
August 05, 2024
Corporate Update Webinar - 6 Aug 2024
Cardiex Limited (ASX:CDX) (the “Company”) is pleased to present its investor presentation.
June 2024 Quarterly Highlights
Record annual company revenues – $12.4m.
- Initial Pulse units arrived in USA & Australia.
- Marketing and demand generation campaigns driving awareness and demand.
- New partnerships and pilot programs.
- Initial Pulse production run increased to 8,000 (previously 3,000).
- Pre-submission phase for OTC FDA-clearance for the Pulse.
- New patent awarded by USPTO for wearable PPG sensor technology.
- Nearing completion of our wearable sensor validation study.
- FDA submission for wearable technology anticipated Q1 25.
Financial Overview (Q4 ending 30 June 2024)
- Revenue and other income for FY24 of $12.4m (FY23 - $6.0m)
- Q4 operating cash outflows of $2.8m, being a significant reduction to the Q3 normalized operating outflows of $3.4m, due to:
- Higher cash receipts of $0.9m in Q4 vs $0.7m in Q3, and
- FY23 R&D tax incentive of $0.7m.
- Cash resources and reserves ~ $6.5m, comprising:
- $0.5m cash; and
- $6.0m being funded under the Funding Commitment Agreement with C2 Ventures.
- Cash resources are believed to be sufficient to fund the Company’s growth initiatives, its operations, and to meet its business objectives.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from CardieX Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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The Conversation (0)
05 December 2024
Cardiex Limited
Investor Insight
Cardiex is trailblazing the health technology industry through its innovative solutions that are transforming cardiovascular health care.
Overview
Cardiex Limited (ASX:CDX) is an ASX-listed medical technology company leveraging its proprietary SphygmoCor® technology to develop and market vascular biomarker technologies and digital solutions focused on the world’s largest health disorders. The company’s groundbreaking technology – SphygmoCor® – set the benchmark for noninvasive measurement of central aortic pressures and related arterial health characteristics, collectively referred to as vascular biomarkers.
While measuring arterial health parameters has always been considered clinically beneficial, it was not considered for routine out-patient clinical use as it previously required an invasive catheterization procedure with a pressure sensor inserted into the aorta. Founded on 40 years of hemodynamics studies and backed by 20+ years of research, Cardiex’s SphygmoCor technology employs non-invasive techniques to assess "central aortic waveforms," offering valuable insights into various clinically significant arterial health parameters including arterial stiffness, central blood pressure (the pressure at the heart), pulse pressure, and crucial indicators of vascular health for major organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys.
Assessing central blood pressure directly at the heart is deemed superior to conventional blood pressure measurements taken at the arm, primarily owing to the heart's proximity to vital organs. Cardiex’s FDA-cleared devices replace traditional blood pressure technology for first-line screening and monitoring of arterial health status. The unique physiologic insights from the company’s devices provide clinically relevant information that helps guide treatment decisions and offers profound benefits for all members of the healthcare community:
For Healthcare Providers: Enable physicians to make more informed treatment decisions based on clinically relevant vascular health data.
For Patients: Give patients the tools to make better decisions about their own health.
For Pharmaceutical Companies: Generate reliable, real-world, clinically relevant data to accelerate drug development and commercialization.
For more than two decades, the company’s SphygmoCor technology has set the benchmark for vascular biomarker assessments, adopted by premier hospitals and pharmaceutical giants worldwide. SphygmoCor is the chosen technology for measuring central blood pressure in all of the "top 20 hospitals" in the US and has played a crucial role in the clinical trials of leading firms including Bayer, AstraZeneca, Roche, Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline.
Between 2002 and 2023, CDX received five FDA clearances, the latest for the CONNEQT Pulse, a first-of-its-kind connected vascular biometrics monitor.
Cardiex devices have previously been sold and used exclusively in clinical settings – principally by specialist clinicians, for research, and by pharmaceutical companies for drug assessment.
The introduction of CONNEQT Pulse represents a significant shift for Cardiex, allowing the company to enter the connected care market and transition from niche segments to the mass healthcare market. Priced comparably to a home health monitor, the CONNEQT Pulse is positioned for widespread adoption and can be deployed at scale in general healthcare practices, homes, or any location where patients are present.
