. (Link)
  6. Aldrich Capital Partners-backed Compliancy Group has acquired Healthicity, a leading provider of healthcare compliance and auditing software, to create the most comprehensive combined platform for healthcare compliance programs serving more than 3,000 healthcare organizations. Compliancy Group, the healthcare compliance SaaS platform backed by growth equity investor Aldrich Capital Partners, has acquired Healthicity, a provider of healthcare auditing and compliance software including Compliance Manager and Audit Manager+ solutions. The combination creates the first unified platform delivering end-to-end coverage of provider, coding, and documentation auditing alongside workforce compliance, risk assessment, and incident management for a combined customer base exceeding 3,000 U.S. healthcare organizations (Link)
  7. ChartSpan Acquires Validic, the Leading Personal Health Data Platform, Creating a Unified Clinical Care Management and Remote Patient Monitoring Platform for Health Systems, Payers, and Life Sciences Companies Greenville, SC-based ChartSpan, a leading care management services company, announced on June 22, 2026 the completed acquisition of Validic, the healthcare industry’s leading personal health data platform connecting wearable and clinical devices to health system workflows. The combined company unites ChartSpan’s clinical care teams and Chronic Care Management, Advanced Primary Care Management, and Remote Patient Monitoring services with Validic’s global IoT and health data API infrastructure, device logistics, and RPM software — enabling organizations to move from periodic observation to continuous patient understanding. (Link)
  8. Ohio-based Align Capital Partners’ portfolio company Premier Biotech (based in Cleveland, Ohio and Dallas, Texas) has acquired both NexScreen and TransMed, representing the firm’s seventh acquisition since partnering with ACP in November 2022. Cleveland, Ohio-based Align Capital Partners (ACP), a growth-oriented private equity firm managing $3.2 billion in committed capital, has executed two simultaneous bolt-on acquisitions through its drug and alcohol testing portfolio company Premier Biotech: NexScreen, a point-of-care diagnostic testing solutions provider operating across the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand; and TransMed, a broad-catalog drug testing and lab supply distributor with over 1,000 direct customer accounts and a global e-commerce platform. These transactions mark Premier Biotech’s sixth and seventh acquisitions under ACP’s ownership since November 2022, extending the company’s international footprint and product offering across healthcare, government, and workplace markets. (Link)
  9. Cleargate Capital Partners has made a strategic investment in Fellow Health Partners, a Bay Shore, New York-based provider of revenue cycle management services to more than 500 clinicians across approximately 50 healthcare organizations nationwide. Healthcare-focused private equity firm Cleargate Capital Partners, founded in 2025, has made an undisclosed strategic investment in Fellow Health Partners, a leading RCM services provider to physician groups, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty healthcare organizations across the U.S. Cleargate’s investment is intended to fund growth across Fellow’s SAVi technology platform,capital to pursue add-on acquisitions. Fellow’s existing management team, led by CEO Michael N. Brown, will continue to lead the organization. The deal supports Cleargate’s thesis of backing founder-led, lower-middle-market healthcare businesses with partnerships. (Link)
  10. AI-Native Medicare Navigation Platform Connie Health Completes Acquisition of Clearlink’s Medicare Business — Its 10th Acquisition — Alongside a $40 Million Series B Led by HealthQuest Capital, Bringing Total Funding to $85 Million Boston-based Connie Health, the AI-native Medicare navigation platform, has completed its acquisition of Clearlink Insurance Agency’s Medicare business — its 10th acquisition — while closing a $40 million Series B led by HealthQuest Capital with participation from JSL Capital, Khosla Ventures, aMoon, and Pitango HealthTech. The round brings total funding to $85 million. The integration leverages Connie’s AI and automation platform to seamlessly absorb the large-scale book while maintaining personalized service through its network of local trusted agents. Capital will support continued national expansion, technology investment, and additional acquisitions as Connie deepens its role as a strategic partner for value-based care organizations and ACOs. (Link)
  11. Tredence Acquires KMK Consulting, a Morris Plains, NJ-Based Life Sciences Analytics Firm Serving 8 of the World’s Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies, to Build a Scaled Healthcare and Life Sciences AI Platform Tredence, a global AI and data science solutions firm, has acquired KMK Consulting, a specialized analytics and consulting firm with deep expertise in pharmaceuticals and life sciences headquartered in Morris Plains, New Jersey. KMK partners with 8 of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies and brings over two decades of domain expertise in commercial analytics, real-world evidence (RWE), and market research. The deal positions Tredence to expand its Healthcare & Life Sciences business by combining KMK’s domain depth with Tredence’s Agentic AI capabilities across the full molecule-to-market development journey. (Link)
  12. Interlock Equity-Backed VeloSource Simultaneously Acquires Quest Locum Tenens and Syncx LLC, Adding National Physician Staffing Scale and a Proprietary Vendor-Neutral Workforce Management Technology Platform St. Louis-based VeloSource LLC, a portfolio company of Interlock Equity, has acquired Quest Locum Tenens and Syncx LLC to build an enterprise healthcare workforce ecosystem. The deals expand VeloSource’s national clinical staffing capabilities and add Syncx’s proprietary vendor-neutral technology platform for workforce management, including a differentiated physician float pool model that digitizes scheduling and prioritizes internal resources before external placement. Quest brings additional nationwide placement expertise for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs. The combined platform aims to address clinician shortages and improve operational efficiency for healthcare organizations. (Link)
  13. Avista Healthcare Partners-backed EBI has acquired Xstim, a division of Precision Medical Products Inc., to expand its bone growth stimulation portfolio and reinforce its position as the only pure-play bone growth stimulation company. EBI, a portfolio company of New York-based Avista Healthcare Partners — which has invested over $10 billion across more than 50 healthcare businesses globally — has acquired Xstim, the bone healing division of Precision Medical Products Inc. Xstim’s next-generation, wearable, capacitively coupled electrical stimulation therapy for lumbar spinal fusion is highly complementary to EBI’s existing FDA-approved portfolio of implantable and non-invasive bone healing solutions, including the EBI® Bone Healing System, OrthoPak®, and SpinalPak®. The deal advances Avista’s strategy of building differentiated, growth-oriented healthcare product platforms with clear scale potential and broadens EBI’s total addressable market across spinal fusion, nonunion fracture, and joint fusion applications. (Link)
  14. HR HealthCare Acquires SteriGear LLC and Fig Leaf Brand, Expanding Urology Solutions Across the Care Continuum York, PA-based HR HealthCare has acquired SteriGear LLC, including the Fig Leaf brand of urinary drainage devices and related covers and drapes, to strengthen its bladder management portfolio across acute, post-acute, and home care settings. The Fig Leaf product emphasizes patient dignity with privacy features, while SteriGear’s solutions complement HR HealthCare’s TruCath line. The deal creates a more comprehensive urology platform accessible through a single source, consolidating procurement for hospital systems and post-acute care providers. The Fig Leaf brand will continue operating under its existing name, with the SteriGear brand transitioning into HR HealthCare’s portfolio over time. (Link)
  15. Michigan Ear Institute Partners with Align ENT & Allergy, Expanding Access to Specialized Ear, Hearing, and Balance Care Across Michigan and Ohio Under a Physician-Led MSO Model Michigan Ear Institute (MEI), headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, has entered into a strategic partnership with Align ENT & Allergy, a physician-led management services organization. The transaction closed on March 25, 2026, and expands access to specialized ear, hearing, and balance care across Michigan and Ohio. MEI operates four locations and is recognized for advanced diagnostic and treatment options. The partnership aligns MEI with Align’s MSO model focused on operational support, billing, and practice management while preserving full clinical autonomy for its physicians. (Link)
  16. Brightstar Capital Partners Acquires Erdman, a Madison, WI-Based Architecture and Engineering Firm Specializing in Healthcare Facilities and Senior Living Communities, to Expand Its Architecture and Design Platform Brightstar Capital Partners has acquired Erdman, a Madison, Wisconsin-based architecture and engineering firm founded in 1951 specializing in healthcare facilities and senior living communities. Licensed in more than 45 states, Erdman joins KZF Design in Brightstar’s architecture and design platform and contributes its proprietary ZeroIn healthcare analytics platform — a data-driven tool for optimizing facility design and operational performance. The deal supports growing demand for healthcare and senior living construction driven by an aging population and expands Brightstar’s national footprint in healthcare facility design and development. (Link)
  17. PruittHealth Acquires Four Home Health Offices in South Georgia, Adding 36 Counties to Expand Its Statewide Service Area to 109 Counties Under the PruittHealth @ Home Brand PruittHealth has acquired four home health offices in South Georgia — Community Health Services of Georgia locations in Vidalia and Albany, and Georgia Home Health Services locations in Valdosta and Tifton — adding 36 counties to its service area for a total of 109 counties statewide. The acquired offices will operate under the PruittHealth @ Home brand and integrate into PruittHealth’s existing home health network. This expansion reinforces PruittHealth’s position as a leading provider of home health services across Georgia, continuing the organization’s strategy of geographic densification within its core market through targeted acquisitions of established home health agencies. (Link)
  18. Jennie Stuart Health Acquires Six Medical Practices Across Western Kentucky, Including Generations Primary Care, MDVIP, Hopkinsville Family Care, and Three Additional Clinics, Strengthening Regional Provider Coordination Jennie Stuart Health has acquired six medical practices — Generations Primary Care, MDVIP, Hopkinsville Family Care, Western Kentucky Pulmonary Clinic, Elkton Clinic, and Crofton Clinic — to expand access to primary and specialty care across western Kentucky. Patients will continue receiving care from the same providers at their current locations with no interruption in services, and MDVIP will maintain its existing direct primary care membership model. The acquisition strengthens provider coordination, improves specialist access, and supports the long-term stability of regional healthcare delivery in underserved rural and semi-rural Kentucky communities. (Link)
  19. Legend Senior Living Acquires Apple Blossom Senior Living in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, Expanding to 78 Residences Across Eight States as Part of Its Ongoing Pennsylvania Growth Strategy Legend Senior Living has acquired Apple Blossom Senior Living in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, as part of its ongoing Pennsylvania expansion. The community offers Independent Living cottages along with Personal Care and Memory Care options. With this addition, Legend now operates 78 senior living residences across eight states. The acquisition strengthens Legend’s presence in the greater Pittsburgh market and continues its family-led approach focused on personalized resident support, dignity, and quality of life. Legend’s acquisition strategy targets established communities in growing suburban markets where demand for senior living services is supported by favorable demographic trends. (Link)
  20. Imagen Dental Partners Adds Pineview Aesthetic & Family Dentistry in Bellevue, Washington, Expanding Its Pacific Northwest Presence with a Practice Founded in 2007 by Repeated Seattle Top Dentist Honoree Dr. Gannon Stahl Imagen Dental Partners has partnered with Pineview Aesthetic & Family Dentistry, a leading Bellevue, Washington practice founded in 2007 and led by Dr. Gannon Stahl, a University of Washington School of Dentistry graduate and repeated Seattle Top Dentist honoree. The practice offers comprehensive family, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry using advanced clinical technology and a patient-first approach. Dr. Stahl will continue focusing on clinical excellence while gaining access to Imagen’s support infrastructure across recruiting, marketing, revenue cycle management, and operations — a structure consistent with the supported independence model common across dental service organization partnerships. (Link)
  21. New Jersey Medical Office Building and ASC Portfolio — Including Physician’s SurgiCenter — Sells for $13.6 Million; Two-Building Medical Portfolio in Toms River 99% Leased at Close A medical office building portfolio in Toms River, New Jersey, including Physician’s SurgiCenter, has sold for $13.6 million. The two-building Holiday City Medical Portfolio totals 55,680 square feet and was 99% leased at closing, with established tenants including Labcorp, University Radiology Group, Asetera Cancer Care, Premier Dermatology, Elite Podiatry, and several others. Horizon Equities sold the properties to an undisclosed buyer following strong investor interest, with nearly a dozen competing offers received. The transaction reflects continued investor appetite for stabilized, multi-tenant medical office and ambulatory surgery center assets in established suburban New Jersey healthcare markets. (Link)
  22. Group Benefit Services Acquires Integrity Administrators, a Sacramento, CA-Based Third-Party Administrator, Expanding Its Self-Funded Health Plan Administration Platform with Enhanced Nurse Navigator and Member Services Capabilities Group Benefit Services, Inc. (GBS) has acquired Integrity Administrators, Inc. (IAI), a third-party administrator based in Sacramento, California specializing in self-funded health plan administration. The combination enhances GBS’s platform with expanded resources, Nurse Navigator programs, and a high-touch service model focused on cost savings and member support. IAI clients will benefit from GBS’s broader infrastructure and national network while maintaining the personalized service approach that defines the IAI model. The transaction continues consolidation in the fragmented TPA market, where self-funded employers increasingly seek scaled administrators with clinical care coordination capabilities alongside traditional plan administration services. (Link)

