Visby Medical™, a leading innovator in rapid at-home polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostics, has announced the successful completion of a new financing round, raising approximately $55 million with the potential to increase to $65 million. The funding round was led by Catalio Capital Management, a prominent healthcare investment firm, and included continued support from existing investors such as ND Capital, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Blue Water Life Science Advisors, Pitango Ventures, and renowned investor John Doerr.

The fresh capital will enable Visby Medical to accelerate the launch and commercialization of its recently FDA-authorized at-home Women’s Sexual Health Test. This advancement strengthens the company’s strategic focus on delivering highly accurate, laboratory-grade diagnostic testing directly to consumers, positioning Visby Medical as a leader in the growing at-home diagnostics market.

Catalio Capital Management’s involvement brings not only financial support but also strategic partnership to enhance Visby’s market reach and operational capabilities. As part of this investment, Catalio Partner Isaac Ro has joined Visby Medical’s board as an observer, bringing valuable industry insights and guidance.

Additionally, Visby Medical announced the appointment of Chuck Alpuche to its board as an independent director. Alpuche, currently Chief Operating Officer at Imperative Care and formerly EVP and COO at Insulet Corporation, also held senior leadership roles at PepsiCo. His extensive experience in scaling operations, manufacturing optimization, and cost efficiency will be instrumental in supporting Visby Medical’s growth and operational excellence.

“We are excited to partner with Catalio Capital Management as we pursue our mission to revolutionize healthcare through rapid, reliable at-home diagnostics that match the accuracy of traditional PCR testing,” said Adam de la Zerda, PhD, Founder and CEO of Visby Medical. “This funding empowers us to bring lab-accurate STI testing directly into the homes of consumers, offering greater convenience, privacy, and access to care.”

Isaac Ro highlighted the significance of Visby’s breakthrough technology, stating, “Visby Medical has created the first and only laboratory-grade at-home STI testing solution. We recognized its potential even before FDA clearance and are proud to support its mission to transform healthcare delivery.”

Chuck Alpuche added, “Visby’s FDA-authorized at-home test marks a pivotal shift in diagnostic accessibility. I look forward to contributing my operational expertise to help Visby scale manufacturing, reduce costs, and reach millions of consumers.”

The at-home Women’s Sexual Health Test, the first single-use, disposable PCR diagnostic of its kind, delivers results within 30 minutes via a connected smartphone app. Positive results prompt immediate connection with telemedicine providers for consultation and treatment. The product is scheduled for release through major direct-to-consumer channels starting July 2025.

Eli Lilly and Company and Verve Therapeutics, a Boston-based clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced a definitive agreement under which Lilly will acquire Verve to advance groundbreaking gene editing treatments for cardiovascular disease.

Verve Therapeutics is pioneering a pipeline of gene editing medicines aimed at addressing the root causes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Its lead candidate, VERVE-102, is a potential first-in-class in vivo gene editing therapy targeting PCSK9, a gene strongly associated with cholesterol regulation and cardiovascular risk. VERVE-102 is being evaluated in a Phase 1b clinical trial and has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The therapy is designed for patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a genetic disorder that affects roughly 1 in 250 individuals, as well as certain patients with premature coronary artery disease.

“VERVE-102 has the potential to shift cardiovascular disease treatment from chronic, lifelong management to a one-time therapy,” said Ruth Gimeno, Lilly’s Group Vice President of Diabetes and Metabolic Research and Development. “We are excited to welcome the Verve team to Lilly as we work to bring these innovative therapies to patients worldwide.”

Founded with the goal of transforming cardiovascular care, Verve has rapidly advanced three in vivo gene editing programs, two of which are already in clinical trials. “In just seven years, Verve has made significant strides in gene editing for heart disease,” said Sekar Kathiresan, M.D., Verve’s Co-Founder and CEO. “Partnering with Lilly, who shares our vision, will allow us to accelerate development and bring one-time treatments to patients who need them most.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly will launch a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Verve for $10.50 per share in cash, totaling approximately $1.0 billion. In addition, each Verve shareholder will receive a non-tradable contingent value right (CVR), potentially worth up to $3.00 per share, contingent upon the first patient being dosed in a U.S. Phase 3 trial for VERVE-102 within 10 years. This brings the total potential transaction value to approximately $1.3 billion. The purchase price represents a 113% premium over Verve’s 30-day volume-weighted average stock price prior to the announcement.

