SmartTRAK Life Sciences News and Analysis Blog

Thomas Wallick

30+ years’ experience in Consumer and Life Sciences Industry marketing including Orthopedics and Cardiology.

MedTech Innovation in the Time of COVID

By Thomas Wallick on 8/11/20 8:00 AM

Despite the unprecedented challenges of the ongoing pandemic, and the collateral economic hit taken due to the massive decline in elective procedures in Q220, MedTech companies continue to innovate and introduce new products to the global life sciences industry.

The following is just a small sampling of the new products updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

Alphatec *

In Q220, Alphatec commenced upgrades of its cervical portfolio with 510(k) clearance of the Insignia Anterior Cervical Plate System and InVictus CT Spinal Fixation System, which expands InVictus across cervical, thoracic and lumbar procedures.

Globus*

GMED has launched 6 new products in 2020 w/ strong uptake of HEDRON 3D printed IBD spacers as well as SABLE expandable MIS TLIF device. Globus is doubling its 3D manufacturing capacity which should come online in Q4. GMED Q220 Earnings Transcript on Seeking Alpha

COHERE Thoracolumbar - NuVasive *

Alpha launches for COHERE TLIF O and TLIF A are slated for 2020, expanding the Company’s proprietary porous PEEK platform. NUVA Q220 Earnings Transcript on Seeking Alpha

Topics: COVID-19

8 min read

International MedTech News Updates: The Week in Review

By Thomas Wallick on 8/4/20 8:40 AM

The unprecedented challenges from the current resurgence of COVID-19 cases worldwide continues to concern the MedTech industry as it strives to develop ways to deal with a post-pandemic world. Despite the struggling global economy, demand for innovative medical devices and advanced technologies will continue to drive long term growth.

The following is just a small sampling of the updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

June in Russia

In the pharmacies in Russia, commercial drug June sales increased by 0.1% in value vs May 2020. Compared to June 2019, sales increased by 2.1%. The increase in the first 6 mos in 2020 was 13.9% vs the same period in 2019.

Teleconsultation in France

During the lockdown in April, 27% of all consultations were teleconsultations in France. Of doctors carrying out teleconsultations, 50% were under 50 yrs old, though that age group represents only 37% of all GPs.

MedTech World in Germany

MedTech companies in Germany expect sales to decline an avg of 8% in 2020 due to the pandemic, including 12% in int’l business according to a survey. Almost 60% of companies expect a double-digit drop.

Topics: SmartTRAK News COVID-19

5 min read

SAWC Spring 2020 Goes Virtual: The Week In Wound Care

By Thomas Wallick on 7/28/20 7:53 AM

As the COVID-19 continues to affect every aspect of life, the MedTech industry perseveres in its attempt to adapt and continue moving forward. SAWC and the Wound Healing Society held the SAWC Spring 2020 as a virtual experience on July 24-26. In their words "At a time when so much else is canceled, the work to treat, manage, and prevent chronic wounds and improve patient care cannot stop. Hope must go on."

The following is a small sampling of the updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts, including many from SAWC 2020. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

COVID-19 and Chronic Wound Patients

Dr. Margaret A Liu, an expert in vaccines and immunotherapies, provided an excellent presentation on the intersection of vaccine technologies for COVID-19, disease pathology for pts w/ chronic wounds, and how it fits together with a global pandemic. SAWC 2020 Virtual

Topics: Wound Care

3 min read

SmartTRAK Analysts Featured in Cartilage.org ICRS Newsletter

By Thomas Wallick on 7/24/20 1:18 PM

SmartTRAK, the leading source of competitive intelligence used by the top global orthopedic & wound care companies, had four articles featured in the International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society Summer 2020 Issue. These articles were originally published on the SmartTRAK platform.

The ICRS is the main forum for international collaboration in cartilaginous tissue research and joint preservation whose stated mission is "Advancing Science & Education of the Prevention & Treatment of Cartilage Disease Worldwide."

Kim French, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, OrthoBio, had three of her articles included in the Summer 2020 issue:

Topics: SmartTRAK News

8 min read

Recovery Predictions, Elective Surgery and Future Outbreaks: COVID-19 Updates

By Thomas Wallick on 7/20/20 1:40 PM

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses and continues to affect everyday life around the world, the path that lies ahead for the MedTech industry and the search for effective therapeutics and vaccines remains hard to predict.

