This week, we highlight Moderna’s contract extension with Rovi, a recent report that indicates the global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) market is expected to grow by over $8.65 billion by 2026, Robert Califf’s return as Food and Drug Administration commissioner, an artificial intelligence-powered stethoscope system that was granted European approval, and a new type of pacemaker capable of reversing heart failure that will soon begin human trials.
Each week we highlight five things you need to know in the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
Moderna extends contract for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine
Moderna has inked a 10-year extension of its manufacturing partnership with Rovi. The agreement will cover production of its COVID-19 vaccine as well as future mRNA-based drugs and immunizations. The long-term investment into its COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing capacity supports the recent shift from pandemic to endemic when referring to COVID-19.
CDMO market expected to grow by $8.65 billion through 2026
A recent report highlights that the CDMO market is expected to grow by $8.65 billion from 2021 to 2026 representing a CAGR of 12.20%. While North America makes up only 24% of the world’s CDMOs, 41% of the growth is expected to originate from North America. The availability of cost-efficient resources in emerging markets is expected to be a key driver.
Califf sworn in once more as FDA commissioner
Robert Califf returns to the FDA as Commissioner of Food and Drugs. He previously served as commissioner from February 2016 to January 2017. Prior to rejoining the FDA, he was head of medical strategy and senior advisor at Alphabet Inc. Prior to that, he served as a professor of medicine and vice chancellor for clinical and translational research at Duke University.
Digital stethoscope maker receives European approval
Tyto Care received a CE Mark for their artificial intelligence-based software system Lung Sounds Analyzer. The new telehealth system fully integrates with the company’s existing services to improve health care providers’ ability to detect and diagnose respiratory abnormalities. Tyto will begin commercialization of their system in Europe and is currently seeking FDA approval.
Pacemaker capable of reversing heart failure ready for human trials
A team of researchers in New Zealand will soon begin human trials for a new type of pacemaker that re-establishes the heart’s irregular heartbeat. Healthy hearts typically have a variable heartbeat that is modulated by breathing. The loss of this irregular beat is an early indication of cardiovascular disease. Current pacemakers restore function at a steady pace but do not restore the natural irregular beat. Animal studies have demonstrated positive results that researchers hope to replicate in human trials soon.