Venture Deals and Other

  1. Samsung Electronics (KRX: 005930) has made a $175 million investment in Element Biosciences’ upsized Series E financing round, becoming the genomic and multiomic technology company’s largest shareholder, with an undisclosed amount from other co-investors also participating. Samsung Electronics (KRX: 005930) has committed $175 million into an upsized Series E financing round for Element Biosciences, a San Diego-based life sciences company specializing in DNA sequencing and multiomic technologies. Samsung, a longstanding investor in Element, will become its largest shareholder upon close, pending regulatory approvals. The investment reflects Samsung’s strategic confidence in Element’s growing product ecosystem — including AVITI, VITARI, and the forthcoming AVITI Dx and AVITI24 — and aligns with its broader precision medicine and life sciences innovation mandate. Proceeds will fund global commercialization, geographic expansion, and advancement of the company’s product roadmap across research, translational science, and diagnostic applications. (Link)
  2. Avataar Ventures has led a $28.5 million Series B round in Bengaluru-based deep-tech manufacturing startup Ethereal Machines, with participation from existing investor Peak XV Partners, to fund a new manufacturing facility, indigenous CNC technology development, and global market expansion. Bengaluru-based deep-tech firm Ethereal Machines has raised $28.5 million in a Series B round led by Avataar Ventures, with Peak XV Partners participating as a returning investor. The capital, arriving nearly two years after the company’s $13 million Series A, is earmarked to construct a new 300,000-square-foot automated manufacturing plant under an MOU with the Karnataka government, develop a proprietary multi-axis CNC controller, and expand into the U.S. and European markets. Ethereal Machines’ MaaS business has grown threefold year-on-year since its Series A and production capacity has expanded tenfold. The company targets sectors including aerospace, defense, semiconductor manufacturing, and consumer electronics. (Link)
  3. Echo Health Ventures and FMZ Ventures have co-led a $30 million Series C in InStride Health, with existing investors Valtruis, .406 Ventures, General Catalyst, and Mass General Brigham Ventures also participating, bringing the pediatric mental health company’s total raised to $86 million. InStride Health, a provider of insurance-based virtual specialty treatment for children, teens, and young adults with anxiety and OCD, has closed a $30 million Series C co-led by Echo Health Ventures — the strategic CVC arm of the Blue Cross Blue Shield collaborative network — and FMZ Ventures, a growth equity firm specializing in digitally enabled consumer marketplace companies. Existing investors Valtruis, .406 Ventures, General Catalyst, and Mass General Brigham Ventures also participated. The round brings InStride’s total capital raised to $86 million and will fund geographic expansion from 17 states to Midwest and Western markets and deepening of payer relationships with insurers including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. (Link)
  4. Index Ventures has led a $7 million seed round in Uncovr, with Seedcamp, Frst, No Labels Ventures, and Entrepreneurs First also participating, to fund the AI surgical documentation startup’s expansion across U.S. and European hospital systems. Uncovr, a surgical AI company that analyzes intraoperative video to automatically generate procedural coding and operative reports, has secured $7 million in seed funding led by Index Ventures, with Seedcamp, Frst, No Labels Ventures, and Entrepreneurs First among additional investors. Digital Surgery founder Jean Nehme, Color Health CEO Othman Laraki, and Meta board member Charlie Songhurst also contributed individually to the round. Uncovr, launched in 2025 and currently deployed across more than 400 operating rooms in the U.S. and Europe, has identified a 16% missed-billable-step rate and a ~10% reimbursement gap in procedures. The seed capital will be deployed to hire ML engineers and expand hospital partnerships. (Link)
  5. Bonfire Ventures, Supernode, Comma Capital, and individual investor Jacquelyn Kung have backed Vali Health with $6 million in funding as the San Francisco-based AI home care startup emerges from stealth. Vali Health, a San Francisco-based startup building AI infrastructure for the home care industry, has emerged from stealth with $6 million in funding from Bonfire Ventures, Supernode, Comma Capital, and individual investor Jacquelyn Kung. Founded by Serena Dang (CEO) and Jason Wu (CTO), Vali Health has built an AI-native 24/7 safety infrastructure designed to help mid-sized home care agencies automate workforce management and coordination, saving upwards of 20 hours per week. The startup has achieved 400% growth in just 12 months, now serving agencies across nearly 100 locations in 30 states. Capital will be used to expand operations and market reach. (Link)
  6. Vanna Health Raises $17 Million to Expand Evidence-Based Care for People Living with Serious Mental Illness Vanna Health, a value-based health technology company providing integrated mental and chronic health support through community-based coaching, has raised $17 million in funding co-led by a national healthcare insurer and AlleyCorp, with participation from Health Velocity Capital. The capital will support expansion of its clinical reach, technology infrastructure, and recovery-oriented care model for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Vanna Health currently operates in four states and aims to scale its community-centered, technology-enabled approach nationwide. (Link)
  7. Khosla Ventures has led an $11 million seed round in Clair Health, with participation from a16z Speedrun, Brydge Club, Treehub, Cartan Capital, AGI House, Insiders VC, and Anne Wojcicki, to develop the first continuous, non-invasive wearable hormone monitor for women. Clair Health, a femtech startup co-founded by Stanford graduates Jenny Duan and Abhinav Agarwal, has raised $11 million in seed funding led by Khosla Ventures, with a16z Speedrun, Brydge Club, Treehub, Cartan Capital, AGI House, Insiders VC, and 23andMe co-founder Anne Wojcicki also contributing. The startup is building a wearable wristband leveraging a proprietary stack of 10 biosensors — including biomagnetic sensors not found in any competing consumer wearable — combined with AI models to continuously infer a woman’s hormonal cycle phase without blood draws or skin piercing. With a 25,000-person waitlist and a sold-out presale, Clair Health plans a November 2026 wellness product launch and subsequent pursuit of FDA clearance for applications across fertility, perimenopause, and hormone conditions. (Link)
Spenser Lin No Comments

Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Jun 8th, 2026

LECO_Weekly-Healthcare-News_6-8-2026Download

Healthcare Weekly News and Deals –June 8th, 2026

  1. New Brunswick, NJ-based Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) agreed to acquire Firefly Bio, Inc. for $1 billion in cash to add its Firelink™ degrader antibody conjugate (DAC) platform targeting KRAS-driven and other hard-to-treat solid tumors, expanding J&J’s next-generation oncology pipeline Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced on June 8, 2026 a definitive agreement to acquire Firefly Bio, Inc., a biotechnology company developing its proprietary Firelink™ degrader antibody conjugate (DAC) platform, for $1 billion in cash. The Firelink™ platform delivers a highly selective protein degrader to tumor cells while avoiding healthy cells, targeting KRAS-driven solid tumors — among the most prevalent and historically hard-to-treat oncology targets. The acquisition adds preclinical candidates and a novel modality complementing J&J’s existing antibody engineering expertise across monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, and ADCs. Closing is expected later in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions. (Link)
  2. Wilmington, Delaware-based Incyte Corporation (NASD: INCY) agreed to acquire Vega Therapeutics — a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics — for $1.25 billion upfront plus up to $750 million in sales milestones (up to $2.0 billion total), adding VGA039, a Phase 3-ready first-in-class monoclonal antibody for von Willebrand disease Incyte Corporation (NASD: INCY) announced on June 8, 2026 a definitive agreement to acquire Vega Therapeutics, Inc. from Star Therapeutics, LLC for $1.25 billion upfront plus up to $750 million in sales milestone payments, totaling up to $2.0 billion. Vega’s lead candidate, VGA039, is a first-in-class investigational monoclonal antibody modulating Protein S to improve hemostasis in von Willebrand disease (VWD) — the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting approximately 135,000 diagnosed U.S. patients. VGA039 is in Phase 3 pivotal development as a potentially first-ever subcutaneous prophylactic therapy for VWD patients who currently require frequent IV infusions; it holds FDA Breakthrough Therapy and Orphan Drug designations. Closing is expected in Q3 2026, subject to antitrust clearance. (Link)
  3. Nashville-based Ascension health system finalized its $3.9 billion acquisition of ASC operator AMSURG — adding 250 ambulatory surgery centers across 34 states — after the FTC required divestitures of seven surgery centers, creating one of the largest nonprofit health system-owned ambulatory surgery portfolios in the country Ascension, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States, closed its $3.9 billion acquisition of AMSURG following an FTC consent order requiring divestiture of seven ASCs in five metropolitan markets to SCA Health — a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group’s (NYSE: UNH) Optum — and one additional ASC. The acquisition adds 250 ASCs across 34 states to Ascension’s existing portfolio of 58 wholly owned surgical centers, dramatically expanding its outpatient surgery footprint. Industry observers view the deal as a catalyst for broader ASC sector consolidation. (Link)
  4. Joplin, Missouri-based Freeman Health System completed the $110 million acquisition of Northwest Health from Community Health Systems (NYSE: CYH), adding four Arkansas hospital facilities and marking Freeman’s first expansion into the state Freeman Health System finalized the $110 million purchase of Northwest Health from Community Health Systems (NYSE: CYH). The transaction included substantially all assets of four hospitals — Northwest Medical Center Bentonville, Northwest Medical Center Springdale, Willow Creek Women’s Hospital in Johnson, and Siloam Springs Regional Hospital — plus associated outpatient centers and practices, bringing approximately 2,200 employees into the Freeman organization. The deal marks Freeman Health’s inaugural geographic expansion into Arkansas, adding significant hospital density in the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas market. (Link)
  5. Aveanna Healthcare Holdings (NASD: AVAH) has completed the acquisition of Family First Homecare for $175.5 million, adding 27 pediatric home care locations across seven states to its national platform. Atlanta-based Aveanna Healthcare Holdings (NASD: AVAH), a diversified home care platform serving medically complex patient populations, has closed its $175.5 million all-cash acquisition of Family First Homecare, a scaled multi-state provider of pediatric private duty nursing services. Funded entirely from cash on hand, the transaction adds 27 locations across Florida, Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Texas to Aveanna’s portfolio. The deal lifts Aveanna’s full-year 2026 revenue guidance by $70 million to a range of $2.63–$2.65 billion, and increases its Adjusted EBITDA guidance by $10 million to a range of $338–$342 million, reflecting immediate financial accretion from the deal. (Link)
  6. Parsippany, NJ-based Med-Metrix (PE: Harvest Partners and A&M Capital Partners) entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Vitalware from Health Catalyst (NASD: HCAT) for $147 million in cash, strengthening its mid-revenue cycle technology platform PE-backed Med-Metrix, supported by Harvest Partners (~$20 billion AUM) and A&M Capital Partners, signed a definitive agreement to acquire Vitalware from Health Catalyst (NASD: HCAT) for $147 million in cash. Vitalware is a Best-in-KLAS mid-revenue cycle software business generating approximately $37 million in FY2025 revenue; its cloud-based chargemaster management, revenue integrity, and coding optimization tools strategically expand Med-Metrix’s platform. For Health Catalyst, the divestiture proceeds retire its ~$160 million senior secured term loan, sharpening the company’s strategic focus. Vitalware was founded in 2011 and acquired by Health Catalyst in 2020. (Link)
  7. New Haven, CT-based Rallybio Corporation (NASD: RLYB) and San Diego-based Avenzo Therapeutics announced a definitive merger agreement — combined company to operate as Avenzo Therapeutics advancing next-generation oncology small molecules and ADCs Rallybio Corporation (NASD: RLYB) and Avenzo Therapeutics announced on June 1, 2026 a definitive merger under which Rallybio acquires Avenzo, with the combined company operating as Avenzo Therapeutics. A concurrent oversubscribed $215 million private placement from healthcare institutional investors and mutual funds funds operations into late 2028 and supports advancement through multiple clinical milestones across next-generation oncology small molecules and ADCs. Pre-transaction Rallybio stockholders will own approximately 2.8% of the combined company; Rallybio intends to distribute substantially all pre-closing net cash to existing stockholders. Closing expected Q4 2026, subject to stockholder approval. (Link)
  8. Murfreesboro, Tennessee-based National HealthCare Corporation (NYSE American: NHC) completed the $50.5 million acquisition of five skilled nursing facilities, converting decades-long management agreements into full ownership across 566 operating beds National HealthCare Corporation (NYSE American: NHC) announced on June 4, 2026 the closing of the $50.5 million purchase of five skilled nursing facilities — four in Tennessee and one in South Carolina, totaling 566 operating beds — from National Health Corporation (an ESOP entity). NHC subsidiaries have managed these facilities since 1988; the acquisition gives NHC full ownership of both operations and real estate. CEO Steve Flatt noted the transition is invisible to patients and partners and will be immediately accretive to cash flow and earnings. (Link)
  9. Westlake Village, California-based LTC Properties (NYSE: LTC) announced a $54 million SHOP acquisition of a 104-unit assisted living and memory care community in Phoenix, Arizona — welcoming MorningStar Senior Living as its eleventh SHOP operator and ninth new partner since the platform’s May 2025 launch LTC Properties, Inc. (NYSE: LTC) announced on June 2, 2026 a $54 million SHOP acquisition of a 104-unit assisted living and memory care community in Phoenix, Arizona, at a 6.75% cap rate with an expected unlevered IRR in the low-to-mid teens. The community will continue to be managed by MorningStar Senior Living — new to LTC and its eleventh SHOP operating partner. Since its SHOP launch, LTC has completed $524 million in SHOP acquisitions, including $171 million in 2026, with SHOP now representing approximately 28% of annualized NOI and 32% of gross investments. LTC targets an additional $285 million in SHOP acquisitions closing by end of Q3 2026. (Link)
  10. New York-based Strata Critical Medical (NASD: SRTA) completed the all-cash acquisition of Louisville Perfusion Services, Inc., a regional perfusion and blood management provider serving cardiac surgery programs in Kentucky, for up to $20 million — adding a Midwest and Southern stronghold to its 275+ hospital national perfusion platform Strata Critical Medical (NASD: SRTA) announced on June 2, 2026 the completed acquisition of Louisville Perfusion Services, Inc. (LPS), a regional provider of perfusion and blood management services to cardiac surgery programs in Kentucky. The transaction consists of approximately $16 million upfront plus up to $4 million in performance-based consideration. LPS is expected to generate approximately $10 million in revenue and $3 million in Adjusted EBITDA for 2026. The deal expands Strata’s cardiac perfusion platform into the Midwest and Southern U.S., adds ECMO support and organ transplant capabilities, and is consistent with Strata’s strategy of bolt-on acquisitions at mid-single digit Adjusted EBITDA multiples. (Link)
  11. Frisco, Texas-based Soleo Health (PE: Court Square Capital Partners and WindRose Health Investors) acquired Realo Specialty Care Pharmacy and BluHaven Management from Realo Drugs, adding a specialty pharmacy and ambulatory infusion center in North Carolina and bringing its national portfolio to 28 specialty pharmacies and 30+ infusion suites Soleo Health, a portfolio company of Court Square Capital Partners and WindRose Health Investors, acquired both Realo Specialty Care Pharmacy and BluHaven Management from Realo Drugs. The dual acquisition adds a specialty pharmacy in Morrisville, N.C., and an ambulatory infusion center in Raleigh, N.C., deepening Soleo’s presence in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. The deal brings Soleo’s national portfolio to 28 specialty pharmacies and over 30 ambulatory infusion suites. (Link)
  12. Salt Lake City-based Bristol Hospice acquired Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, expanding its presence into the greater Memphis, Tennessee market Bristol Hospice, one of the largest hospice providers in the United States, announced on June 1, 2026 the acquisition of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, bringing compassionate end-of-life services into the greater Memphis community. The acquisition honors Hope Hospice’s legacy of patient-centered care while integrating it into Bristol’s national network and clinical infrastructure. Bristol operates dozens of locations nationwide. (Link)