The transaction, which is not subject to financing conditions, is expected to close in Q3 2025 following regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Verve’s Board of Directors unanimously recommends shareholders tender their shares. Significant shareholders, including CEO Sekar Kathiresan, Andrew Ashe, and GV, have already agreed to tender approximately 17.8% of Verve’s outstanding stock.

Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai has achieved a remarkable medical milestone by successfully performing India’s first Transcatheter Transatrial Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) surgery on a 78-year-old woman suffering from severe Mitral Annular Calcification — a serious heart condition that severely compromises heart function.

The patient, Sujata Sakpal (name changed), had been experiencing worsening breathlessness for months. Simple daily activities such as walking, eating, bathing, and even lying down to sleep had become increasingly difficult. After consulting multiple doctors without relief, her family turned to Lilavati Hospital for help. Comprehensive evaluation revealed extensive calcification of her mitral valve, severely compromising blood flow. Given her age, frail health, and lung condition, conventional open-heart surgery was deemed far too risky, and several hospitals had declined to take on her case.

A specialized team at Lilavati Hospital, led by Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao, Interventional Structural Cardiologist; Dr. Kaushal Pandey, Cardiac Surgeon; and Dr. Uday Gandhi, Cardiac Anaesthesiologist, decided to pursue the advanced TMVR procedure, offering the patient a potential lifeline.

“Given her condition, traditional surgery was not an option. We selected the Transcatheter Transatrial Mitral Valve Replacement technique using an Edwards Sapien 3 valve,” explained Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao. “A small incision was made to access the heart, remove the damaged valve, and implant the new one. The entire procedure was completed in a short span, with minimal recovery time. She was kept in the ICU for just one day and discharged within four days. Today, three months later, she is walking independently, sleeping comfortably, and living a normal life without breathing difficulties.”

“This surgery offers a new ray of hope to patients who are otherwise considered inoperable,” Dr. Rao added.

Dr. Niraj Uttamani, COO of Lilavati Hospital, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This surgery is not just a medical breakthrough for India, but a landmark for the entire Asian continent. It reflects Lilavati’s commitment to medical innovation and excellence, offering new hope to critically ill patients.”

Sharing her gratitude, the patient said, “For years, I couldn’t breathe properly or sleep peacefully. Many doctors refused surgery. I was scared. But the team at Lilavati gave me a second chance at life. I am deeply thankful to them.”

Healthcare investor Quadria Group has announced the launch of its HealthQuad Fund III, with plans to raise up to $300 million. This includes a base corpus of $200 million and an additional $100 million available through a greenshoe option. The new fund builds on the success of HealthQuad Funds I and II, which have supported more than 18 healthcare ventures across India.

Launched in 2016, HealthQuad was created by Quadria Group as a distinct early-growth investment platform focused on disruptive, tech-enabled healthcare models. Unlike Quadria’s flagship fund, HealthQuad specializes in identifying innovative companies that expand healthcare access, affordability, and quality in underserved segments of India’s healthcare market. With $300 million in assets under management, HealthQuad has already backed category leaders such as Qure.ai, Medikabazaar, THB, Wysa, Ekincare, Redcliffe Labs, GoApptiv, and Strand Life Sciences.

The launch of Fund III aligns with Quadria Group’s broader ambition to build India’s most integrated healthcare investment platform, providing capital solutions across the entire healthcare value chain—from early-stage innovation to large-scale growth. "India remains one of the most compelling healthcare investment markets globally," said Amit Varma, Co-founder and Investment Committee member at HealthQuad. "Rising demand, rapid digital adoption, and gaps in primary, diagnostic, and chronic care create unmatched opportunities. We are uniquely positioned to deliver value not only in India but across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the GCC region.”