The following is a small sampling of the updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

SVBLeerink Expects Q2 Recovery to Exceed Expectations
Based on prelim Q220 MedTech Company results, SVB Leerink expects May/June COVID recovery to exceed expectations noting elective procedure shutdowns are regionalized and halts are not expected to be as bad or prolonged as in March/April. SVBLeerink Medical Supplies and Devices

Positive COVID-19 Vaccine Data Could Fuel Medtech Sectors

With 4 of the leading vaccine candidates expected to enter Phase 3 studies in July (Sinovac, Moderna, BioNTech/PFE, CanSino), Phase 2 data could be reported in summer/fall 2020. If +, WFS says it could be a catalyst for some medtech sectors in recovery of elective procedures.

Public Perception of Resuming Elective Surgery

A survey assessing public perceptions towards resuming elective surg found out of 722 people 61% were concerned w/ contracting COVID-19 during surg. Overall, 57% would have surgery at a hospital vs outpatient and 27% would undergo surg in the first mo of reopening. J Arthroplasty

Preparation for Future Outbreaks

The European Commission published a document about the preparedness of health systems in Europe for future COVID-19 outbreaks. Topics comprise testing, contact tracing, surveillance, accessibility of medical devices and capacity measures.

Topics: SmartTRAK News COVID-19

9 min read

Novel Ideas, New Products and Innovative Studies: The Week in OrthoBio

By Thomas Wallick on 7/14/20 8:00 AM

The orthobiologics market continues to ramp up studies and new product development as surgeries impacted by COVID-19 are rescheduled. The following is a small sampling of the OrthoBio updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

KAPPA Opiod - Possible DMOAD?

KECK Medicine of USC has published a preclinical study demonstrating the potential of a new opioid medication that may slow OA progression while being less addictive. The therapy MOA is kappa opioid receptor (KOR) modulation via inhibition of hedgehog signaling. Arthritis Rheum

Association of SNPs in MMPs Genes and Knee OA

A 200-pt prospective, case-control study is underway to assess if the presence of gene polymorphisms (1575 G/A MMP-2, 836 A/G MMP-9 and -77 A/G MMP-13) in the metalloproteinases (MMPs) affect the risk of developing idiopathic kOA in the Greek population. clinicaltrials.gov

National Rates and Risk Factors of Failed Primary RCR

An insurance database review w/ 41,467 primary RCR pts (41,844 shoulders) showed 52.7% male, 60-69 yrs of age most prevalent (~38%) and 8.38% revision rate. Revision risk factors were increasing age, male sex, smoking, obesity, hyperlipidemia and vitamin D deficiency. Arthroscopy

Topics: Orthobiologics

6 min read

COVID-19 Surges: The MedTech Industry Reacts

By Thomas Wallick on 7/6/20 4:35 PM

As COVID-19 surges in the United States and around the world, health officials are responding with stern warnings, more testing and cutbacks on closings. While some nations have virtually stopped the spread within their country, MedTech prepares for a post-COVID world and how the virus and the response to it will reshape the industry.

The following is a small sampling of the COVID-19 updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time by our SmartTRAK analysts, who are constantly monitoring the situation and sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to our subscribers:

Study Projects COVID Impact on US Healthcare

A statistical analysis study concluded elective procedure deferment during the COVID-19 pandemic will have a lasting impact on the US healthcare system and could result in a cumulative backlog of > 1MM ortho surgical cases at 2 years after the end of surgery deferment. JBJS

Challenges when Restart in the UK

A report w/ the title of ”Getting the NHS back on track: planning for the next phase of COVID-19” was published in the UK by the NHS Confederation. The paper talks about the 7 challenges of the health care system when restarting the health care services in the UK.

Canaccord Sees Upside to H220

Canaccord feels SNN’s Q220 preliminary results suggest better-than-expected improvements and an upside to H220 estimates. Canaccord feels US states/health systems are better positioned to handle COVID cases and doesn’t expect widespread elective procedure restrictions.

Topics: SmartTRAK News

5 min read

International Medtech News Roundup: Updates from Around the Globe

By Thomas Wallick on 6/29/20 9:18 AM

As the international response to COVID-19 shifts to preparing for a potential second wave, the Medtech industry pushes forward with the development and approval of new devices. The following is just a small sampling of the past week's international updates that were curated, compiled, reviewed and posted throughout the day by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK. They sift through the noise to discover the latest international news, industry trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

Pandemic Reserve in Germany

In Germany, as a result of the past months, BVMed proposed to the Minister of Health to build stock for masks and protective equipment for 6 months to be used in pandemics.