  13. Southlake, Texas-based Alliance Clinical Network (PE: Amulet Capital Partners and BPOC) completed a strategic merger with Atlas Clinical Research, creating an expanded national clinical trial site network across seven states with nearly 50 years of combined clinical research experience Alliance Clinical Network and Atlas Clinical Research announced on June 2, 2026 the closing of their strategic merger, combining nearly 50 years of collective clinical research experience across sites in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The combined organization serves sponsors across CNS disorders, internal medicine, women’s health, metabolic diseases, dermatology, gastroenterology, pain management, and vaccines. Alliance is backed by Amulet Capital Partners and BPOC; Anthony Milonas serves as CEO. The merger was originally announced May 13, 2026. (Link)
  14. Marietta, Georgia-based Wellstar Health System finalized an agreement to acquire Mountain Lakes Medical Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital and Level IV Trauma Center in Clayton, Georgia, expanding its hospital portfolio from 11 to 12 facilities Wellstar Health System announced a definitive agreement to acquire Mountain Lakes Medical Center (MLMC), a 25-bed critical access hospital and Level IV Trauma Center in Clayton, Ga., serving Rabun County and surrounding northeast Georgia and western North Carolina. The acquisition is expected to close August 1 pending regulatory approvals. Wellstar’s strategic rationale centers on connecting MLMC patients to expanded specialty resources, digital health capabilities, and advanced clinical programs across its growing Georgia footprint. (Link)
  15. New York-based National Healthcare Properties (NASD: NHP), a senior housing REIT, announced approximately $279 million in signed purchase agreements and letters of intent for SHOP acquisitions expected to add 1,214 units to its existing 3,615-unit portfolio National Healthcare Properties (NASD: NHP) announced on June 1, 2026 signed purchase and sale agreements or non-binding letters of intent for approximately $279 million of SHOP acquisitions, with estimated weighted average year-one and year-three cap rates of 8.0% and 9.7%, respectively. The pipeline is expected to add 1,214 units to NHP’s existing 3,615 needs-based senior housing units. NHP also announced its Class A common stock will be added to the Russell 2000 and 3000 Indexes effective after market close on June 26, 2026, following its April 2026 NASD listing. (Link)
  16. Irvine, California-based Discovery Behavioral Health announced an agreement with lender HPS Investment Partners to transfer majority ownership in exchange for a substantial reduction of its $280 million debt obligations, following a December 2025 lender seizure of the company; regulatory approval pending Discovery Behavioral Health — one of the largest behavioral health platforms in the country, formerly backed by Webster Equity Partners — announced on June 2, 2026 an agreement with HPS Investment Partners to transfer majority ownership in exchange for a substantial reduction of its $280 million debt burden. HPS and Capital One originally seized Discovery’s assets in December 2025 after repeated covenant defaults on debt agreements originally entered in June 2021. Discovery briefly contested the takeover in New York state court before abandoning the effort. The announcement formalizes the ownership transfer structure pending regulatory approvals; a CEO change was also announced simultaneously. (Link)
  17. Radnor, Pennsylvania-based Hidden River Strategic Capital invested debt and convertible preferred equity into Redding, California-based Northstar Senior Living to support its merger with North Palm Beach, Florida-based Alta Senior Living, creating a scaled national senior living management platform Hidden River Strategic Capital announced on June 2, 2026 an investment in Northstar Senior Living in connection with its merger with Alta Senior Living. The combined company will operate as Northstar Senior Living, managing assisted living, memory care, and independent living communities under long-term contracts with community owners across the U.S. Hidden River’s investment consisted of debt and convertible preferred equity. Northstar’s executive team will run day-to-day operations; Alta CEO Doug Brawn will serve as Board Chair. Blueprint CRE facilitated the capital partner search and merger. (Link)
  18. San Francisco-based Clarify Health completed the acquisition of Loyal Health Holdings to create healthcare’s first closed-loop network intelligence and patient activation platform, combining referral analytics with AI-powered patient engagement tools across nearly 500 hospitals Clarify Health completed the acquisition of Loyal Health Holdings, Inc., a healthcare-specific patient activation platform, creating what the combined company describes as the industry’s first closed-loop network intelligence engine spanning referral intelligence, patient activation, and outcomes measurement. Loyal’s Care Activation Platform manages over 80,000 provider and location profiles and serves nearly 500 hospitals nationwide. The merged entity pairs Clarify’s Meridian® machine learning platform with Loyal’s AI-powered scheduling, chat, and predictive propensity engines. Clarify CEO Todd Gottula leads the combined company. (Link)
  19. San Juan Capistrano-based The Ensign Group (NASD: ENSG) acquired the real estate and operations of Woodland Health and Rehabilitation, a 62-bed skilled nursing facility in Mount Pleasant, Iowa The Ensign Group (NASD: ENSG) acquired the real estate and operations of Woodland Health and Rehabilitation, a 62-bed skilled nursing facility in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, effective June 1, 2026, through a Standard Bearer Healthcare REIT, Inc. subsidiary. The facility will be operated by an Ensign-affiliated tenant. The acquisition brings Ensign’s total portfolio to 396 healthcare operations across 17 states. (Link)
  20. The Ensign Group (NASD: ENSG) acquired the real estate of Memory Care of Contra Costa, a 46-unit memory care facility in Pleasant Hill, California, effective June 1, 2026, through its Standard Bearer Healthcare REIT subsidiary — to be leased to a third-party operator under a long-term triple net lease Through a subsidiary of Standard Bearer Healthcare REIT, The Ensign Group (NASD: ENSG) acquired the real estate of Memory Care of Contra Costa, a 46-unit memory care facility in Pleasant Hill, California, effective June 1, 2026. The facility will be operated by an experienced third-party operator under a long-term triple net lease. CEO Barry Port called the acquisition a ‘home run’ for the Standard Bearer portfolio. Ensign’s real estate subsidiaries now own 181 real estate assets across its national portfolio. (Link)
  21. Poway, California-based Diazyme Laboratories, Inc. (a General Atomics subsidiary) acquired Carolina Liquid Chemistries Corporation, a Greensboro, North Carolina-based FDA-registered manufacturer and value-added reseller of chemistry systems and reagents Diazyme Laboratories, Inc. announced on June 1, 2026 the acquisition of Carolina Liquid Chemistries Corporation (CLC), an FDA-registered manufacturer and value-added reseller of chemistry systems and reagents founded in 1994 in Greensboro, North Carolina. CLC’s cost-effective reagent products will complement Diazyme’s proprietary enzyme and immunoassay technologies, creating synergies for clinical and reference laboratories of all sizes. CLC’s business will be fully integrated into Diazyme’s operations. Diazyme is a cGMP and ISO 13485 certified medical device manufacturer. (Link)
  22. Bridgepoint has acquired Obagi Medical from Waldencast (NASD: WALD) in a transaction valued at up to $460 million, securing a dermatology and aesthetics skincare business European PE firm Bridgepoint has agreed to acquire Obagi Medical from publicly traded beauty holding company Waldencast (NASD: WALD) in a deal worth up to $460 million. Waldencast originally acquired Obagi Medical in 2022 before expanding it into injectable aesthetics through a bolt-on acquisition. The divestiture allows Waldencast to deleverage its balance sheet and redirect investment exclusively toward Milk Makeup. Bridgepoint’s acquisition provides Obagi Medical with focused, dedicated ownership to advance its position in the rapidly growing physician-dispensed dermatology and aesthetics market, which had expanded to include the FDA-approved Obagi Saypha® MagIQ™ dermal filler range prior to the transaction. (Link)
  23. Geneva, Switzerland-based SGS (SIX: SGSN), the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, acquired CMIC, INC., a Chicago, Illinois-based specialized bioanalytical testing services provider — its second U.S. bioanalytical acquisition in two months SGS announced on June 3, 2026 the acquisition of CMIC, INC., a Chicago, Illinois-based provider of bioanalytical testing services established in 2010. CMIC’s 27,000-square-foot GLP-compliant facility delivers bioanalysis across pre-clinical and clinical phases for pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers developing biologics and complex therapies. CMIC, INC. is a group company of CMIC HOLDINGS Co., Ltd., which will continue collaborating with SGS through its pharmaceutical arm. The deal advances SGS’s Strategy 27 objective to double North American sales between 2023 and 2027. SGS operates over 2,500 laboratories across 115 countries.  (Link)
  24. Guildford, UK-based Venture Life Group (AIM: VLG) agreed to acquire two U.S. women’s health consumer brands — FemiClear and CUROXEN — from Austin, Texas-based OrganiCare Nature’s Sciences for up to $28 million, expanding its intimate health portfolio into Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Target Venture Life Group plc (AIM: VLG) announced on June 4, 2026 an agreement to acquire the FemiClear and CUROXEN consumer healthcare brands from OrganiCare Nature’s Sciences for up to $28 million — $23 million upfront and up to $5 million in deferred consideration tied to 2026 trading performance, funded from existing cash. FemiClear addresses gynaecological conditions including bacterial vaginosis, genital herpes, thrush, and UTIs (~98% of combined revenues); CUROXEN provides infection prevention for wounds and mouth sores. Combined net revenues were $12.1 million in the 12 months to March 31, 2026, up 29.1% year-on-year. Distribution spans Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Target. Venture Life shares rose approximately 9–10% on announcement. (Link)
  25. Suresnes, France-based Servier agreed to acquire the muscular dystrophy business of Boulder, Colorado-based Edgewise Therapeutics (NASD: EWTX) for up to $2.65 billion — $1.55 billion upfront plus up to $1.1 billion in milestones — to advance sevasemten, a first-in-class oral fast skeletal myosin inhibitor for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy French pharmaceutical firm Servier announced on June 1, 2026 a definitive agreement to acquire Edgewise Therapeutics’ (NASD: EWTX) muscular dystrophy business for up to $2.65 billion — $1.55 billion upfront plus up to $1.1 billion in regulatory and commercial milestones. The deal secures sevasemten, a first-in-class oral fast skeletal myosin inhibitor in pivotal testing for Becker muscular dystrophy and mid-stage studies for Duchenne. Edgewise retains its cardiovascular pipeline (EDG-7500 for HCM, EDG-15400 for HFpEF) and becomes a cardiovascular-focused company post-close. All Edgewise employees supporting the muscular dystrophy business will receive comparable offers from Servier. Closing is expected in Q3 2026. (Link)

