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5 must-read stories: Is Bioz the Google for life sciences research?

Also, Sanford Health is bringing precision medicine to pharmacagenomics, Philips acquires population health management software vendor Wellcentive and a startup wants to turn the notion of healthcare price transparency on its head.

Young woman in laboratory dripping liquid into glassware

Every week, we compile the most popular and thoughtful stories on MedCity News. Here are a few highlights: A startup called Bioz launched a life sciences search engine to speed up drug discovery; Sanford Health is bringing precision medicine to pharmacogenomics; and Philips acquired population health management software vendor Wellcentive.

1. A Google to soothe life sciences research woes?

Bioz, a Palo Alto, California, software startup, is launching a life sciences search engine to speed up drug discovery and innovation.

Could this do to the search and selection of life sciences research products what Google did in the world of internet searches?

Bioz came out of stealth mode Wednesday to reveal that the beta version of its product is being used by 30,000 users in academic research labs, industry R&D labs, more than 1,000 universities and biopharma companies based in 40 countries worldwide.

2. Sanford Health steps up precision medicine with pharmacogenomics program

One of the country’s largest rural health systems is tackling the challenge of providing precision medicine in integrated health settings. Sanford Health, a 43-hospital, not-for-profit health system based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, announced this week it has contracted with Bellevue, Washington-based Translational Software to provide pharmacogenomics services to its hospitals and nearly 250 clinics in nine states.

3. Philips acquires population health management vendor Wellcentive

Royal Philips has acquired population health management software vendor Wellcentive for unspecified terms, the companies said Wednesday.

The deal will allow Netherlands-based Philips to augment its offerings in population health, though Wellcentive may be calling the shots in this area. Tom Zajac, CEO of Atlanta-based Wellcentive is joining Philips as head of the Dutch company’s population health management business.

4. ECRI wants to bring transparency to molecular diagnostics, an arena plagued by useless tests

To help hospitals and other stakeholders filter through the noise and hype, the ECRI Institute just launched a database of genetic tests dubbed Ecrigene. It contains the tests’ descriptions, indications of use, regulatory status, reimbursement information, and links to evidence reports prepared by the institute.

5. Startup DoctorGlobe seeks to turn price transparency on its head

DoctorGlobe, a San Diego-based startup, wants to turn the notion of healthcare price transparency on its head.

The company, which serves members and sponsors of self-insured employer health plans, displays patient out-of-pocket responsibility rather than the price providers bill the employer for. “We actually don’t want to show price to employees, but [rather] show them what’s in it for them,” said DoctorGlobe CEO Tibi Zohar.

Photo: Getty Images

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