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

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

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  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)
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Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Mar 2nd, 2026

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  1. IQVIA (NYSE: IQV) Expands Early-Stage Drug Discovery Capabilities with Acquisition of Charles River Discovery Assets IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE: IQV) announced an agreement to acquire select discovery services assets from Charles River Laboratories, strengthening its early-stage R&D capabilities. The assets include five sites offering in vitro drug discovery, AI-driven small molecule platforms, and advanced non-animal research methods backed by over 20 years of scientific data. These capabilities will enhance IQVIA’s integrated platform across drug discovery, from target identification to early safety assessment, covering key therapeutic areas like oncology, neurology, and immunology. The move positions IQVIA to support clients earlier in the drug development lifecycle. The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026. (Link)
  2. GSK (NYSE: GSK) Agrees to Acquire 35Pharma for $950 Million to Bolster Cardiopulmonary Pipeline GSK announced an agreement to acquire 35Pharma Inc., a Canada-based clinical-stage biopharma company focused on novel protein-based therapeutics. The deal gives GSK full ownership of 35Pharma and its lead asset HS235, a potential best-in-class activin receptor signaling inhibitor targeting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF). The acquisition strengthens GSK’s Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation portfolio, addressing unmet needs in a high-burden disease with a growing market projected to reach $18 billion by 2032. GSK will pay $950 million in cash for 100% equity, subject to regulatory approvals, with closing expected thereafter. (Link)
  3. Exa Capital Expands Healthcare Software Portfolio with Acquisition of StaffReady, a Leader in Clinical Workforce Management SaaS Exa Capital, a long-term investor specializing in enterprise software, has acquired StaffReady, a SaaS platform for clinical workforce management in healthcare. Founded in 1995, StaffReady provides cloud-native tools for staff scheduling, compliance, and inspection readiness across hospital departments and life sciences organizations. The deal strengthens Exa Capital’s healthcare technology portfolio and marks its entry into clinical workforce optimization, a sector critical to operational efficiency and patient safety. StaffReady will continue to operate independently under Exa’s decentralized model, with its leadership team remaining in place to drive innovation and sustainable growth backed by Exa’s strategic support. (Link)
  4. Numantec Expands Infusion Therapy Portfolio with Acquisition of DualCap® Product Line from Merit Medical financed by Banco BPM and Muzinich & Co Numantec, a global infusion therapy device manufacturer, has acquired the DualCap® product line from Merit Medical Systems through its U.S. subsidiary, Health Line International Corp. The DualCap® is an established antimicrobial cap used in vascular access and infusion therapy, enhancing infection prevention and clinical efficiency. The acquisition strengthens Numantec’s vascular access portfolio and creates growth opportunities across Europe and the U.S., where DualCap® already has a strong customer base. Health Line, which has manufactured DualCap® since before 2017, will ensure continuity of supply. The transaction was financed by Banco BPM and Muzinich & Co. (Link)
  5. Healthcare Triangle (Nasd: HCTI) Announces $3.96 Million Registered Direct Offering Priced at-the-Market to Support Growth Initiatives Healthcare Triangle, Inc. (Nasdaq: HCTI), a digital transformation leader for healthcare and life sciences, announced it has entered into definitive agreements to sell 681,553 shares of common stock (or prefunded warrants) at $5.81 per share in a registered direct offering priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. The gross proceeds are expected to total approximately $3.96 million before fees and expenses. The offering, conducted under the company’s effective Form S-3 shelf registration, is expected to close around February 27, 2026, subject to customary conditions. (Link)
  6. The HWP Group Acquires Global Market Access Solutions to Strengthen Market Access and Health Economics Expertise Backed by NMS Capital The HWP Group, a leading medical communications and strategic consulting firm for the life sciences sector, has acquired Global Market Access Solutions (GMAS), a global consultancy specializing in market access and health economics. The acquisition expands HWP’s capabilities in HEOR, pricing and payer insights, evidence synthesis, and lifecycle value strategy, enhancing support across the entire product lifecycle—from early development to sustained patient access. CEO Jani Hegarty said the deal reinforces HWP’s mission to bridge science and real-world access. Backed by NMS Capital, the move positions HWP as a fully integrated partner for pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovators. (Link)
