TOP STORIES
For the first two years of its commercial existence, Theranos customers were likely never tested with equipment that had any sort of federal approval. Meaning: Theranos’ secrecy runs deeper than we even thought? But will anything change because of these controversies? –The Verge, STAT
The FDA’s new position on potential medical device hazards: We’ll issuing early warnings even before those concerns have been validated. – STAT
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
LIFE SCIENCES
A former Boston Scientific engineer just got slapped with a year in prison for stealing trade secrets related to the company’s balloon dilation catheters. –Mass Device
M&A deals in diagnostics and Omics life sciences tools shot up 33 percent in 2015. –GenomeWeb
NeuroMetrix, a diagnostic company for neuromuscular disorders, just raised $13.8 million. –Seeking Alpha
A Personalized Approach to Medication Nonadherence
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
Cancer diagnostics maker NeoGenomics just wrapped up the acquisition of Clarient, in a deal worth more than $190 million. –The Street
PAYERS-PROVIDERS
On top of carrying huge regulatory risks, looks like pending health insurer mega-merges could impact companies’ credit ratings. –Fierce Health Payer
TECH
The excellent data security series from Charles Ornstein and the Propublica team continues, with a story on how veterans’ medical facilities are rising privacy violations. –ProPublica
Hacks and data breaches will loom heavy on the health IT landscape in 2016. That is, unless organizations beef up their security and educate their employees about privacy. –Fierce Mobile Healthcare
POLITICS
Obamacare signups have risen to 8.5 million this week. About 60 percent of these enrollees are returning Obamacare customers. –The Hill
A LITTLE BIT EXTRA
Uber just announced it’s completed its ONE BILLIONTH trip. Lots of companies are attempting to position themselves as “the Uber of healthcare.” What kind of milestone would a healthcare company have to hit to be comparable? –Tech Crunch
[Image courtesy of Big Stock Photos]
