TOP STORIES
Dr. Robert Califf begins his FDA confirmation hearings today. Expect it to be a chance for members of Congress to bring up Martin Shkreli’s name and do your standard blowhardism (but not much else). – STAT
A new round of wearables are coming from Google (healthcare applications TBD).
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
People tell us there have been three versions of the head-mounted device in development, although the three may be consolidated into two. One version, targeted at enterprises, has a screen. The others, one of which is targeted at “sport” users, doesn’t and relies on audio. They use bone conduction, like the original Google Glass. In other words, headphones worn on your face.
LIFE SCIENCES
Napster co-founder and early Facebook executive Sean Parker has donated $10 million to advance research into genetic modifications to treat diabetes (he’s previously donated money for allergy and cancer research). – Business Insider
The FDA is making its case on regulating more laboratory developed tests. – MassDevice
Mylan decides to buy back $1 billion in stock (and it helps). – MarketWatch
What an ugly day for Clovis Oncology: bad news about data it’s handing to the FDA, a massive drop in its stock, “hooting on twitter” and other uncomfortable exchanges on its conference call. – FierceBiotech
The FDA approved Johnson & Johnson’s multiple myeloma treatment Darzalex. – Reuters
The FDA approved Baxalta’s hemophilia treatment Adynovate, a better version of Advate. – FierceBiotech
Gilead’s late-stage trial of its leukemia treatment Zydelig was unblinded early after independent monitors determined the medicine provided significant benefit in delaying worsening of the disease. – Reuters
Good thoughts to Cardiovascular Systems CEO David L. Martin, who will take a medical leave of absence for three months to focus on his cancer treatment. – Business Wire
PAYERS-PROVIDERS
A potential merger between Southcoast Health System and Care New England Health System is underway, which would create one of the largest nonprofit health systems in New England. – Boston Business Journal
Here are the latest winners of $10 million worth of CMS Quality Improvement Organization grants. – Government Health IT
HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research has combined with Park Nicollet Institute to create the education and research organization HealthPartners Institute. – Business Wire
Dr. Bobbie Gostout is the new Mayo Clinic vice president overseeing the hospital’s community practice in the Midwest. – Mayo Clinic
TECHNOLOGY
These CES previews are too early. It’s like hanging Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving. – Xconomy
A gut-shot for computer-assisted therapy for depression: it may not work. – Reuters
Withings new Activite Steel: Now with more masculine! – MobiHealthNews
POLITICS
Here’s a rundown of how Medicare will pay for hip and knee replacements. – The Hill
A LITTLE BIT EXTRA
In the debate over bringing Syrian refugees to the United States, I am reminded of a Facebook post a friend – a retired physician – made back in September.
History does repeat itself. In the 30’s with the rise of Nazism and the beginning of the holocaust, Jews fled and sought haven anywhere. In the United States it was denied to them by Breckenridge Long a special assistant secretary of state, who was both a good friend of Roosevelt and an anti-Semite. He could have provided safe haven for well over 100,000 Jews and did not. I have no idea how many of them perished. I am also sure there is a special place in hell for Breckenridge Long.
Today we have a very similar situation with thousands of Syrians fleeing from a cauldron of death. The same arguments being used against the Jews of the 30’s are being used against the Syrians of today. Nothing changes
– NBC News & Facebook