  7. QC Capital Invests in My Pediatric Doctor to Expand Nationwide 24/7 Urgent Pediatric Telehealth Platform QC Capital Group, a Charlotte-based alternative investment firm, announced a strategic investment in My Pediatric Doctor, a nationwide 24/7 pediatric telehealth platform offering on-demand access to board-certified providers. Led by CEO Eric Doherty, the company aims to modernize pediatric care by reducing emergency room visits and improving accessibility for families across all 50 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. The platform integrates with healthcare systems to relieve pressure on hospitals while maintaining high clinical standards. QC Capital CEO Chris Salerno called the partnership a key step in delivering trusted, affordable pediatric care nationwide. (Link)
  8. HCAP Partners Leads Follow-On Acquisition to Expand Integrated Diagnostic Services Platform with Core Analytics Lab & Radiology other partners include California Bank & Trust, along with co-investment from St. Cloud Capital and Southfield Mezzanine San Diego-based private equity and impact investor HCAP Partners has completed a follow-on acquisition for its Integrated Diagnostic Services (IDS) platform with the addition of Santa Fe Springs-based Core Analytics Lab & Radiology. The deal expands IDS’s footprint into Northern California and adds mobile laboratory diagnostics to its service offerings. Financing was provided by HCAP Partners, California Bank & Trust, along with co-investment from St. Cloud Capital and Southfield Mezzanine. Post-acquisition, IDS will serve over 440 facilities, offering bundled radiology and lab services to skilled nursing, long-term care, and home health providers across California. (Link)
  9. Gemspring Capital Expands Spinal Device Platform as Portfolio Company Zavation Medical Acquires ChoiceSpine Zavation Medical Products, a Gemspring Capital portfolio company and manufacturer of spinal implants and biologics, has acquired ChoiceSpine Holdings, a Knoxville-based spinal implant designer. The transaction broadens Zavation’s product portfolio and national reach, leveraging its vertically integrated manufacturing to accelerate innovation. ChoiceSpine will keep its brand and operations during integration. Concurrently, Zavation appointed Derek Kuyper as CEO of the combined entity. Gemspring Capital said the acquisition strengthens Zavation’s market position and supports its strategy to build a scaled, innovation-driven spinal platform. (Link)
  10. Fulcrum Equity Partners Leads $10M Growth Round in MedScout to Advance AI-Driven MedTech Sales Execution with participation from Live Oak Venture Partners and Stage 2 Capital Austin-based MedScout has raised $10 million in a growth funding round led by Fulcrum Equity Partners, with participation from Live Oak Venture Partners and Stage 2 Capital. The funding more than doubles MedScout’s valuation since its Series A in July 2024. The company also launched “Strategies,” a suite of AI agents designed to help MedTech commercial teams translate strategy into field-level execution. MedScout plans to use the capital to expand its AI capabilities amid surging enterprise demand. The company reported tripled enterprise revenue and rapid adoption growth as investors back its data-driven approach to commercial alignment in MedTech sales. (Link)
  11. Chapters Health Expands West Coast Footprint with Housecall Providers Deal, Strengthening Nonprofit Hospice Network and Growth Potential Chapters Health System, the nation’s largest nonprofit hospice network, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Housecall Providers from CareOregon, pending approval by the Oregon Health Authority. The move expands its Pacific Northwest presence and adds to its 2025 West Division growth, which includes affiliates in California, Nevada, and Oregon. The integration aligns two nonprofit leaders in community-based chronic and homecare, reinforcing Chapters’ national scale, operational synergies, and value-based care capabilities—key drivers for investors tracking nonprofit healthcare consolidation and sustainable care delivery models. (Link)
  12. Dovida Enters U.S. Market with Acquisition of A Place At Home, Expanding Global Home Care Footprint to Seven Countries Global home care provider Dovida has entered the U.S. market through the acquisition of A Place At Home, a nationwide home care franchise network. The move marks Dovida’s seventh international market and first presence in North America, extending its person-centered care model across the United States. A Place At Home’s leadership will remain in place to ensure continuity for franchise owners and caregivers. The deal aligns with Dovida’s strategy to expand amid increasing demand for high-quality in-home care for older adults, reinforcing its mission to deliver personal, dignified, and relationship-based care on a global scale. (Link)
