Top Story

From Andreessen Horowitz guidance to Theranos developments: 5 must-read stories from MedCity News this week

How can the new big medical investor make a big difference?

There was plenty of meat in this Thanksgiving-shortened week. We delivered some guidance to Andreessen Horowitz on how to spend that new healthcare cash, while other, more traditional medical investors made some unique investments of their own.

Check out five important stories we covered this week:

1. Take a memo, Andreessen Horowitz: 4 areas where it should consider investments

The venture capital firm had already gotten its feet wet with investments in these areas, but a dedicated fund is something new and indicates an interest in ramping up its strategy. With its fund, the firm could make a big impact. Here are some insights on some challenges and opportunities in these areas and some companies the firm should consider.

2. J&J’s venture arm invests in “liquid shot” to treat hangovers, colds

Johnson & Johnson’s venture arm, J&J Innovation, just led a $24 million Series C round into First Aid Shot Therapy – a consumer-facing startup that purveys over-the-counter “liquid shots” that treat pain, hangovers, heartburn and colds. In terms of product packaging and demographic, it fits solidly with the Five Hour Energy cocktails of the world.

3. Safeway brushes off Theranos, enlists local lab for DTC testing in Arizona

Clearly determined to offer direct-to-consumer lab testing through pharmacies, grocery chain Safeway seems to be shaking off the reported demise of a partnership with the not-so-revolutionary-after-all testing company and entering into a deal with a proven company in the Phoenix area.

4. Watch: Patient ‘enragement’ in 2016, digital health in every home

Pushback has already started against soaring drug prices and insurance premiums, Nancy Fabozzi, principal analyst for connected health at research firm Frost & Sullivan, noted in a video interview with MedCity News. Plus, there’s a vocal, if not large, movement to give consumers better access to their health data.

5. Startup’s alternative to CAR-T immunotherapy: “PAR-T” therapy

As opposed to the engineered chimeric antigen receptors used in CAR-T, Tychon Biosciences uses “prosthetic antigen receptors” to create a new class of cancer-killing cell therapy. It’s currently still preclinical, though plans to enter the clinic soon.

 

Shares0
Shares0