Venture Deals and Other

  1. Charlottesville, Virginia-based Contraline, Inc. closed a $92.5 million Series B co-led by BVF Partners and RA Capital Management — with GV (Google Ventures), Lumira Ventures, and Invus participating — to advance NES/T Gel, a first-in-class daily hormonal male contraceptive, into late-stage development Contraline, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel male contraceptives, announced on June 2, 2026 the closing of a $92.5 million Series B co-led by BVF Partners L.P. and RA Capital Management, with participation from GV (Google Ventures), Lumira Ventures, Invus, and other new and existing investors. Proceeds support late-stage development of NES/T Gel — an investigational, daily, topical, hormonal, reversible male contraceptive with first-in-class potential — and advancement of ADAM, a non-hormonal hydrogel implant in clinical trials. BVF’s Iris van Alderwerelt van Rosenburgh joined the Board. No male contraceptive pill or equivalent has been approved in the U.S.; NES/T Gel addresses a massive unmet need in men’s reproductive health. (Link)
  2. Founders Fund has led a $435 million Series C in NewLimit alongside Thrive Capital, Greenoaks, Quiet Capital, Kleiner Perkins, Abstract, Valor Equity Partners, Eli Lilly Ventures, Human Capital, and others to fund the first human clinical trial of an aging reprogramming medicine. Founders Fund led NewLimit’s $435 million Series C, joined by new investors Thrive Capital, Greenoaks, and Quiet Capital, and returning backers including Kleiner Perkins, Abstract, Nat Friedman and Daniel Gross, Valor Equity Partners, Eli Lilly Ventures, and Human Capital. Founded in 2021 by Coinbase (NASD: COIN) CEO Brian Armstrong alongside Blake Byers and CEO Jacob Kimmel, NewLimit is developing epigenetic reprogramming medicines to reverse cellular aging. The raise will fund the company’s lead liver reprogramming therapy into human clinical trials — a timeline dramatically accelerated by a recent prototype breakthrough that demonstrated age reversal in old human liver cells. The company’s long-term vision is to treat aging itself as a clinically addressable condition. (Link)
  3. Felicis, Bain Capital Ventures, Optum Ventures, Sunflower Capital, Conviction, BoxGroup, Dorm Room Fund, and Constellation have co-invested in a $50 million Series A for Adaptive Innovations, an AI-native home health provider based in New York and Dallas. Felicis led a $50 million Series A in Adaptive Innovations, the first AI-native homecare provider, with significant participation from Bain Capital Ventures, Optum Ventures, Sunflower Capital, Conviction, BoxGroup, Dorm Room Fund, and Constellation, along with prominent angels from healthcare and frontier AI. The round brings Adaptive’s total funding to $60 million, including a previously undisclosed $10 million Seed. Since its 2025 launch, Adaptive has achieved an industry-leading sub-5% rehospitalization rate versus an 11% industry average, reduced clinician documentation time by 80%, and delivered over 100,000 visits across partnerships with more than 500 healthcare organizations including every major Texas hospital system. Proceeds will fund platform scaling and clinical workforce expansion into new states. (Link)
  4. General Catalyst and Chemistry led a $35 million Series A in Yuzu Health — with Anthropic’s Anthology Fund, Bain Future Back Ventures, Lachy Groom, and Neo — to modernize health insurance TPA infrastructure with AI-automated claims processing Yuzu Health secured $35 million in Series A funding led by General Catalyst and Chemistry, with participation from Anthropic’s Anthology Fund, Bain Future Back Ventures, Timeless Ventures, Lachy Groom, and Neo. Founded in 2022, Yuzu Health is a vertically integrated third-party administrator (TPA) powering claims processing, payments, and member administration for health plans, with a unified data architecture offered as a white-labeled solution. The company automates historically manual workflows including claims adjudication, stop-loss submissions, reconciliation, and downstream reporting, enabling more customizable plan designs including direct contracts and dynamic copays. (Link)
  5. San Francisco-based Lassie raised $35 million in Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) — with Night Capital and fintech founders from Superhuman, Plaid, and Wise — to build AI autonomous systems for small healthcare businesses Lassie raised $35 million in Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with Night Capital and prominent fintech founders from Superhuman, Plaid, and Wise participating. a16z’s Alex Rampell joined the board. Lassie’s platform currently operates in more than 700 dental and doctor practices across 49 states, automating front-office, scheduling, billing, and operational workflows so small healthcare practices can run themselves with reduced administrative overhead. (Link)
  6. New York-based Novellia raised $18 million in Series A led by Spark Capital — with Khosla Ventures, Acrew Capital, Bling Capital, and TMV — to scale its patient-controlled real-world data platform providing anonymized health records for drug R&D Novellia, the only real-world data company built entirely on patient-contributed information, announced an $18 million Series A led by Spark Capital with participation from Khosla Ventures, Acrew Capital, Bling Capital, and TMV, bringing total funding to $28 million. Alongside the raise, Novellia launched its patient-facing mobile app allowing individuals to securely access and contribute their complete health history. Novellia provides structured real-world datasets to top-10 pharma companies for drug development — addressing what the company calls a $50 billion gap in research-grade patient data. Announced June 2, 2026. (Link)
  7. San Diego-based Rejuvenate Bio (a George Church / Harvard Wyss Institute spinout) announced $6 million in financing and a strategic R&D collaboration with Merck Animal Health to advance gene therapies targeting age-related chronic diseases in animals and humans Rejuvenate Bio, a gene therapy company co-founded by Harvard professor George Church as a spinout from the Harvard Wyss Institute, announced on June 8, 2026 a $6 million financing round and a strategic R&D collaboration with Merck Animal Health. Rejuvenate Bio develops gene therapies targeting the root causes of age-related diseases — including heart failure, kidney failure, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity — in both humans and dogs, using its dual-species strategy to build clinical evidence through companion animal studies while advancing toward human therapeutics. Rejuvenate Bio has previously raised over $10 million in its Series A. (Link)
  8. Houston, Texas-based Goldenrod Therapeutics, Inc. completed the initial closing of a $6.5 million Series Seed round led by Ataxia Ventures and Fannin Partners to advance 11h — a brain-penetrant PDE4 inhibitor — into Phase I clinical trials for Friedreich’s Ataxia and other neurodegenerative diseases Goldenrod Therapeutics, Inc., a Fannin Innovation-founded precision therapeutics company, announced the initial closing of a $6.5 million Series Seed round led by Ataxia Ventures and an affiliate of Fannin Partners. Proceeds fund manufacturing, formulation optimization, IND-enabling studies, and a Phase I trial in Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) — a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disease — with pharmacodynamic biomarkers of PDE4 pathway modulation. Goldenrod’s lead candidate, 11h, is a next-generation, orally bioavailable, brain-penetrant PDE4 inhibitor designed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) to overcome emesis limitations of earlier inhibitors. Development has been supported by NIH and Department of Defense grants. (Link)
  9. Aurora Forge, Jackson Healthcare, Peg’s Foundation, and family offices co-invested a $3 million Seed round in Columbus, Ohio-based Radley Health — alongside existing investor CareSource — to fund expansion of its peer-driven mental health platform into Georgia Aurora Forge, Jackson Healthcare, Peg’s Foundation, and prominent family offices participated in a $3 million Seed round for Radley Health, joining existing investor CareSource, a nonprofit health plan headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. Radley Health has built one of the largest peer support networks in Ohio, with over 450 certified peer support specialists in more than 70 counties across a state where 75 of 88 counties face Mental Health Professional Shortage Area designations. Proceeds support peer workforce growth, healthcare provider partnerships, technology enhancements, and a Georgia market launch where the company has already recruited 50 peer support specialists through partnership with the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. (Link)
  10. Enable Ventures, Florida Opportunity Fund, Castellan Group, DeepWork Capital, Sawmill Angels, and Black Opal have jointly invested $5.75 million in Kalogon, a Melbourne, Florida-based smart seating solutions company. Enable Ventures — the first venture fund dedicated to closing the disability wealth gap — led a $5.75 million funding round in Melbourne, Fla.-based Kalogon, a smart seating technology company specializing in seated health solutions for wheelchair users, commercial aviation, and other extended-sitting use cases. Participating investors include Florida Opportunity Fund, Castellan Group, and returning backers DeepWork Capital, Sawmill Angels, and Black Opal. The investment follows a strong year for Kalogon, during which the company more than tripled its medical revenue year-over-year and moved into a dedicated manufacturing facility. Kalogon’s technology is currently being tested to reduce fatigue for U.S. Air Force B-52 and E-4B aircrew on extended missions. Proceeds will fund engineering, R&D, and international expansion. (Link)
Spenser Lin No Comments

Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update May 25th, 2026 – Happy Memorial Day!