  13. Ally Bridge Group Backs Creation of Precision IO Group as Quantum Surgical Acquires NeuWave Medical to Advance Robotic Cancer Care Quantum Surgical has acquired NeuWave Medical, Inc., combining expertise in robotic and microwave ablation technologies under a new parent entity, Precision IO Group Inc., led by medtech veteran Kurt Azarbarzin. Supported by investment from Ally Bridge Group, the group aims to expand access to minimally invasive, AI-driven, and remote cancer treatments worldwide. Both companies will continue operating independently, ensuring ongoing product availability. The Epione robotic platform and NeuWave’s microwave system will together drive broader adoption of next-generation interventional oncology procedures across global healthcare markets. (Link)
  14. HIAAH Expands Mental Health Footprint with Strategic Acquisition of Broward Center for Counseling to Strengthen Market Presence in Broward County HIAAH, a U.S.-based integrated health care and mental health services provider, has acquired the Broward Center for Counseling as part of its expansion strategy in Broward County. The move reinforces HIAAH’s mission to broaden access to high-quality, compassionate mental health care while improving operational efficiency and client experience. The newly branded Broward Center for Counseling by HIAAH will continue providing individualized therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, now supported by enhanced infrastructure and a holistic, multidisciplinary care model. The acquisition aligns with HIAAH’s growth objectives and positions it for stronger long-term value creation in the behavioral health sector. (Link)
  15. UConn Health Finalizes Waterbury Hospital Acquisition from Prospect Medical Holdings UConn Health is set to complete its acquisition of Waterbury Hospital from bankrupt for-profit Prospect Medical Holdings at midnight on Saturday, marking a major expansion of its health network. The facility will operate under a new entity, UConn Health Community Network, beginning Sunday at 12:01 a.m. Immediate changes include new signage, updated processes, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 4. UConn Health plans to assess Waterbury’s healthcare needs, modernize information and safety systems, and introduce new specialists and services from its flagship John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington to strengthen local medical care and patient outcomes. (Link)
  16. Bradford Health Expands into Midwest with Acquisition of Parkdale Center, Strengthening National Footprint in Specialized Professional Addiction Care Bradford Health Services, a nationally recognized addiction treatment provider, has acquired Parkdale Center, a leading Indiana-based facility specializing in confidential addiction recovery programs for healthcare providers, attorneys, executives, and other licensed professionals. The deal extends Bradford’s geographic reach into the Midwest and enhances its portfolio of evidence-based treatment offerings. Parkdale’s expertise in professional recovery, career reentry, and collaboration with licensing boards complements Bradford’s mission of clinical excellence and sustainable outcomes. Both organizations will maintain their brands while integrating operations to deliver expanded, high-quality care for professionals nationwide. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. (Link)
  17. Zemantics Ventures Strengthens Healthcare Portfolio with Acquisition of Consilium360 and MedWell360 Zemantics Ventures, a strategic investment and operating platform, has acquired Consilium360 and MedWell360 to expand its presence in healthcare services and workforce solutions. The move enhances Zemantics’ capabilities in enterprise HR optimization, patient access, and technology-enabled operational performance. Consilium360 provides data-driven workforce and HR strategy solutions for healthcare systems, while MedWell360 specializes in scheduling and access center services. The acquisitions support Zemantics’ strategy of scaling founder-led, service-driven businesses through strategic capital, shared infrastructure, and technology. John Brown, Founder and Healthcare HR Executive, will continue in a leadership role to ensure continuity and growth. (Link)
  18. Epiphany Dermatology Expands Kansas Presence Through Partnership with Resolute Dermatology Epiphany Dermatology, a leading national dermatology network, has expanded its presence in Kansas by partnering with Resolute Dermatology, LLC, founded in 2020 by Dr. Daniel Christiansen. Based in Leawood and Shawnee, KS, Resolute Dermatology is recognized for high-quality patient care in the greater Kansas City area. The partnership brings Dr. Christiansen and his team—Drs. Julie Green, Elizabeth Spenceri, and PAs Judy Ky and Kylie Witham—into Epiphany’s growing network. Through this collaboration, Resolute gains operational and clinical support while sharing expertise across Epiphany’s 123 locations in 18 states, strengthening access to exceptional dermatologic care in the region. (Link)

