The Real Economy Blog

Economic News from RSM

Home > Health care > 5 things to know in life sciences: Week of Feb. 21, 2022

5 things to know in life sciences: Week of Feb. 21, 2022

by , , and

5 things to know in life sciences

This week we highlight a personalized blood testing company, an artificial intelligence-based software platform capable of detecting heart disease and a promising mRNA technology that can heal bone defects. In addition, we look at a novel company providing a kidney care solution as well as Nintendo and charities working to create awareness for diabetes.

Each week we highlight five things you need to know about in the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.

Personalized blood testing company raises $110 million

Scipher Medicine recently closed another round of funding, raising an additional $110 million to help support the development of their AI-based blood testing platform. Looking at an individual’s molecular makeup, the AI-powered platform can accurately predict how a patient will respond to a range of drugs available on the market and if needed, provide alternative options to improve efficacy.

AI software identifies heart disease as good as invasive procedure

A study published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology found that Cleerly’s AI-enabled, non-invasive platform was able to detect plaque buildup as well or better than the conventional invasive angiography procedure, currently considered the gold standard for detecting heart disease. Additionally, the platform provides results quicker than traditional methods that require highly skilled human review and interpretation.

Study indicates promising way to heal broken bones with mRNA

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found a low dose of mRNA that promoted healing of bone defects in rats. Their study was recently published in the journal Science Advances. Results indicated that in as few as four weeks, treatment had completely healed the bone defects. Human trials are still needed to determine if they can replicate the result, but researchers are hopeful that these early studies will soon provide an affordable and superior alternative.

Somatus raises $325 million to expand its kidney care model

In their Series E funding round, Somatus raised an additional $325 million to further expand its value-based kidney care model. The company was founded in 2016 and built to partner with local providers to provide personalized, in-home care for individuals with kidney disease. The platform is designed and focused on prevention and awareness to help those suffering with the disease better manage their health. It’s estimated that more than 37.5 million Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease.

Nintendo’s Animal Crossing game adds diabetes-themed island

JDRF, the diabetes research organization, and three other charities have partnered with Nintendo and Insulet to create their own island on the popular Nintendo Switch game, Animal Crossing. The goal of the partnership is to help create awareness and raise money for the foundations. Additionally, the partnership hopes to foster a community to bring together and support those suffering with the disease.

Related posts

About Justin Culbertson

Justin has more than 10 years of experience serving publicly traded and privately held companies through technical accounting and financial reporting services. He focuses on clinical research organizations and similar service organizations in the constantly evolving life sciences industry. He has previously advised clients in the areas of new standard implementation, external audit, internal audit, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, process design and improvement, and internal and external financial reporting. He is also a member of RSM’s life sciences national industry leadership team.

In May 2021, Justin was selected as a senior analyst in RSM’s cutting edge industry eminence program, which positions its senior analysts to understand, forecast and communicate economic, business and technology trends shaping the industries RSM serves.

About Steve Kemler

Steve manages the Philadelphia market NetSuite team and provides NetSuite consulting services to a variety of clients in industries including life sciences, technology and wholesale distribution. Steve leads projects that require complex integrations, customizations and complex finance requirements.

As a member of RSM’s life sciences team, Steve consistently supports clients in the industry across the country. He also participates in the PACT MedTech series and is involved in multiple regional life sciences initiatives.

In May 2020, Steve was selected as a senior analyst in RSM’s cutting edge Industry Eminence Program, which positions its senior analysts to understand, forecast and communicate economic, business and technology trends shaping the industries RSM serves.

About Adam Lohr

Adam is an audit partner and life sciences senior analyst in RSM's cutting-edge Industry Eminence Program. In addition to providing assurance services to his clients, he sits on RSM’s national life sciences team and leads the San Diego office life science practice.

His senior analyst responsibilities include advising the firm’s life sciences care clients and client servers as they work to navigate the rapidly changing industry environment. Adam regularly writes, presents and advises on capital markets, digital transformation, policy and other issues transforming life sciences. He is an instructor at the regional and national level, and is experienced in the application of ASC 606 revenue recognition for the technology and consumer products industries.

Adam has over 12 years of accounting and finance experience, serving private equity-backed and private closely held companies in the middle market. He specializes in providing financial audit services and helping clients respond to technical, regulatory and economic changes that impact their business.

About David Stuart

David has more than eight years of corporate finance and capital markets experience supporting debt and equity transactions for various industries including technology, telecommunications, life sciences, renewable energy and consumer products. His experience includes negotiating and facilitating transaction closings for private equity, venture capital and financial institutions across North America.

In May 2020, David was selected as a senior analyst in RSM’s cutting edge Industry Eminence Program, which positions its senior analysts to understand, forecast and communicate economic, business and technology trends shaping the industries RSM serves.

The Real Economy Blog