Fund III also marks a structural change in Quadria Group’s ownership, with Amit Varma, Abrar Mir, and Sunil Thakur assuming full ownership and control following the firm’s separation from KOIS. Quadria plans to leverage its pan-Asian network, deep institutional investor relationships, and operational expertise to drive scale and impact for its portfolio companies.

The group has attracted strong interest from both global and domestic institutional investors for its integrated investment approach. This follows the recent successful closing of Quadria Capital Fund III at $1.07 billion, backed by leading global institutions. Overall, Quadria Capital now manages over $4 billion in assets, with 27 active investments across India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and other Asian markets.

With HealthQuad Fund III, Quadria Group aims to solidify its position as Asia’s premier healthcare investor, continuing to fuel healthcare innovation and expansion across the region.

GE HealthCare  has announced the launch of the bkActiv S series, a next-generation intraoperative ultrasound system designed to elevate precision, efficiency, and confidence in surgical procedures. As part of GE HealthCare’s bkPortfolio family of Active Imaging systems, the bkActiv S series is specifically tailored to provide advanced interventional guidance for urology, colorectal, and pelvic floor procedures.

The bkActiv S series offers clinicians precise real-time ultrasound guidance, enabling clear visualization of anatomical structures critical for informed decision-making during complex procedures. The system combines exceptional imaging quality with an intuitive user interface and AI-powered tools that streamline workflow. One of its standout features is the Prostate Volume Assist (PVA), an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tool that automates prostate measurements, helping save time and reduce variability.

“At GE HealthCare, our Surgical Visualization and Guidance team is focused on delivering innovations that directly address the needs of surgeons and proceduralists,” said Matthijs Groot Wassink, General Manager, Surgical Innovations at GE HealthCare. “The bkActiv S system will support a wide range of clinical applications, including prostate diagnostics, biopsies, and treatment guidance. It reflects our commitment to empowering clinicians with the tools they need to navigate increasingly complex surgical procedures with precision and confidence.”

The bkActiv S system is equipped with a modern, fully customizable touch interface featuring TruSense™ technology, allowing clinicians to configure their preferred layouts and workflows for maximum efficiency. The Smart Button™ transducer technology enhances user control by enabling one-handed operation with access to multiple system functionalities directly from the probe. This design improves ergonomics and flexibility during intraoperative use.

Clinicians benefit from superior image resolution that enhances contrast and detail through a suite of high-performance transducers and smart digital tools. The Image Compare mode allows practitioners to simultaneously view stored reference images alongside live imaging, enabling real-time comparisons and aiding in more accurate measurements.

The system also incorporates GE HealthCare’s proprietary PRISM Technology, which includes the TruFocus™ algorithm for automatic image optimization, delivering exceptional clarity with minimized manual adjustments. Adaptive Noise Suppression technology further enhances imaging by reducing noise, improving depth visualization, and maintaining image sharpness even at lower gain settings.

With its combination of AI-powered automation, advanced imaging capabilities, and user-centric design, the bkActiv S series represents a significant step forward in surgical visualization, helping clinicians deliver better outcomes through improved accuracy and efficiency in the operating room.

Royal Philips , a global leader in health technology, has announced the worldwide launch of the Flash Ultrasound System 5100 POC—a next-generation point-of-care (POC) ultrasound platform designed to meet the fast-paced demands of anesthesia, critical care, emergency medicine, and musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging. Built upon Philips’ proven cardiology and general imaging ultrasound technologies, the Flash 5100 POC combines advanced image clarity, intelligent automation, and an intuitive touchscreen interface into a compact, portable system that supports rapid clinical decision-making for users across all skill levels.

With its encounter-based workflow, the Flash 5100 POC allows clinicians to perform and document examinations in real time without waiting for formal orders, making it especially suited for high-pressure clinical environments such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, and trauma settings. The system’s design prioritizes speed, precision, and mobility, empowering healthcare teams to make confident bedside decisions when time is critical.

