Highlights of the important and the interesting from the world of healthcare:
American Medical Association’s influence waning? The country’s largest trade group for physicians has spent $6.2 million lobbying the federal government so far this year, and doesn’t have much to show for it. Some D.C. insiders blast the AMA for its inflexible stance on the so-called “doc fix”–a reference to the group’s effort to bring some stability to the rates that Medicare pays doctors. “They are just shooting themselves in the foot, and no one can figure out what they’re doing,” says one. “Their lobbying effort is the least nimble that anyone has seen in a long time.”
The apple of Google’s eye: South San Francisco-based iPerian recently landed a big-name investor in Google Ventures to lead its $22 million Series B round. The company aims to use patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to provide a better tool for gauging the usefulness of new drug candidates. While that seem like a somewhat odd match with Google, the reams of data (imaging, genomic, molecular, and clinical) iPerian generates is likely the attraction.
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.
Big money for Reata: Texas-based Reata has pulled in a whopping $78 million round that’ll fund a trial of the company’s chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes drug. The company hopes the money will take it to a New Drug Application filing, with the drug potentially hitting the market in 2012. Its investors have pushed $180 million into the company so they’ll no doubt be looking for an IPO in a year or two.
Defining “meaningful use”: The long-awaited (in health tech circles) rules describing “meaningful use” are set to be released today. The rules are significant because they’ll define exactly what an electronic health records system must be capable of doing in order for it to be eligible for $44,000 government grants to physicians who adopt EHRs.
A guide to medical apps: The L.A. Times takes a look at the healthcare apps market for smart phones, and even lists a few favorites. Buy with caution, as there’s little objective vetting when it comes to medical and health apps. Among the Times’ picks: Medic ID and iTriage.
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.
Dealflow: Massachusetts-based Medventive closes a $2.8 million Series C; Michigan-based Accuri Cytometers raises $6 million; Healthcare investor Boston Millenia has raised $24 million thus far for its third fund.
