Current medical news and unique business news for anyone who cares about healthcare.
Cancer-killing virus. Scientists have for the first time shown that a genetically engineered virus infused intravenously can kill cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue. The virus will now move to a mid-stage trial with liver cancer patients.
Stryker acquisition. Stryker Spine Inc. (NYSE:SYK) is working on a deal to acquire Concentric Medical Inc. for $135 million. Shares of Strkyer gained 2.4 percent after the announcement that it would purchase the Mountain View, Calif. company, which makes devices that remove blood clots from the brain.
Stem cell therapy progresses. The first patients who had stem cells injected into their brains to repair areas damaged by stroke have been examined and are fine, allowing the innovative treatment — developed by British researchers — to proceed to the next step of trials.
Google settlement helps healthcare? The recent Google settlement, which saved the company from facing criminal charges for using Canadian drug advertisers who illegally brought their products into the U.S., may have a lasting positive effect on U.S. healthcare. Some say it will strengthen regulations and compliance and thwart counterfeiting.
Abbott pulls glucose monitor. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) has permanently removed its FreeStyle Navigator glucose monitor from the market due to inconsistencies in supply.