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Declassified intelligence reports have found no direct evidence supporting the lab leak theory as the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. The report, prepared by the National Intelligence Officer for Weapons of Mass Destruction and Proliferation, revealed that while the Wuhan Institute of Virology did conduct coronavirus research, there is no known virus that plausibly caused the pandemic. Scientific experts have long disputed the lab leak theory, instead pointing to natural origins from an infected animal at a food market. However, individual intelligence agencies remain divided on the issue. The majority of agencies, including the National Intelligence Council, believe natural exposure to an infected animal is the most likely cause, while the FBI and Department of Energy still consider a lab leak as the most probable explanation. The CIA, on the other hand, remains unable to determine the precise origin. Regardless, all agencies agree that SARS-CoV-2 was not developed as a biological weapon.
In other news, Eli Lilly’s obesity drug candidate, retatrutide, has shown promising results in a phase 2 trial. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, patients on the highest dosage lost an average of 24% of their body weight over 48 weeks, making it the most effective drug in its class. This drug category includes FDA-approved medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Read more about this exciting development here.
Here are some updates on pipeline and deals in the healthcare industry:
1. Home Health: UnitedHealth Group’s Optum division is set to acquire home health provider Amedisys for $3.3 billion, valuing each share at $101.
2. Software Therapeutics: Luminopia has raised a series A funding round worth $16 million. Led by U.S. Venture Partners, this investment will support the commercial rollout of Luminopia’s software-based treatment for amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye.”
3. Concierge ER: Sollis Health has secured an additional $15 million in series A funding, following its $30 million funding round in December 2021. This capital will be used to expand access to Sollis Health’s concierge urgent and emergency care services.
4. Cleared AI Camera: The FDA has cleared the use of Eyenuk’s “EyeArt” artificial intelligence system in combination with the Topcon NW400 retinal camera. This AI system can autonomously detect diabetic retinopathy, following previous clearances for use with Canon CR-2 AF and CR-2 Plus AF cameras.
5. AI for Privacy: BeeKeeperAi, a San Francisco-based company working on AI software to protect the privacy of healthcare data, has raised $12.1 million in a series A funding round led by Santé Ventures.
Medical-supply startup Bttn has faced challenges breaking into a market dominated by established brands. Despite raising $26.5 million and being valued at $110 million, Bttn has struggled to gain customer loyalty due to competition from existing distributors, supply chain issues, and waning investor support. Read more about Bttn’s journey here.
In other healthcare news:
– Walgreens reported a quarterly profit decline to $118 million attributed to decreased demand for Covid tests and vaccines.
– Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, plans to take legal action against weight-loss clinics, medical spas, and compounding pharmacies for alleged production of illegal versions of their drugs.
– The CDC has reported a small outbreak of Malaria in Florida and Texas, raising concerns about the potential impact of climate change on disease outbreaks in the U.S.
– A watchdog report suggests that the Small Business Administration may have lost over $200 billion in Covid relief funds due to fraud, abuse, and waste during the pandemic.
That’s it for this week’s InnovationRx! Stay informed with Forbes and explore some of our other articles, including how illegal gun modifiers are readily available on social media platforms, an in-depth guide to lab-grown meat, and the exciting potential of “geologic” hydrogen.
In case you missed it, here are some interesting reads from other sources:
– Medical experts are exploring ways to eliminate bias in clinical algorithms by rethinking the concept of race.
– The cancer drug shortage presents unique challenges that differ from other supply chain issues.
– Astronauts’ blood may hold clues to rashes experienced in space. Find out more in this NPR article.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