“The Flash 5100 POC represents a significant advancement in our ongoing commitment to point-of-care ultrasound innovation,” said Jeff Cohen, Global Business Leader of Ultrasound at Philips. “By delivering critical diagnostic information directly to clinicians at the bedside or in the OR, this system empowers both experienced sonographers and non-traditional ultrasound users to make faster, smarter decisions in some of the most demanding care environments.”

The urgency for faster, more accessible care has been highlighted by the Philips Future Health Index 2025 global report, which found that 33% of patients experienced deteriorating health due to delays in accessing care, and more than 25% required hospitalization as a result. With healthcare systems under mounting pressure from staff shortages and rising patient volumes, POC ultrasound is becoming an increasingly vital tool for efficient and flexible care delivery.

The Flash 5100 POC is designed to address these challenges directly. In addition to its high performance and true portability, it offers seamless interoperability with Philips’ tele-ultrasound solution, Collaboration Live. This feature allows clinicians to engage with remote colleagues in real time, sharing images, screens, and guidance instantly—providing valuable support in time-sensitive situations.

According to Dr. Chanel Fischetti, Assistant Professor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, “The Flash 5100 POC system stands out for its ease of use, intuitive interface, and advanced features like needle visualization. What makes POCUS successful is how quickly and easily clinicians can adopt the technology, and Flash 5100 POC delivers that accessibility across experience levels.”

Philips estimates that its ultrasound systems support approximately 52 million point-of-care procedures annually, aiding diagnosis and treatment for 41 million patients worldwide. The introduction of the Flash 5100 POC expands Philips’ comprehensive POC portfolio, which includes the Lumify and Compact 5000 Series. With cross-platform transducer compatibility—including the award-winning mL26-8 transducer ideal for MSK imaging—the system allows healthcare providers to scale and standardize care efficiently.

In parallel, Philips continues to advance AI-driven ultrasound innovation with recent FDA clearances for two artificial intelligence applications for Lumify, as well as AI enhancements for the Compact 5000 Series launched earlier this year. These milestones reinforce Philips’ commitment to delivering smarter, scalable solutions that enhance diagnostic confidence, streamline workflows, and bring high-quality care directly to the patient—wherever it’s needed most.

With India’s medical diagnostics market projected to reach USD 44.87 billion by 2030, the demand for skilled healthcare professionals is surging. Addressing this need, Virohan, a leading healthcare education institute, has partnered with Orange Health Labs to provide Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) students with internships and job opportunities across 76 cities, including major hubs like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Bengaluru.

Orange Health Labs, founded in 2020, is transforming India’s diagnostic landscape with its on-demand, at-home testing model. Offering 60-minute sample collection and delivering reports within six hours, the company has made high-quality diagnostics both accessible and convenient. With partnerships across 1,000+ clinics, Orange Health aims to create a more efficient, patient-centric healthcare system. The company currently recruits around 300 MLT professionals annually, with projections to hire nearly 1,000 per year over the next five years as expansion accelerates.

Virohan plays a critical role in building a skilled workforce for this growing sector. Its MLT programs equip students with extensive knowledge in clinical pathology, hematology, immunology, serology, biochemistry, histopathology, cytopathology, blood banking, and laboratory management. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical learning and hands-on diagnostic training, ensuring that students are prepared to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare.

Commenting on the partnership, Nalin Saluja, Co-Founder & CTO of Virohan, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Orange Health Labs, a pioneer in rapid diagnostics. This partnership offers our students invaluable real-world exposure while addressing the sector’s growing need for skilled professionals. With ten students already placed, we are off to a promising start.”

Tarun Bhambra, Co-Founder & CEO of Orange Health Labs, added, “At Orange Health, speed and precision guide our work, but equally important is the human element—empathy and patient care. Through this partnership, we aim to mentor a new generation of allied healthcare professionals who will not only excel technically but also embody compassion in patient interactions.”

Despite advancements in technology and AI, India faces a pressing shortage of frontline diagnostic professionals, particularly phlebotomists and MLT technicians. As traditional diagnostic centers give way to decentralized, patient-centric models, the demand for well-trained professionals continues to outpace supply. A GlobeNewswire report warns that while India’s diagnostics sector may triple by 2030, the growing talent gap threatens to stall this expansion.