The CONNEQT Pulse will also bolster Cardiex's portfolio in clinical trial solutions with the introduction of a decentralized clinical trial (DCT) platform. The Cardiex DCT platform empowers clinical trial managers to remotely monitor thousands of patients in their homes, enabling pharmaceutical companies to more effectively evaluate potential vascular outcomes across various trial phases. This leads to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness in trial outcomes.
Furthermore, in response to the growing demand for proactive health monitoring, Cardiex will be launching an innovative wrist-worn device that leverages the SphygmoCor technology to deliver a medical grade wearable with capabilities far beyond conventional health trackers. The CONNEQT Band will be a wearable “cuffless” device designed to monitor vascular health in patients as well as to provide general health insights to consumers.
Cardiex’s goal is to establish a holistic ecosystem that promotes cardiovascular well-being and empowers users to proactively manage their health as an integral part of individuals' health routines, contributing to a paradigm shift in preventive cardiovascular care.
The company’s first-mover advantage and exclusive technology FDA-cleared for noninvasive measurement of central pulse pressures and vascular biomarkers across all adult demographics grant it a distinctive market position. CDX recently secured AU$14 million in funding, which is enough to steer the company towards profitability.
With the entry into the connected care home market with the CONNEQT Pulse, CDX is transitioning towards a recurring revenue model based on monthly subscription fees. This should excite investors, given that the recurring revenue model will receive a higher multiple by the market, thereby boosting the company's valuation.
Company Highlights
- Cardiex Limited is an ASX-listed medical technology company that develops and markets vascular biomarker technologies and digital solutions for the world’s largest health disorders.
- The company’s offerings encompass FDA-cleared medical and home health devices alongside digital solutions tailored for managing health and wellness, delivering unique physiologic insights that inform clinical treatment decisions.
- The company’s groundbreaking technology – named SphygmoCor® – set the benchmark for measuring central aortic pressures and related arterial health characteristics, collectively referred to as vascular biomarkers.
- These biomarkers, extensively researched and detailed in numerous peer-reviewed journals, assess cardiovascular risk and guide disease management by predicting organ damage (such as the heart, brain, and kidneys) and outcomes (including heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and stroke), significantly influencing disease prognosis and clinical treatment.
- CDX received five FDA clearances from 2002 to 2023, the most recent for the CONNEQT Pulse, a world-first connected vascular biometric monitor. The CONNEQT Pulse targets new and significant healthcare channels and transitions the company towards a recurring revenue model based on monthly subscription fees.
- CDX's technology is uniquely FDA-cleared for noninvasive measurement of central pulse pressures and vascular biomarkers across all adult demographics – thereby granting it a distinctive competitive market position. With a significant funding round recently secured, CDX is poised for profitability ahead.
- CDX more than doubled its annual company revenue and other income to $12.4 million in 2024, compared to $6 million in 2023.
Products and Solutions
CONNEQT
CONNEQT is focused on devices and solutions for home health, remote patient monitoring, and decentralized clinical trials. Cardiex offers two devices under the CONNEQT brand – the recently FDA-cleared CONNEQT Pulse and the upcoming CONNEQT Band wearable. The company estimates CONNEQT’s total addressable market opportunity to be nearly $283 billion across three markets – remote patient monitoring ($175 billion), health wearables ($104 billion), and decentralized clinical trials ($14 billion).
CONNEQT Pulse: The CONNEQT Pulse provides measurements of both central and brachial blood pressures, alongside vascular biomarkers reflecting arterial stiffness and overall vascular health—metrics once exclusively only available to specialist clinics, research, and pharmaceutical companies. As a Bluetooth-enabled device, it empowers patients and health enthusiasts to track their arterial health from home, employing the same advanced tools used by top cardiologists in research centers and clinics.
Physicians can prescribe the CONNEQT Pulse to patients requiring heart health monitoring. Patient data seamlessly integrates with the CONNEQT Patient Management Portal (CPMP), a HIPAA-compliant cloud-based tool that enables healthcare providers to remotely track patients' arterial health by way of a tablet. Furthermore, consumers and patients can access comprehensive arterial health insights, coaching, lifestyle programs, and additional health resources via the CONNEQT app.
CONNEQT Band: CONNEQT Band is a world's-first dual sensor arterial health wearable device featuring an innovative design with dual (wrist-and finger-based) photoplethysmography (PPG) optical sensors. The wrist-based sensor continuously captures physiological data such as heart rate, respiration, stress, activity, sleep, and pulse oximetry, while our patented on-demand finger-based side sensor uniquely derives clinically meaningful vascular biomarkers representing arterial stiffness and cardiovascular health.