Venture and Other News:

  1. NewSpring Healthcare Leads $140 Million Investment in Honest Health to Accelerate Value-Based Care Expansion included participation from K2 HealthVentures and existing investors Rubicon Founders, Oak HC/FT, WCAS, and Durable Capital Partners Honest Health, a physician-led value-based care enablement firm, raised $140 million in a funding round led by NewSpring Healthcare, the healthcare-focused arm of NewSpring Capital. The round included participation from K2 HealthVentures and existing investors Rubicon Founders, Oak HC/FT, WCAS, and Durable Capital Partners. Proceeds will support national expansion and partnerships with health systems and payers. NewSpring will leverage its sector expertise to guide Honest Health’s growth in risk-based care models. (Link)
  2. NantWorks Leads $240 Million Investment in SHINE Technologies; Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong Joins Board to Advance Fusion and Cancer Therapies SHINE Technologies, a leader in fusion-based technology, has raised $240 million in new equity funding led by NantWorks, founded by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, who also joins SHINE’s Board of Directors. Other investors include Fidelity, Sumitomo, Pelican Energy, Deerfield, and Oaktree. The funding supports SHINE’s commercial fusion initiatives in neutron testing, medical isotope production, and nuclear waste recycling, while accelerating Lu-177 radioisotope supply for precision cancer therapies. The strategic partnership gives NantWorks priority access to Lu-177, aligning SHINE’s fusion expertise with Soon-Shiong’s mission to transform oncology. With this round, SHINE’s total funding surpasses $1 billion. (Link)
  3. BrainCheck Secures Additional $13 Million Series A to Scale AI-Enabled Cognitive Care Platform and Embedded Assessment Workflows Across Value-Based Health Systems BrainCheck, a digital platform for cognitive assessment and care, has raised an additional $13 million in Series A financing led by Next Coast Ventures, with S3 Ventures and UPMC Enterprises participating. The capital will expand its enterprise cognitive care infrastructure, including deeper EHR integration, longitudinal monitoring, AI-assisted population health analytics, and deployment across primary care and specialty settings. BrainCheck is partnering with collaborative care organizations to operationalize scalable cognitive care pathways in time-constrained, value-based environments. Used by 500+ providers, its FDA Class II BrainCheck Assess™ has powered over 640,000 assessments and 14,000 care plans to date. (Link)
  4. YOU(th) Health Tech Raises $4.5M to Expand Smartphone-Based Preventive Health Screening Globally round led by Callisto Health, with support from caesar., adesso Ventures, Antler, Moonstone, and 1024 Ventures. Digital health startup YOU(th) has raised $4.5 million in a funding round led by Callisto Health, with support from caesar., adesso Ventures, Antler, Moonstone, and 1024 Ventures. Angel investors include Jean-Charles Samuelian (Alan, Mistral AI) and Patrick Andrae (HomeToGo). The company aims to democratize preventive healthcare by turning everyday smartphone data—such as facial videos, voice, typing patterns, and step counts—into quick health assessments detecting over 50 biomarkers across 10 organ systems. The funds will support product development and expansion of engineering, data science, and medical research teams to make preventive care accessible worldwide. (Link)
  5. General Catalyst Leads $6.5M Seed in Baba to Build Continuous AI‑Enabled Patient Advocacy for Aging Americans General Catalyst has led a more than $6.5 million seed round in Baba, a patient advocacy startup founded by Connor Sweeney to help seniors and families navigate complex healthcare logistics. Inspired by his grandparents’ experience after his grandmother’s stroke, Sweeney built Baba to pair older adults with dedicated human advocates, augmented by AI tools for daily check-ins, medication management, and insurance and benefits navigation. With advocacy reimbursed by Medicare for over 70 million beneficiaries, Baba aims to scale continuous, preventive support through partnerships with home health, nursing homes, and post-acute care providers. (Link)
  6. Coral Care Raises $13M Series A Led by Haymaker Ventures, Joined by FCA Ventures, Peterson Ventures, Alleycorp, Reach Capital, Jefferson River Capital, Greymatter Capital, Mother Ventures, and Charge Ventures to Expand In-Home Pediatric Therapy Nationwide Coral Care, a platform providing in-home pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy, has raised a $13 million Series A round led by Haymaker Ventures, with participation from FCA Ventures, Peterson Ventures, Alleycorp, Reach Capital, Jefferson River Capital, Greymatter Capital, Mother Ventures, and Charge Ventures. The funding will fuel national expansion in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, bringing operations to five states. Founded in 2023 by Jen Wirt, Coral Care supports over 400 licensed clinicians through its technology platform that streamlines administrative tasks and enables accessible, insurance-covered, in-home therapy for children across the U.S. (Link)
  7. AI Healthtech Startup Lexi Raises $1.4M Pre-Seed Round Led by Informed Ventures, Backed by HBS Alumni Angels, Stanford Angels, Alumni Ventures, and Van Wickle Ventures Lexi, an AI-native communication platform for healthcare, has raised an oversubscribed $1.4 million pre-seed round led by Informed Ventures, with participation from HBS Alumni Angels, Stanford Angels, Alumni Ventures, and Van Wickle Ventures. Founded by Linh Pham and Siddharth UR, Lexi tackles language barriers affecting 30 million U.S. patients by providing secure, instant AI interpretation within clinical workflows. A successful pilot with Lowell Community Health Center delivered over 60,000 minutes of interpretation, reduced costs by 60%, and improved privacy and efficiency. Lexi plans to expand deployments across health centers while broadening language coverage and patient partnerships. (Link)
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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)
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Healthcare News, Deals, and Investments Update Feb 16th, 2026