LECO_Weekly-Healthcare-News_5-25-2026Download
  1. Oura Inc. (ŌURA) submits confidential draft Form S-1 to the SEC for a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. San Francisco-based Oura Inc., the smart-ring maker behind the Oura Ring, has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The number of shares to be offered and the price range have not yet been determined, with the IPO expected after the SEC completes its review. Oura was valued at $11 billion in October 2025 following a $900 million Series E and is projected to generate roughly $2 billion in 2026 revenue. The company supports over 1,200 wellness and medical partners. (Link)
  2. Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) to Acquire SPR Therapeutics for $650 Million Medtronic plc has agreed to acquire SPR Therapeutics, a pioneer in minimally invasive peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) technology, in an all-cash transaction valued at $650 million. The deal brings in SPR’s FDA-cleared SPRINT PNS System, a temporary, non-opioid solution for chronic pain that has demonstrated strong clinical outcomes with lower risk compared to permanent implants. For Medtronic, this bolsters its neuromodulation portfolio and accelerates its shift toward less invasive, drug-free pain management therapies amid growing demand for opioid alternatives. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of Medtronic’s fiscal 2027 and should be immediately accretive to earnings. (Link)
  3. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) Acquires Engage Bio to Accelerate Development of Non-Viral Genetic Medicines Eli Lilly and Company has acquired Engage Bio, a preclinical biotechnology company focused on non-viral delivery platforms for genetic medicines. The deal provides Lilly with proprietary technology aimed at improving the safety and efficacy of gene editing and RNA-based therapies. Engage Bio’s platform is designed to overcome key limitations of current viral vector approaches, potentially enabling broader application of genetic medicines. This acquisition reinforces Lilly’s commitment to building leadership in next-generation genetic medicine platforms. (Link)
  4. BrainsWay Ltd. (NASD: BWAY; TASE: BWAY) invests $1.5M for a minority stake in Hopemark Health, operated by Advanced Psychiatric Management LLC under parent APS Innovations LLC. Burlington, Mass.-based BrainsWay Ltd. (NASDAQ: BWAY; TASE: BWAY) has entered a strategic equity financing agreement with APS Innovations LLC, the parent of Advanced Psychiatric Management LLC, which operates Chicago-area mental health clinics under the Hopemark Health brand. BrainsWay is investing $1.5 million for a minority position via a preferred, annually compounding security, with the potential for an additional $1.5 million through milestone-based investments and a redemption mechanism. CEO Hadar Levy described the deal as part of BrainsWay’s strategy to partner with growth-oriented clinical platforms and expand access to interventional psychiatry solutions including Deep TMS. BrainsWay is valued at roughly $606 million. (Link)
  5. QT Imaging Holdings, Inc. (NASD: QTI) closes a $10M underwritten public offering with both existing and new investors participating. Novato, Calif.-based QT Imaging Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: QTI) has completed an underwritten public offering of 2,000,000 shares of common stock or pre-funded warrants, generating gross proceeds of approximately $10 million. The offering was priced at $5.00 per share, with pre-funded warrants at $4.9999, and saw participation from both existing and new investors. Net proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. QTI shares had declined 24% over the week prior to closing, trading at $5.49 with a market capitalization of $65.63 million. QT Imaging develops radiation-free, ultrasound-based breast imaging technology and recently posted strong Q1 2026 revenue growth. (Link)
  6. Innovaccer Inc. acquires CaduceusHealth (reported at $66M) to build out its agentic revenue cycle management platform. San Francisco-based healthcare AI company Innovaccer Inc. has acquired CaduceusHealth, a nationally recognized revenue cycle management services provider, in a reported $66 million asset deal — Innovaccer’s fifth strategic acquisition. Founded in 1997, CaduceusHealth manages billing, claims, and denial resolution for nearly 4,000 providers and handles $5 billion in gross patient charges annually across every major EHR. The transaction expands Innovaccer’s Flow suite into full-stack RCM capabilities, unifying scheduling, patient engagement, and end-to-end revenue cycle workflows for ambulatory care providers. The integrated platform leverages Innovaccer’s Gravity AI infrastructure to address the nearly $20 billion lost annually to avoidable denials. (Link)
  7. Nexalin Technology, Inc. (NASD: NXL) acquires PONM, Inc. from GreenLight Ventures, LLC for $1.3M in stock. Houston-based Nexalin Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXL) has closed the acquisition of PONM, Inc. from GreenLight Ventures, LLC for $1.3 million payable in Nexalin common stock issued across four tranches, with 959,016 shares delivered at closing. PONM is the AI-integrated digital health platform powering Nexalin’s HALO Clarity neurostimulation program and Nexalin NeuroCare virtual clinic, already deployed at UC San Diego. Nexalin gains ownership of PONM and an exclusive license to proprietary software for remote patient monitoring, EHR functionality, and virtual-clinic management. GreenLight becomes a significant Nexalin equity holder and continues engineering, cybersecurity, and regulatory support under a 24-month collaboration agreement. (Link)
  8. GHO Capital and CBC Group Merge to Create $21 Billion Global Healthcare Investment Platform GHO Capital and CBC Group have completed a transformational merger to form one of the world’s largest dedicated healthcare private equity firms with over $21 billion in assets under management. The combined platform brings together GHO’s European mid-market expertise with CBC’s strong Asia-Pacific presence and deep sector relationships. The merger significantly enhances the firm’s ability to pursue larger transactions and cross-border opportunities across healthcare services, biotech, and medtech. For limited partners, this creates a truly global healthcare investor with greater scale, sourcing advantages, and operational resources. (Link)
  9. Grundium (backed by EW Healthcare Partners) Acquires Visiopharm to Create Integrated Precision Pathology Platform Grundium Oy, backed by EW Healthcare Partners, has acquired Visiopharm A/S, a leader in AI-powered image analysis software for digital pathology. The strategic combination merges Grundium’s high-quality digital slide scanners with Visiopharm’s advanced AI algorithms for automated tissue analysis and biomarker quantification. The deal creates a comprehensive end-to-end precision pathology solution that improves diagnostic accuracy, reduces turnaround times, and supports pathologists facing increasing workloads. For investors, this positions the combined platform to capture significant share in the rapidly growing computational pathology market driven by oncology and personalized medicine. (Link)
  10. Cohere Acquires Reliant AI to Expand Sovereign Enterprise AI for Biopharma and Healthcare Cohere has acquired Reliant AI, a biopharma-specialized AI company with operations in Montreal and Berlin. The transaction strengthens Cohere’s vertical AI capabilities in regulated industries by integrating Reliant’s domain-specific models optimized for clinical, regulatory, and research workflows. This move enhances Cohere’s ability to deliver sovereign, privacy-compliant AI solutions for large pharmaceutical and healthcare enterprises. The acquisition underscores the accelerating trend of big tech players deepening vertical specialization to address the unique data governance and compliance requirements of life sciences. (Link) (Link)
  11. Pillr Health (backed by Water Street Healthcare Partners) acquires CaptureRx for undisclosed terms to expand its 340B pharmacy solutions platform. Boca Raton, Fla.-based Pillr Health — a 340B-focused pharmacy optimization platform recently acquired by Water Street Healthcare Partners from Renovus Capital Partners — has acquired San Antonio-based CaptureRx, a 340B technology and services organization. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction extends Pillr Health’s reach to more than 500 hospitals, health systems, and federally qualified health centers nationwide and consolidates CaptureRx’s 20-plus years of 340B expertise into Pillr’s integrated platform spanning split billing, contract pharmacy administration, entity-owned pharmacy management, referral capture, and compliance support. CEO Skip Devanny will lead the combined organization as covered entities face mounting 340B regulatory and compliance pressure. (Link)
  12. $200M Merger of Dominion Aesthetic Technologies Inc. and BellaMia Technologies Inc. Creates New Laser Device Leader Dominion Aesthetic Technologies and BellaMia Technologies have merged in a transaction valued at approximately $200 million to create a leading player in medical aesthetics laser devices. The combined company brings together complementary portfolios of energy-based devices for body contouring, skin rejuvenation, and hair removal. The merger is expected to deliver meaningful revenue and cost synergies while accelerating innovation and international expansion. Backed by strong private equity sponsorship, the new entity is well-positioned to capitalize on the continued growth of the global aesthetic medicine market. (Link)
  13. Endologix Acquires Pounce Thrombectomy System to Expand Vascular Intervention Portfolio Endologix has acquired the Pounce Thrombectomy System, a novel mechanical thrombectomy technology for arterial clot removal. The deal expands Endologix’s peripheral vascular portfolio beyond its core AAA stent graft business into the high-growth thrombectomy segment. Pounce offers a differentiated, low-profile solution for rapid clot extraction in acute limb ischemia cases. The acquisition supports Endologix’s strategy to build a more diversified vascular intervention platform and improve patient outcomes in peripheral arterial disease. (Link)
  14. Everis Medical Announces Acquisition of Hood Laboratories to Expand Head, Neck, and Airway Management Portfolio Everis Medical has acquired Hood Laboratories, a specialist in airway management and head/neck surgical products. The transaction broadens Everis’ product offering in otolaryngology and anesthesia with Hood’s established portfolio of silicone stents, tracheostomy tubes, and related airway devices. This strategic add-on enhances Everis’ position in niche ENT and airway markets while providing cross-selling opportunities across its existing customer base. The acquisition reflects continued consolidation in the fragmented medical device specialty markets. (Link)
  15. Lexitas Pharma Services Acquires Erie Retina Research and Element Erie Lexitas Pharma Services, a leading ophthalmology-focused contract research organization (CRO), has acquired Erie Retina Research (CASExERIE) and Element Erie. The transaction significantly expands Lexitas’ clinical trial capabilities in retinal diseases and strengthens its presence in the Midwest. The acquired sites bring established investigator networks, experienced staff, and a robust pipeline of ongoing retinal studies. This acquisition bolsters Lexitas’ position as a premier ophthalmology CRO amid rising demand for specialized expertise in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other vision-threatening conditions. (Link)
  16. Midlothian Dermatology Joins Epiphany Dermatology Epiphany Dermatology, a leading physician-led dermatology practice platform, has acquired Midlothian Dermatology in Texas. The transaction expands Epiphany’s footprint in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and adds a well-established clinical team with strong patient loyalty. This continues Epiphany’s disciplined roll-up strategy in high-growth dermatology markets, supported by robust demand for medical, surgical, and cosmetic services. The deal reflects ongoing consolidation in the dermatology sector as independent practices seek scale, operational support, and capital for expansion. (Link)
  17. Ballantyne Plastic Surgery acquired by Alexis Miller and Gen3 Innovations Lab Aesthetics and Wellness Group, with capital partnership from New Majority Capital. Charlotte, N.C.-based Ballantyne Plastic Surgery, a 30-plus-year aesthetic practice founded by Thomas G. Liszka, M.D., has been acquired by Alexis Miller and Gen3 Innovations Lab Aesthetics and Wellness Group, with capital partnership from impact-focused investor New Majority Capital. Gen3 is an entrepreneurship-through-acquisition (ETA) search-fund vehicle targeting cash-flowing businesses with enterprise value between $5 million and $20 million. Miller, who holds an MBA from Chicago Booth and previously held roles at TikTok, Facebook, and Adobe, will serve as principal and managing partner. The acquisition continues the practice’s offerings of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in the Charlotte community. (Link)
  18. Clutch Health acquires Perx Health’s U.S. operations for undisclosed terms, marking its second healthcare acquisition. Philadelphia-based Clutch, an AI-powered retention, loyalty and engagement platform serving commerce and healthcare, has acquired the U.S. operations of digital health engagement company Perx Health. Terms were not disclosed. This is Clutch’s second healthcare acquisition, following its 2025 acquisition of Reciprocity Health. Perx’s behavioral-science-driven mobile platform — used by major U.S. health plans and provider organizations — drives medication adherence, treatment plan completion, and chronic condition self-management through gamification and personalized incentives. Perx CEO Scott Taylor will operate within Clutch Health reporting to CEO Craig Hauben, combining Perx’s engagement engine with Reciprocity’s incentive science and Clutch’s AI and data platform. (Link)
  19. Predict Health acquires the Insightin Health platform (inGAGE™) for undisclosed terms to build a unified AI solution for payer intelligence and member engagement. Arlington, Va.-based Predict Health has acquired the Insightin Health platform, an AI-powered healthcare engagement and orchestration solution serving Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, DSNP, ACA, and Commercial health plans. Financial terms were not disclosed. The combined platform will support health plans serving more than 3 million covered lives across 25 states and powers millions of member interactions annually. Predict Health leverages over 800 million healthcare and consumer data records and 300 million-plus member profiles, while the acquired inGAGE™ platform adds real-time journey orchestration, next-best-action decisioning, and omnichannel outreach across phone, text, IVR, email, direct mail, and digital channels. (Link)
  20. InSphero AG Acquires PhenoVista Biosciences Inc. to Expand Advanced 3D Cell-based Assay Capabilities InSphero AG has acquired PhenoVista Biosciences, a provider of advanced 3D cell-based assay services and imaging solutions. The transaction significantly strengthens InSphero’s position in the rapidly growing 3D microtissue and organoid market for drug discovery and toxicology. PhenoVista brings proprietary assay development expertise and high-content imaging capabilities that complement InSphero’s spheroid and organoid platform technologies. The acquisition enhances InSphero’s ability to support pharmaceutical clients with more predictive, human-relevant preclinical models.(Link)