By combining data from both sensors, the CONNEQT Band offers users a comprehensive view of their overall cardiovascular health which has never been available outside of a physician’s office. The CONNEQT Band is also supported by the CONNEQT app, available for both iOS and Android devices, which serves as a hub where users can easily access detailed reports, track their progress over time, explore content, and receive personalized health insights and recommendations.
The CONNEQT Band is currently in the process of FDA submission preparation. This innovative device is poised to extend the company's portfolio in connected health technology, offering users a new, user-friendly tool for monitoring their health metrics. With its cutting-edge features, the CONNEQT Band is expected to make a significant impact in the way individuals manage their wellness, bridging the gap between advanced health monitoring and everyday convenience.
A significant global market opportunity in wearable health devices is driven by nearly 1.3 billion hypertensive and other vascular disease patients. Some of the other wearable device firms have attracted significant funding at high valuations in recent times. For instance, Oura Health, a Finnish company that makes smart rings for tracking sleep and physical activity, was valued at $2.55 billion in April 2022.
Board of Directors and Management
Craig Cooper – Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director
Craig Cooper has established numerous prosperous health, digital media, technology and wellness ventures. Notably, he co-founded Boost Mobile, a prominent telecommunications company recognized as one of the leading mobile phone businesses in the USA. He is acknowledged as a distinguished authority and influential figure on a global scale in mobile and wireless technology, as well as businesses related to digital health and medical technology. His venture capital endeavors have secured over AU$3 billion, financing some of the most impactful global digital media technology companies. Cooper is also a principal of C2 Ventures, Cardiex’s largest shareholder.
Niall Cairns - Executive Chairman
Niall Cairns boasts a successful 25-year record of investing in both private and public companies. He has played a pivotal role in advancing the global expansion of more than 50 enterprises spanning various sectors, including digital media, agtech, medtech, consumer internet, and SaaS-based businesses. Cairns is also a principal of C2 Ventures, Cardiex’s largest shareholder.
King Nelson – Non-executive Director
King Nelson brings over 30 years of extensive experience in medical devices. He was previously the president and CEO at Uptake Medical Corporation, concentrating on treatments for emphysema and lung cancer. Before Uptake, he served as president and CEO of Kerberos Proximal Solutions, a company later acquired by FoxHollow Technologies. He was also president and CEO of VenPro, a heart valve business acquired by Medtronic. King also accumulated 19 years of experience with Baxter International and American Hospital Supply Corporation, progressing through various roles with increasing responsibilities. These roles included serving as division president for Dade Diagnostics, Bentley Labs, and Baxter’s Perfusion Services. Nelson is currently the CEO at Q’Apel Medical, a medical device company specializing in neurovascular disease.
Charlie Taylor – Non-executive Director
Charlie Taylor has over three decades of international advisory experience and recently concluded his tenure as senior partner at McKinsey, where he oversaw the health and public sector practice. Taylor has counseled numerous private and public sector healthcare organizations in Australia and globally, covering areas such as strategy, digitalization, operational enhancements, growth transformations, international expansion, supply chain management, mergers and acquisitions, and board governance. He is a non-executive director of Healius, a leading Australian health diagnostics company, and a part-time senior board advisor at McKinsey for the health and public sector practice.
Sanjeev Bhavnani – Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. Sanjeev Bhavnani has served as a senior medical officer at the Digital Health Center of Excellence within the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), overseeing clinical and scientific initiatives concerning digital health and medical devices incorporating artificial intelligence.
Bhavnani is also currently a senior cardiologist and principal investigator of digital health and machine learning at Scripps Clinic in San Diego, California, where he leads programs to develop and validate new technologies and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of DHTs, nanosensors, cloud-based analytical platforms, handheld imaging technologies, AI/ML algorithms and software as a medical device. For over a decade, Bhavnani was the principal investigator of 90 clinical trials and patient care programs. These programs have enrolled over 30,000 patients in the US and in resource-limited areas. His team developed the SMART-FHIR integration interface for DHT data into EMRs for remote patient monitoring, remote therapeutic monitoring, and chronic care management, creating a real-world data platform to monitor the healthcare quality of DHT and ML devices in traditional and new consumer models of care delivery.
