Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Grifols, a global healthcare company, is partnering with Google Cloud to enhance healthcare innovation through AI and analytics. By utilizing Google Cloud's advanced technology, Grifols aims to accelerate the development of new treatments and therapies, improve patient care, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The collaboration will leverage AI and data analytics to streamline processes, optimize research, and uncover insights from the vast amount of healthcare data available. This partnership highlights a significant step forward in merging pharmaceutical expertise with cutting-edge technology to drive advancements in the healthcare industry.
The FDA has granted approval for a new over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone nasal spray, marking the second such approval. RiVive a 3 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription use is designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses and can be used by bystanders or caregivers without a prescription. The approval is part of the FDA's efforts to combat the opioid crisis by increasing access to naloxone, a life-saving medication. The OTC availability of this nasal spray is expected to contribute to reducing opioid-related fatalities by making the antidote more widely accessible.
Syneos Health, a contract research organization, has announced its decision to go private. The company will be taken private through a strategic acquisition, leading to its delisting from the public stock market. This move is aimed at enhancing Syneos Health's operational flexibility and facilitating long-term growth strategies outside the constraints of public ownership. The decision reflects the company's drive to optimize its business model and better align its objectives with the evolving landscape of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
Baxter is recalling SIGMA Spectrum Infusion Pumps with Master Drug Library (Version 8) and Spectrum IQ Infusion Systems with Dose IQ Safety Software (Version 9) due to increased reports of false alarms for upstream occlusion after pump software upgrades. False upstream occlusion alarms cause interrupted or delayed therapy and contribute to clinician fatigue, which may cause serious adverse health consequences, especially for people receiving life-sustaining medications.
The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries, serious health consequences, or death.
AstraZeneca has named Sharon Barr as the new Executive Vice President of Biopharmaceuticals R&D, succeeding Mene Pangalos, who is retiring. Barr's responsibilities will span from discovery to late-stage development across Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Reporting to CEO Pascal Soriot, she joined AstraZeneca's Senior Executive Team on August 1. Barr, who has more than 18 years of industry experience, has been overseeing research and product development at Alexion, AstraZeneca's rare disease group. Pangalos expressed confidence in Barr's leadership to continue the company's innovation in transforming patient care.