Venture Deals and Other

  1. Century Health raises $5M Seed led by Origin Ventures with participation from InnovateHealth Ventures, 25madison, Next Play Ventures, 2048 Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and angel investor Zorba Lieberman. Century Health, a New York-based healthcare AI company, has closed an oversubscribed $5 million Seed round. The financing was led by Origin Ventures, the Chicago-based early-stage venture firm focused on the “digital native economy,” with participation from InnovateHealth Ventures, 25madison, Next Play Ventures, 2048 Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and strategic angel investors including Zorba Lieberman alongside clinician angels. The capital will fund expansion of partnerships with pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, growth of Century’s specialty provider data network, and enhancements to its AI-powered CHARM platform that converts unstructured EHR data into research-ready real-world evidence across neurology, nephrology, ophthalmology, and other specialties. (Link)
  2. Commure raises $70M at a $7B post-money valuation led by General Catalyst with participation from Sequoia Capital, Morgan Stanley, and Kirkland & Ellis. Mountain View-based Commure, the AI platform for healthcare operations, has banked $70 million in fresh financing at a $7 billion post-money valuation, taking total funding to $750 million. General Catalyst led the round with participation from Sequoia Capital, Morgan Stanley, and Kirkland & Ellis. The company, which merged with Athelas in 2023, deploys agentic AI and ambient workflow tools across more than 500 healthcare organizations and 3,000-plus care sites, including over 130 of the country’s largest health systems such as Tenet Healthcare and HCA Healthcare. Proceeds will scale its revenue cycle and practice management platform, enhance agentic AI infrastructure, and expand globally. (Link)
  3. CVRD Health raises $5M Seed led by Upfront Ventures with participation from Waterline Ventures and Distributed Ventures. CVRD Health has closed a $5 million Seed round led by Upfront Ventures, with participation from Waterline Ventures and Distributed Ventures. Upfront’s general partner Kevin Zhang highlighted CVRD’s positioning in the underserved government contracting market, where federal contracting exceeds $773 billion annually. The proceeds will fund platform development, expansion of the company’s compliance and member advocacy teams, and broader adoption among federal government contractors nationwide. CVRD modernizes benefits compliance for contractors under the Service Contract Act, Davis-Bacon Related Acts, and prevailing wage laws, pairing real-time benefit tracking with an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) and dedicated member advocates. (Link)
  4. Kin Health raises $9M Seed led by Maveron with participation from Town Hall Ventures, Flex Capital, Eniac Ventures, The Family Fund, Pear VC, Watershed Ventures, Foundry Square Capital, and angel investors including GoodRx co-founders Doug Hirsch and Trevor Bezdek, Nabeel Quryshi, Jay Desai, Alex Cohen, and Saharsh Patel. Los Angeles-based Kin Health, a free patient-facing app that records and summarizes medical visits, has raised a $9 million Seed round led by Maveron. Participation came from Town Hall Ventures, Flex Capital, Eniac Ventures, The Family Fund, Pear VC, Watershed Ventures, Foundry Square Capital, and a deep angel roster including GoodRx co-founders Doug Hirsch and Trevor Bezdek (who join as founding partners and executive chairmen), Nabeel Quryshi, Jay Desai, Alex Cohen, Saharsh Patel, and more than 30 physicians. Funding will expand the consumer product, deepen Kin’s longitudinal health-record capability, build a clinical quality engine, and develop downstream care navigation features. (Link)
  5. Nourish raises $100M Series C led by Menlo Ventures with participation from Thrive Capital, Index Ventures, J.P. Morgan Growth Equity Partners, Maverick Ventures, Y Combinator, BoxGroup, Atomico, Daybreak, and Operator Partners. New York-based Nourish, the largest dietitian-led metabolic health clinic in the U.S., has closed a $100 million Series C at a reported $1.75 billion post-money valuation, taking total funding to $215 million. Menlo Ventures led the round, with partner J.P. Sanday joining the board, alongside Thrive Capital, Index Ventures, J.P. Morgan Growth Equity Partners, Maverick Ventures, Y Combinator, BoxGroup, Atomico, Daybreak, and Operator Partners. Capital will grow Nourish’s network of 10,000-plus registered dietitians, accelerate AI-agent investment for patients and providers, expand its metabolic clinic care model with GLP-1 integration, and deepen partnerships with health plans, employers, and health systems. (Link)
  6. Vi (Vi Labs) completes a $145M transaction at a $1.64B valuation with shareholders including General Atlantic, Revelstoke, 1902 Capital (managed by The Pritzker Organization), Square Peg, Savano Capital, and Island Green. New York-based Vi, the enterprise-AI platform for healthcare, life sciences, and wellness, has completed a $145 million transaction valuing the company at $1.64 billion alongside the launch of a new suite of vertically specialized AI agents. The transaction consisted of both secondary and primary capital, supporting top talent retention and acquisition, platform and new product investment, and balance sheet strengthening. The company’s shareholders include General Atlantic, Revelstoke, 1902 Capital managed by The Pritzker Organization, Square Peg, Savano Capital, Island Green and others. Vi serves 100-plus enterprise customers, supports more than 190 million lives, and has helped bring 50-plus drugs to market. (Link)
  7. cAMPfield Therapeutics Raises $180M Series A to Advance I&I Pipeline cAMPfield Therapeutics, a San Diego-based inflammation and immunology (I&I) company led by former Roivant executive Bill Gerhart, has closed a $180 million Series A financing. The round was led by Mountainfield Venture Partners with strong participation from a marquee syndicate including Novo Holdings, RA Capital, Frazier Life Sciences, Deep Track Capital, Forbion, Abingworth, Venrock, and Longitude Capital. Proceeds will be used to advance cAMPfield’s pipeline of licensed assets targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as support clinical development and business development activities. The substantial raise reflects continued strong investor appetite for high-quality I&I platforms in a competitive therapeutics landscape. (Link)
  8. Blank Bio Announces Seed Financing and Strategic Collaboration with PacBio to Advance RNA Foundation Models for Precision Oncology Blank Bio has closed a Seed financing round and entered a strategic collaboration with PacBio. The partnership combines Blank Bio’s AI expertise with PacBio’s long-read sequencing technology to develop advanced RNA foundation models for precision oncology. The collaboration aims to improve the discovery and development of novel RNA-based therapeutics and biomarkers by generating higher-resolution transcriptomic insights. This marks another significant step in the convergence of AI and long-read sequencing for next-generation cancer therapies. (Link)
  9. Vital Signals raises over $15M led by XYZ Ventures to transform blood pressure management. San Francisco-based Vital Signals, founded by technology veteran Tom Moss, has raised more than $15 million in funding led by XYZ Ventures to advance its consumer blood pressure and long-term cardiovascular health platform. XYZ Ventures’ Ross Fubini described the company as having achieved a “technological breakthrough previously assumed to be impossible.” Proceeds will support product development and commercialization of its consumer-facing monitoring platform ahead of a planned Series A of $50–100 million. Moss previously held leadership roles at Google, Motorola, Razer, and Skydio. The funding addresses hypertension, which affects more than 100 million Americans and is often called the “silent killer.” (Link)
Spenser Lin No Comments

Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Apr 6th, 2026

LECO_Weekly-Healthcare-News_4-6-2026Download

Healthcare Weekly News and Deals – April 6th, 2026

  1. Anthropic, backed by a $30 billion Series G, acquires stealth startup Coefficient Bio in a $400 million all-stock AI-biotech deal. AI leader Anthropic has acquired Coefficient Bio, a stealth-mode startup specializing in AI for biological research, in a transaction valued at approximately $400 million in stock. Coefficient Bio, founded just eight months ago by elite researchers from Genentech’s Prescient Design unit, was backed by the venture firm Dimension, which reportedly held a 50% stake in the company. The acquisition marks a significant vertical expansion for Anthropic, as the Coefficient team—including co-founders Nathan C. Frey and Samuel Stanton—will join its Healthcare and Life Sciences division. The deal aims to transform the Claude AI model into a specialized infrastructure for drug discovery and biopharma workflows, positioning Anthropic to compete directly with specialized AI-medicine firms in a market estimated to be worth over $100 B. (Link)
  2. Merit Medical (NASD: MMSI) strengthens oncology division with the strategic acquisition of Viewpoint Medical. Merit Medical (MMSI) has finalized its purchase of View Point Medical to expand its therapeutic oncology portfolio. The acquisition includes View Point’s steerable needle technology, which is critical for accessing difficult-to-reach tumors during biopsy and ablation procedures. This strategic tuck-in acquisition allows Merit to offer a more comprehensive suite of tools to interventional radiologists. Investors view this move as a way for Merit to maintain its growth trajectory in the high-value oncology market while utilizing its established sales force to drive rapid adoption of the new technology across global hospitals. (Link)
  3. Blackstone-backed AGS Health said to file for $500 million India IPO to capitalize on healthcare outsourcing demand. AGS Health, a leading provider of revenue cycle management services backed by private equity giant Blackstone, is reportedly filing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in India to raise approximately $500 million. This move allows Blackstone to partially exit its investment while providing AGS Health with the capital necessary to scale its technology-enabled services and global delivery model. The IPO highlights the robust investor appetite for healthcare IT outsourcing firms that utilize AI and automation to streamline clinical documentation and billing. By listing on the Indian exchanges, AGS Health aims to leverage its significant operational footprint in the region to attract both domestic and international institutional investors. (Link)
  4. Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) acquires Centessa Pharmaceuticals for $1.5 billion to advance sleep disorder treatments. Eli Lilly (LLY) has reached an agreement to acquire Centessa Pharmaceuticals in a deal valued at approximately $1.5 billion. The acquisition focuses on Centessa’s promising pipeline of orexin receptor agonists, which are being developed to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. Lilly aims to leverage its global R&D infrastructure to accelerate these therapies through clinical trials. The deal reinforces Lilly’s commitment to expanding its neuroscience portfolio beyond Alzheimer’s and pain management. By acquiring Centessa, Lilly gains access to potentially best-in-class molecules that address a significant unmet need in the sleep medicine market. (Link)
  5. Quantum Health acquires CirrusMD while GE HealthCare (NASD: GEHC) completes acquisition of Intelerad. These deals highlight a massive shift toward integrated digital health ecosystems where navigation, virtual delivery, and diagnostic data management are seamlessly combined to improve patient outcomes and provider efficiency. (Link)
  6. Grovecourt Capital Partners portfolio company Premier Radiology Services acquires Global Imaging Solutions to bolster teleradiology subspecialty expertise. Premier Radiology Services has expanded its domestic footprint by acquiring Global Imaging Solutions. This deal, backed by Grovecourt Capital Partners, focuses on increasing the volume of subspecialty interpretations, such as musculoskeletal and neuroradiology, available to its clients. The acquisition comes at a time when the demand for remote diagnostic services is surging due to radiologist shortages. Premier Radiology aims to use this merger to provide faster turnaround times and higher-quality reports to rural hospitals and imaging centers that lack on-site specialists, reinforcing its position as a leading teleradiology provider. (Link)
  7. Office Ally, backed by Barings, Francisco Partners, and New Mountain Capital, acquires Jopari Solutions to scale electronic transaction processing. The acquisition expands Office Ally’s clearinghouse network by integrating Jopari’s capabilities in electronic billing, clinical attachments, and payment workflows. Together, the combined platform enhances interoperability and supports higher transaction volumes across provider and payer interactions. The deal strengthens Office Ally’s position in end-to-end healthcare transaction infrastructure. It also reflects a broader shift toward automation and streamlined administrative operations across the healthcare system. (Link)
  8. Jukebox Health acquires Braided Health to enhance AI-driven integrated care platforms for high-needs dual-eligible populations. Jukebox Health acquired Braided Health to expand its AI-driven integrated care platform for high-need, dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid populations. The transaction combines Braided Health’s AI-powered care management technology with Jukebox’s in-home clinical services, enabling health plans to better identify risks and intervene earlier. By integrating care management workflows with real-time, in-home clinical insights, the platform aims to improve outcomes while reducing total cost of care for complex patient populations. (Link) 
  9. Community Health Systems (NYSE: CYH) completes divestiture of Huntsville-based Crestwood Medical Center. The transaction combines Braided Health’s AI-powered care management technology with Jukebox’s in-home clinical services, enabling health plans to better identify risks and intervene earlier. By integrating care management workflows with real-time, in-home clinical insights, the platform aims to improve outcomes while reducing total cost of care for complex patient populations. The combined platform strengthens Jukebox’s ability to serve dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid populations at scale. The deal reflects a broader push to modernize legacy care management systems through data-driven, home-based interventions. (Link)
  10. Virtual care platform OpenLoop Health acquires nutrition-focused startup Season Health to expand clinical service offerings. The acquisition adds Season Health’s nutrition therapy capabilities to OpenLoop’s telehealth infrastructure, enabling more comprehensive care across chronic conditions and weight management programs. OpenLoop, which supports a range of virtual care providers including GLP-1 platforms, can now integrate dietitian-led services directly into its clinical workflows. The deal strengthens its ability to offer more complete, end-to-end virtual care solutions. It also reflects a broader trend of telehealth platforms expanding into lifestyle-based interventions to improve patient outcomes. (Link)
  11. Sentinel Capital Partners portfolio company Catalyst MedTech acquires X3D to expand advanced imaging service capabilities. Catalyst MedTech, formerly known as TTG Imaging Solutions and a portfolio company of Sentinel Capital Partners, has acquired X3D. This acquisition enhances Catalyst MedTech’s portfolio of diagnostic imaging services, particularly in the realm of specialized 3D imaging technology and maintenance. Sentinel Capital continues to support Catalyst’s aggressive buy-and-build strategy to create a dominant national player in the refurbished medical equipment and imaging service market. The integration of X3D is expected to provide Catalyst with deeper technical expertise and a broader customer base among hospitals and independent diagnostic centers.(Link)
  12. Gyde acquires Avid Health to launch AI-enabled Medicare brokerage platform and expand market footprint. Gyde has successfully acquired Avid Health, marking the launch of a new AI-enabled brokerage platform specifically designed for the Medicare market. The acquisition combines Gyde’s technology with Avid Health’s distribution network to streamline the plan selection process for seniors. By utilizing AI to analyze patient data and plan benefits, the new platform aims to increase transparency and match beneficiaries with optimal coverage. This deal reflects the increasing application of automation and artificial intelligence in the insurance brokerage space to simplify complex regulatory environments and improve consumer decision-making.(Link)
  13. LongueVue Capital and Swaney Group Capital partner to invest in Apex Dental Laboratory Group to drive regional expansion. Private equity firm LongueVue Capital has partnered with Swaney Group Capital to make a significant growth investment in Apex Dental Laboratory Group. Apex is a leading provider of dental lab services, and this capital infusion is intended to support the company’s buy-and-build strategy across the United States. The investors aim to leverage Apex’s digital dentistry capabilities to consolidate a fragmented market of local dental labs. This investment highlights the continued interest of PE firms in the dental services organization (DSO) and ancillary dental technology sectors, focusing on operational scaling through technology.(Link)
  14. Vision Innovation Partners acquires Frederick Eye Institute to expand ophthalmic surgical platform in the Mid-Atlantic. Vision Innovation Partners, a leading ophthalmic platform, has acquired Frederick Eye Institute, a multi-specialty ophthalmology practice. This acquisition further solidifies Vision Innovation Partners’ presence in the Mid-Atlantic region, adding significant clinical and surgical capacity. The firm continues to pursue a consolidation strategy, acquiring high-quality practices to provide integrated eye care services ranging from routine exams to complex surgeries. By joining the platform, Frederick Eye Institute will benefit from enhanced administrative support and access to advanced diagnostic technology, reflecting the ongoing private equity-led consolidation trend within the ophthalmology sector.(Link)

Venture Deals and Other

  1. WHOOP raises $575 million in Series G funding at a $10.1 billion valuation to scale its wearable health platform. The round includes participation from high-profile athletes and celebrities such as LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rory McIlroy, and Shane Lowry, alongside institutional investors including Collaborative Fund, Mayo Clinic, Mubadala Investment Company, and Qatar Investment Authority. The capital will support expansion of its subscription-based wearable platform focused on sleep, recovery, and performance, while accelerating product development, enhancing data-driven health insights, and scaling its global membership base, with a continued push into broader health monitoring capabilities and long-term growth initiatives. (Link)
  2. Ambient Clinical Analytics raises $5 million and appoints Brian Tufts as CEO to scale AWARE clinical AI platform. Ambient Clinical Analytics has successfully closed a $5 million funding round aimed at scaling its AWARE platform, a clinical decision support tool designed to reduce medical errors in high-acuity settings like the ICU. Alongside the investment, the company named Brian Tufts as its new CEO to lead the commercial expansion. The funding will be used to integrate more advanced AI capabilities and expand the platform’s footprint in hospitals globally. Ambient’s technology focuses on real-time data visualization to help clinicians make faster, more accurate decisions, addressing the critical need for burnout reduction and improved patient safety. (Link)
  3. Jimini Health raises $17 million in venture funding to expand its AI-driven behavioral health platform. Jimini Health has secured $17 million in a new funding round to accelerate the growth of its AI-powered mental health platform. The investment will be directed toward expanding the company’s therapist network and enhancing its AI tools that assist in patient monitoring and personalized treatment planning. Jimini Health focuses on providing scalable, evidence-based behavioral care by combining human expertise with machine learning. This round reflects the continued venture capital appetite for AI solutions that address the global shortage of mental health professionals and provide more accessible care options for patients. (Link)
  4. Insight Health raises $11 million to scale clinical AI agents for automated healthcare administrative tasks. Insight Health has raised $11 million in venture capital to further develop and deploy its clinical AI agents. These agents are designed to automate routine administrative tasks for healthcare providers, such as documentation, scheduling, and billing queries. By offloading these burdens from clinical staff, Insight Health aims to reduce provider burnout and improve operational efficiency within hospital systems. The funding will support the expansion of the engineering team and the commercialization of the platform. This investment highlights the trend of “narrow AI” solving specific, high-friction problems in healthcare administration. (Link)
  5. Naver D2SF makes strategic investment in Soundable to advance AI-based respiratory health monitoring technology. Naver D2SF, the startup investment arm of South Korean tech giant Naver, has made a strategic investment in Soundable. Soundable specializes in AI-driven sound analysis technology that monitors respiratory health through cough and breathing patterns captured via smartphones. This investment is part of Naver’s broader strategy to expand its digital health ecosystem and integrate advanced diagnostic tools into its consumer platforms. The funds will help Soundable refine its algorithms and seek regulatory approvals in international markets. The deal underscores the rising interest in non-invasive, remote monitoring technologies that leverage everyday devices for health screening. (Link)
  6. Long Tail secures growth investment to expand its technology-driven healthcare solutions and market reach. Long Tail has announced a new growth investment aimed at scaling its technology platform. While the specific dollar amount was not disclosed, the funding will be used to enhance the company’s product development and expand its sales and marketing efforts. Long Tail focuses on providing specialized software solutions that help healthcare organizations manage “long tail” data and niche operational challenges. This investment reflects a growing interest from venture and growth equity firms in specialized SaaS platforms that address specific inefficiencies within the healthcare value chain, rather than broad, general-purpose software. (Link)
Spenser Lin No Comments

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

LECO_Weekly-Healthcare-News_2.23.2026Download
  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)
Spenser Lin No Comments

Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Feb 16th, 2026

LECO_Weekly-Healthcare-News_2.16.2026Download
  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)
Spenser Lin No Comments

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

LECO_Weekly-Healthcare-News_1-20-2026-1Download

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)