Catherine Liao – Chief Strategy Officer
Catherine Liao has served as our chief strategy officer since September 2022. Previously, Liao served as chief executive officer of Blumio, a pioneering medical device startup, from February 2016 to September 2022, where she led efforts in raising capital, formed a leadership and advisory board rich in knowledge spanning healthcare innovations, enterprise technology, and sensor technology. Her notable achievements include leading the commercialization of a groundbreaking medical radar sensor development platform, which garnered significant industry attention and was eventually acquired by Cardiex. Liao holds an MBA from Imperial College London and a Master of Science in Health Economics from the London School of Economics. These credentials underscore her deep and comprehensive insight into the intricacies of both the business world and the healthcare sector, demonstrating a balanced expertise critical for navigating and innovating within today’s complex healthcare economies.
Mark Gorelick – Chief Product Officer
Dr. Mark Gorelick has served as Cardiex’s chief product officer since December 2020, bringing a wealth of experience from various leadership roles in the health and wellness technology sector. With an impressive tenure beginning in 2007, he has been at the helm as managing director of XPhys Technologies, a company at the forefront of developing innovative fitness, health, and wellness products. His strategic vision was further demonstrated through his role as vice-president of Digital Health, from 2018 to 2019, at Performance Lab Technologies, acclaimed for its software development prowess in the health sector. Further cementing his reputation in health technology, Gorelick served as the chief science officer at PAI Health (originally Mio Global) from 2015 to 2018, where he was instrumental in advancing health technology software solutions. Holding a BSc and MSc in kinesiology from Dalhousie University and a Ph.D. in biomedical science from University of Wollongong, Gorelick’s educational background underscores his deep-rooted understanding and innovative approach to biomedical science and kinesiology, reinforcing his invaluable contribution to our company and the broader health technology landscape.
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Biomarker technologies and digital solutions to address the world’s largest health disorders.
29 August
FY25 Preliminary Results Summary and Company Update
09 September
How to Invest in Medical Device Stocks and ETFs
The medical device market offers investors unique exposure to the overall life science space, especially in an era of fast-growing tech advancements in healthcare.
This industry covers a wide range of health and medical instruments and equipment used in the treatment, mitigation, diagnosis and prevention of diseases and physical conditions, and it continues to develop rapidly.
Examples of medical devices include neurostimulation devices, surgical implants, ultrasound imaging devices and robotic medical technology, along with insulin pumps and insulin pens for diabetes. Just as pharmaceutical companies seek to serve unmet needs, medical device companies do the same via innovative technologies.
Here the Investing News Network breaks down how to invest in medical devices and looks at what’s in store for the sector.
In this article
What should investors know about the medical device market?
Before investing in medical device stocks, it helps to understand their goals. Medtech companies will often seek to show investors that their products are ready to enter the market and will be in demand right away — whether it be by serving a large demographic or by targeting a specific ailment in the population that has an unmet medical need.
Like firms pursuing drug approvals, medical device companies must conduct clinical trials to bring their products to market; they have to refine their technology and confirm efficacy and safety to get regulatory approvals.
Successfully completed clinical trials and product approvals are usually major catalysts for a company’s share price. A medical device stock can experience a large jump when announcing positive results from a recent trial or approval from a regulatory body such as Health Canada, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or an equivalent agency in Europe or Asia. On the other hand, poor results can have a negative impact on the company's performance.
Patentability also plays a big role in a medical device company’s value. Once a product has been patented, the company controls its every move and can choose to license it or make other deals to expand device reach.
What is the outlook for the medical device market?
The medical device and in-vitro diagnostics market is expected to experience growth in global annual sales of 5.2 percent each year from 2023 to reach nearly US$758.9 billion by 2030, according to a 2024 forecast from KPMG focused on technological advances and AI in the healthcare industry.
"Rapid innovation in diabetic care, cardiology, robotic surgery, internet-connected wearables, and a whole host of Al-enabled devices is causing a great deal of excitement among not only providers and patients, but also investors," the firm stated.
Significant drivers of the sector's growth include increased demand for wearables and services like health data. "Enabled by sensor technology, computing power, increased bandwidth and Al, devices are changing care delivery for wellness, chronic condition management, diagnostics, and surgical procedures," KPMG wrote.
