Funding roundup: GRAIL raises $390M for cancer liquid biopsy test
GRAIL, a startup developing cancer liquid biopsy tests, raised a $390 million series D round. Read more about which companies raised funding this week.
Grail validation data show highly accurate detection of cancers, tissues of origin
The company plans to present the validation data, from its Circulating Cell-Free Genome Atlas, at an ASCO conference taking place in Bangkok this weekend.
Reducing Clinical and Staff Burnout with AI Automation
As technology advances, AI-powered tools will increasingly reduce the administrative burdens on healthcare providers.
Study finds Guardant’s liquid biopsy adept at detecting biomarker used by Merck immunotherapy drug
The study, by US and Korean researchers, found Guardant360's detection of MSI-H/dMMR "highly concordant" with that of standard tissue biopsy, including in a subset of gastric cancer patients who responded to immunotherapy.
Freenome nabs $160M to advance blood-based colorectal cancer test
The South San Francisco company intends to use the funding to launch its pivotal trial for its blood-based colorectal cancer screening and submit its test for parallel review for CMS coverage.
In blood tests for early cancer detection, low false-positive rates can be a big deal
In data at the ASCO meeting last week, Grail showed a 1 percent false-positive rate. While that number seems likely to go down, even such a low rate can make a significant difference for patients.
Grail’s liquid biopsy test shows high sensitivity in early cancer detection
The company plans to present early data in a poster on Saturday showing no more than 1 percent of tests generated false-positive results across 12 solid tumor and blood cancers.
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Transforming Patient Care: The Role of AI-Powered Assistants
The progress in artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping patient care, across various dimensions, from facilitating faster discharge to curating treatment plans and suggesting lifestyle changes.
Report: Diagnostics unicorn Grail considering an IPO in the US, possibly next year
Bloomberg had reported in February that the biotechnology startup company was considering a $500 million fund raise for a listing in Hong Kong, but reconsidered due to market conditions.
Next-generation sequencing market to nearly triple in size by 2024, report says
Lower costs for capital and sequencing, a friendlier regulatory and reimbursement environment and growth in precision medicine are among driving factors.
Biopharma 1H18 Series A investment exceeds funding for all of 2017
Investment could be called frothy, but hasn't reached bubble territory yet, SVB report author says.
The 10 largest biotech and devices VC investments in Q2
The most recent MoneyTree report from PwC and CB Insights highlights the biggest biotech-related and medical devices VC deals in Q2, which include investments in companies like Grail, Allogene Therapeutics, RefleXion Medical and Mevion Medical Systems.
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Market Trends to Watch for Health Systems and Their Specialty Pharmacies
The future looks bright for the integrated specialty pharmacy model – for health systems, providers, and most importantly, for patients.
Grail nets $300 million from Chinese investors in Series C round
Next-generation sequencing firm plans to present data on its gargantuan genomics study at ASCO next month.
Billion-dollar cancer detection startup Grail names new CEO with commercial chops
After the surprise departure of its founding CEO in August, Illumina spin-out Grail has named Roche/Genentech’s Global Head of Clinical Operations Jennifer Cook as its new leader.
In an era of mega-rounds, Roivant Sciences still makes a splash with $1.1B haul
Billion-dollar private venture capital rounds are apparently now a "thing." Roivant sealed the deal on Wednesday, following a multi-year trend towards bigger investment rounds in the life sciences.
Grail’s high profile CEO steps down after 18-month tenure
Illumina spin-out Grail revealed Wednesday that Jeff Huber is stepping down as CEO of the billion-dollar early cancer detection startup.
Healthcare is looking to the tech world for recruitment purposes
Providence St. Joseph Health recently hired Microsoft executive Venkat Bhamidipati as CFO. His appointment points to a trend of healthcare organizations eyeing the tech sector for new talent.