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

Venture and Other News  

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

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Healthcare Weekly News and Deals – January 20th, 2026

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

Venture and Other News   

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

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

Venture and Other News  

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

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

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

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

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

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  • Novo Nordisk completes $4.7B acquisition of Akero Therapeutics (Nasdaq: AKRO) with additional $0.5B CVR tied to EFX approval Akero Therapeutics becomes a wholly owned subsidiary following the acquisition, delisting its shares from Nasdaq. The agreement includes additional payment contingent on FDA approval of EFX for MASH-related cirrhosis. The move strengthens Novo Nordisk’s liver and metabolic disease portfolio and expands its U.S. research and development operations. (Link)
  • Teleflex (NYSE: TFX) divests OEM, urology, and acute care units in $2B deals with Montagu, Kohlberg, and Intersurgical Teleflex is restructuring to prioritize its cardiovascular portfolio through divestments totalling $2 billion. Montagu and Kohlberg will acquire its OEM division, while Intersurgical will buy acute care and urology lines. Proceeds will partly fund a $1 billion share repurchase, with both deals expected to close in late 2026. (Link)
  • Lumexa Imaging (NASD: LMRI) raises nearly $463M in IPO, earns Moody’s credit upgrade after debt reduction plan The IPO valued Lumexa Imaging at $1.76 billion, with proceeds mainly used to refinance debt and extend maturities, reducing obligations by over $370 million. Moody’s upgraded its rating due to improved credit strength. Founded in 2018, the company operates 184 imaging centers and continues expanding through acquisitions and AI initiatives. (Link)
  • Cycle Pharmaceuticals to acquire Applied Therapeutics (Nasdaq: APLT) to advance CNS rare disease treatments through lead drug candidate Govorestat Applied Therapeutics shareholders will receive cash and contingent value rights tied to regulatory and sales milestones under the merger agreement. Cycle will provide up to $8.5 million in bridge funding to support operations until closing. The board unanimously approved the deal, expected to complete in early 2026. (Link)
  • HarmonEyes completes acquisition of iFocus Health to expand AI-driven solutions for ADHD treatment The merger integrates iFocus Health’s AI technology into HarmonEyes’ behavioral health platform to advance personalized ADHD care. Combining data analytics and machine learning, the partnership aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes while expanding evidence-based, AI-driven mental health solutions for broader accessibility and clinical scalability. (Link)
  • Handspring Health acquires Joon Care to expand paediatric and adolescent behavioral health services The merger combines Handspring Health’s paediatric care focus with Joon Care’s virtual therapy model to enhance youth mental health services. It expands market reach through Joon’s Washington base and payer ties while integrating technology for improved engagement and outcomes, supporting Handspring’s growth and evidence-based, scalable care model. (Link)
  • Perimeter Solutions to acquire Medical Manufacturing Technologies in $685 million cash deal The transaction adds Medical Manufacturing Technologies’ expertise in minimally invasive device production to Perimeter Solutions’ portfolio, aligning with its strategy to invest in high-margin growth sectors. Funded by debt and cash, the deal expands Perimeter’s presence into medical manufacturing and is expected to close in early 2026 pending approval. (Link)
  • AMSURG acquires Advanced Center for Surgery to expand into Central Pennsylvania outpatient market The deal adds a 12,500-square-foot surgical center in Altoona with four operating rooms and 17 specialists to AMSURG’s network. Known for outpatient joint replacements, the facility strengthens AMSURG’s Pennsylvania presence and supports its mission to empower independent physicians and expand access to quality, value-based outpatient surgical care. (Link)
  • Select Medical acquires Landmark Hospital of Savannah from Landmark Holdings of Florida to expand long-term acute care services The acquisition adds a 50-bed long-term acute care hospital in Savannah to Select Medical’s network, replacing its former local facility. The site now treats medically complex patients needing extended recovery. This expansion strengthens Select Medical’s Southeast presence and supports its nationwide growth in post-acute and rehabilitation services. (Link)
  • Mercy Health and Lifepoint Health open new 72-bed Behavioral Hospital in Youngstown to expand mental health and substance abuse care The new 72-bed behavioral hospital provides inpatient care for mental health and substance use disorders, including programs for veterans and first responders. Using evidence-based, trauma-informed methods, it aims to ease ER burdens and improve community support, with inpatient admissions starting in January and outpatient services launching in May. (Link)