AI advancements in healthcare were also the focus of multiple panels at the 2025 Web Summit Vancouver conference, with many experts sharing their insights on the possibilities and challenges of using AI in healthcare.
Another demand driver is increasing prevalence of diseases, particularly cancer and diabetes, plus cardiovascular, neurological, orthopedic and respiratory diseases, which are on the rise due to an aging population.
The United Nations has said that by the end of 2050, the ratio of deaths per year due to chronic diseases is expected to rise to around 86 percent of total deaths each year.
KPMG also highlighted the role that the sector can play in addressing health inequities with devices that help rural and underserved communities access basic healthcare. This also requires digital equity for these communities, and the firm believes both goals should be worked towards at the same time.
How to invest in medical device stocks
Large-cap medical device stocks
The sector is dominated by a handful of big medical device manufacturers, which means investors interested in large-cap companies will have no trouble finding what they’re looking for. Here are a few to get you started:
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)
Abbott Laboratories creates a wide range of products, from diagnostics to medical devices to branded generic pharmaceuticals. Its medical devices focus on segments including vascular diseases, diabetes and optometry.
Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ:ISRG)
Medical device manufacturer Intuitive Surgical developed the da Vinci surgical system, the first minimally invasive surgical system to receive clearance from the US FDA. The company’s goal is to provide assistance to doctors and hospitals with its robotics-assisted platforms, including the da Vinci system.
Medtronic (NYSE:MDT)
Medtronic’s devices provide solutions for relieving pain, restoring health and working to extend the lives of millions of people globally. Its primary areas of focus include cardiac and vascular care, minimally invasive therapies, restorative therapies and diabetes.
Danaher (NYSE:DHR)
Globally diversified conglomerate Danaher has a number of brands under its corporate umbrella grouped in three distinct divisions: healthcare, diagnostics and environmental and applied end markets. Through its brands, Danaher designs, manufactures and sells a number of medical device products and services.
Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO)
Thermo Fisher Scientific's family of global products and services represents a broad range of high-end analytical instruments, chemistry and consumable supplies, laboratory equipment and software. It has products in a variety of areas, including cellular analysis, synthetic biology and molecular biology.
Small-cap medical device stocks
Investors will also find smaller-cap medical device companies amid the heavyweights — it’s just a matter of risk tolerance. Below are five great examples.
AngioDynamics (NASDAQ:ANGO)
AngioDynamics is a global medical technology company that designs, manufacturers and sells high-quality, minimally invasive medical devices. Its devices target vascular access procedures and treatment of peripheral vascular and oncological diseases.
Aurora Spine (TSXV:ASG,OTCQB:ASAPF)
Aurora Spine is a Canadian medical device company focused on the spinal implant market. It has a portfolio of minimally invasive, regenerative spinal implant technologies designed to improve spinal surgery outcomes. Its FDA-approved products include the DEXA patient-matched implant technology and the ZIP series of implants for lumbar spinal stenosis.
Delcath Systems (NASDAQ:DCTH)
Delcath Systems is a pharmaceutical and medical device company focused on “interventional oncology,” specifically regarding the treatment of primary and metastatic liver cancers. The company's commercial products combine its Hepactic Delivery System with the chemotherapeutic drug melphalan for to help liver cancer patients undergo safer high-dose chemotherapy.
Senseonics (NYSEAMERICAN:SENS)
Senseonics is a commercial-stage medical technology company that develops and manufactures continuous glucose monitoring systems for people with diabetes. The company’s Eversense 365 and Eversense E3 systems are long-term, implantable devices that use sensor technology to transmit frequent glucose data updates via a smartphone app.
iRhythm Technologies (NASDAQ:IRTC)
iRhythm Technologies’ wearable biosensor device, the Zio ECG monitor, is used for the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias. The FDA-cleared device uses AI and a clinically proven deep-learned algorithm to enable accurate diagnoses.
How to invest in medical device ETFs
For those who prefer to mitigate risk, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a safer way to put money into the market, and there are two primary medical device ETFs for investors to choose from.
ETFs hold assets such as stocks, commodities and bonds, and trade close to their net asset value. With exposure to various companies, any potential decrease in one stock won’t significantly drive down overall ETF returns.
Typically ETFs track an index. In the medical device arena, there are two indexes that can be followed: the S&P Health Care Equipment Select Industry Index (INDEXSP:SPSIHE) and the Dow Jones US Select Medical Equipment Index (INDEXDJX:DJSMDQ).