How To Build Wound Care Knowledge

The Odense University Hospital in Denmark built up a blended learning concept in wound care for nurses to support them in gaining confidence when carrying out wound care. E-learning modules, study visits and workshops are mixed to address the needs.

Medical Device Promotion in France

In France, The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) published a guideline on how advertising visas should be handled for medical devices during the state of emergency (until July 10, 2020) and through the year.

Restricted China Export Boost Local Market

Freight costs have increased dramatically during the COVID-19 outbreak. Chinese medical dressing export are mainly low cost, less advanced dressings. Manufacturers are now looking more to grow sales on their local China market, to replace imported more advanced dressings.

Topics: SmartTRAK News COVID-19

6 min read

The Week in Neuromodulation: New Clinical Trials and Devices

By Thomas Wallick on 6/23/20 8:30 AM

This week, our expert analysts have sifted through the noise to present some of the latest product developments and clinical trials from the Neuromodulation industry. At SmartTRAK, our analysts constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry to present real-time news, analysis and financial data. All of our analysts are experts in their field, having worked in business development, marketing and competitive intelligence roles at leading medical device companies.

The following is a small sampling of Neuromodulation segment updates from the past week that were compiled, reviewed and posted throughout the day by the industry-experienced analysts at SmartTRAK:

Mainstay Medical Receives FDA Approval for ReActiv8 System

Mainstay Medical rec’d FDA approval 6/16/20 for the ReActiv8 System indicated for stimulation of the L2 medial branch of the dorsal ramus for intractable CLBP assoc. w/ multifidus muscle dysfunction. Chris Gilligan, MD-INS Webinar: Novel Stimulation Technologies-Recent Research.

Non-Invasive VNS for PTSD and Mild TBI

The VA is sponsoring a 100-pt, double-blinded study evaluating the effect of non-invasive VNS (nVNS) vs sham on memory and symptoms of PTSD and mild TBI (mTBI) as well as brain and physiology in veterans w/ mTBI and PTSD. The study starts 8/1/2020. clinicaltrials.gov

Rice-Sized Neural Stimulator for DBS

Rice University researchers demonstrated that a miniature, wireless magnetically powered neural stimulator (> 100 Hz) can provide DBS in a rodent model for Parkinson’s disease and that these devices can be miniaturized to millimeter-scale and fully implanted. Neuron

Topics: Neuro Therapies

7 min read

The Week in Regenerative Medicine: Virtual Meetings, Studies and New Products

By Thomas Wallick on 6/16/20 6:30 AM

As states begin to loosen restrictions and we try and put COVID-19 in the rear view mirror, in the words of Bill Gates, "it's going to be a while before we can get back to normal" and companies are going to have to find creative ways to stay connected and engaged while moving forward and getting work done.

The following is a small sampling of Regenerative Medicine segment updates from the past week that were compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time by our SmartTRAK analysts, who are constantly monitoring the situation and sifting through the noise to present news, analysis, studies, trial results, patents and financial data that are most relevant to our subscribers.

TOBI 2020 Virtual Conference

For 2020, the TOBI Conference was held virtually due to COVID-19; still, attendance was fairly high. During one of the Virtual Lounge Q&A discussions, it appears that there is an emerging trend w/ some practitioners doing PRP inj then HA inj, not the other way around for knee.

Bone Therapeutics
BOTHE informed that in EU several clinical sites for JTA-004 Phase III trial have resumed recruitment as COVID-19 lockdown measures are lifted; 34 pts have been treated since the initiation of the trial mid-May 2020. Reporting of the topline results is currently planned for H221.

Detachable Hybrid Microneedle Depot for Localized Delivery of MSCs

This study presents a detachable hybrid microneedle depot (d‐HMND) for cell delivery The system deploys an array of "microneedles" w/ MSCs embedded in a gel-like matl, which prolongs cell viability & functionality, penetrating into a target tissue w/ high spatial precision. ADFM

PRP Formulations and Uses

US Patent Application “PLATELET RICH PLASMA FORMULATIONS AND USE THEREOF” was published, relating to compositions for PRP depleted in neutrophils to treat damaged connective tissue &/or slow/stop cardiac apoptosis after a heart attack, along w/ reperfusion therapy. 20200179455

Topics: Regenerative Medicine