Virohan’s industry-aligned, employer-integrated programs aim to bridge this gap. With over 2,000 employer partners and a 98% placement rate, the institute continues to create dignified, future-ready careers in healthcare, ensuring the sector’s sustainable growth.

STNM Hospital in Gangtok has achieved a major milestone by performing Sikkim’s first HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) procedure, marking a significant step forward in the state’s cancer treatment capabilities.

The advanced procedure was successfully conducted on a patient with advanced ovarian cancer. The surgical team was led by Dr. Romey Rai, with valuable support from Dr. Nilima Pradhan and Dr. Anita Gurung. The patient has since been discharged and is recovering well.

HIPEC is an advanced form of cancer therapy where, after surgically removing visible tumors, heated chemotherapy drugs are circulated within the abdominal cavity. This targeted approach helps eliminate remaining cancer cells more effectively while reducing the side effects typically associated with conventional chemotherapy.

Dr. Rai emphasized that this success reflects Sikkim’s growing capacity to provide advanced cancer care locally. Dr. Pradhan and Dr. Gurung credited the positive outcome to meticulous planning and excellent teamwork.

With this capability now available within the state, patients can access specialized cancer treatment closer to home, reducing the need to travel to distant medical centers.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Government of India, Smt. Savitri Thakur, visited the Anganwadi Centre (AWC) at Sethi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh today as part of an outreach and field inspection initiative. She was accompanied by a national media delegation, senior officials from the Ministry, representatives from the local administration, and key stakeholders from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

During the visit, the Minister closely reviewed the services being provided at the AWC and engaged with Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), beneficiaries, and local community members. The interaction offered valuable insights into the on-ground impact of nutrition, health, and early childhood education interventions aimed at improving the well-being of women and children.

Smt. Thakur commended the ongoing transformation of Anganwadi Centres through upgraded infrastructure, the adoption of digital innovations like the Poshan Tracker, and comprehensive training for frontline workers. She emphasized that Anganwadis are evolving beyond basic nutrition delivery points to become vibrant hubs for early childhood care, development, and learning — fully aligned with the vision of Saksham Anganwadi under the Poshan 2.0 framework.

Reaffirming the Government's strong commitment to strengthening Anganwadi infrastructure and ensuring last-mile service delivery, the Minister stressed the crucial role these centres play in achieving a malnutrition-free India. She described Anganwadis as vital instruments of social justice, supporting the growth and development of the nation’s future generations.

Speaking to the media, Smt. Thakur reflected on the significant strides made over the past 11 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. She highlighted the Government’s sustained efforts to safeguard and empower women and children, covering areas from safe childbirth and girls’ education to financial inclusion and legal protection. “This decade has laid a strong foundation for a New India led by Nari Shakti,” she stated.

The Minister also outlined the landmark achievements of the past 11 years, emphasizing the Government’s multi-pronged approach to empower and uplift women and children through a wide range of nationally implemented schemes and programs.

Suraksha Diagnostics announced on Wednesday its plans to invest ₹200 crore to establish more than 20 advanced imaging centres across eastern India. The expansion initiative, undertaken in partnership with United Imaging, aims to improve access to advanced diagnostic services in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, making quality healthcare more affordable and accessible in smaller towns and semi-urban areas.

While the company disclosed its investment commitment, it did not specify the timeline for the rollout of these new centres.

“This collaboration will help us expand our footprint and deliver high-quality diagnostic services to a larger population across eastern India,” said Somnath Chatterjee, Chairman and Managing Director of Suraksha Diagnostics.

Under the partnership, United Imaging will provide state-of-the-art imaging technologies, while Suraksha Diagnostics will utilize its extensive network and operational expertise to establish and manage the new facilities, the company added.

Suraksha Diagnostics had raised ₹846.25 crore through its initial public offering (IPO) in December, with a significant portion of the proceeds earmarked to fund its expansion plans.

Currently, the company operates 59 diagnostic centres and 166 sample collection centres across West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Meghalaya, positioning itself as a leading diagnostics provider in the eastern region.