Below are the two biggest medical device ETFs:
iShares US Medical Devices ETF (ARCA:IHI)
The iShares US Medical Device ETF is the largest ETF in the medical device sector. Its focus is on US companies that manufacture and distribute medical devices. This passive ETF tracks the Dow Jones US Select Medical Equipment Index. Three of its top holdings are Abbott Laboratories, Intuitive Surgical and Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX).
SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF (ARCA:XHE)
The SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF tracks the S&P Health Care Equipment Select Industry Index. Its top holdings include Staar Surgical (NASDAQ:STAA), ResMed (NYSE:RMD) and iRhythm Technologies.
This is an updated version of an article originally published by the Investing News Network in 2017.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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13 March
BlinkLab Completes First Patient Test for US Autism Diagnostic Study
Digital healthcare company BlinkLab (ASX:BB1) has tested the first patient in its US autism diagnostic study, which is geared at validating the company's Dx1 test as a diagnostic aid for clinicians.
BlinkLab states in its Wednesday (March 12) release that the study is the largest digital diagnostic trial for autism in the US, with its aim being to support the early detection of developmental conditions like autism.
The first patient test took place at PriMED Clinical Research in Dayton, Ohio. PriMED, a division of PriMED Physicians, is one of two clinical sites selected for the study’s initial phase, which is targeting 100 patients.
"Launching our US trial marks a very special and important moment for BlinkLab. Our mission has always been to connect fundamental neuroscience with clinical practice through accessible technology, thereby enhancing autism diagnostic evaluations and enabling early intervention for children,” said CEO and Co-founder Dr. Henk-Jan Boele.
According to BlinkLab, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that all children be screened for autism at 18 to 24 months. This is to refrain from delays in diagnosis, as many children miss critical windows for early intervention.
Dx1’s goal is to address these delays by helping healthcare providers deliver faster and more reliable assessments. The smartphone-based platform uses artificial intelligence to measure sensory sensitivity.
“After extensive app and portal development, stimulus refinement, and testing in hundreds of children, we are very confident in our (Food and Drug Administration) study's potential," Boele added.
Results from the targeted 100 participant study are scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2025. The trial will proceed to the main study thereafter, which aims to test 750 to 900 children.
BlinkLab’s submission for FDA 510(k) clearance is anticipated in 2026.
In 2023, privately held EarliTec Diagnostics came up with a similar innovation for autism detection. The company's creation focuses more on social-visual engagement, evaluating a child’s looking behaviour.
Currently, BlinkLab is the only ASX-listed company focusing on providing autism detection services or applications.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: BlinkLab is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.
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25 February
HeraMED Signs Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Garmin Health
HeraMED Limited (ASX: HMD), a medical data and technology company leading the digital transformation of maternity care, is delighted to announce it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Garmin (NYSE: GRMN), a leading global provider of smartwatches and GPS-enabled products, aimed at enhancing remote pregnancy monitoring and expanding the range of health data available to expectant mothers and their healthcare providers.
- HeraMED has executed a collaboration agreement with Garmin;
- Agreement enables integration of Garmin smartwatch data through the Garmin Health API into HeraMED’s clinical grade remote monitoring pregnancy platform, HeraCARE;
- Expansion of the range of health data available to expectant mothers and their healthcare providers;
- HeraMED and Garmin will jointly collaborate on marketing efforts to promote their integrated solutions;
- Collaboration includes exploration of women's health research opportunities
Driven by Garmin Health, a leading provider of digital health solutions that leverage the data and insights of the Garmin product ecosystem, the collaboration will focus on data integration, joint marketing initiatives and exploration of women’s health research. Using the Garmin Health API, pregnant women who consent to sharing their health and fitness activity data through the Garmin Health API can wear Garmin smartwatches and have their health data collected and integrated into the HeraCARE platform, including:
- Expanded health metrics including heart rate, sleep patterns, and fitness activity levels
- Improved continuous monitoring capabilities for pregnant women
- Enhanced data quality and quantity for more informed decision-making
The collaboration will allow HeraCARE users to seamlessly connect their Garmin devices, providing a more comprehensive view of maternal health. This integration is expected to significantly augment the platform's existing capabilities, which include fetal and maternal heart rate monitoring, blood pressure tracking, and mood assessment. This collaboration will have an initial 3-year term with either group having the ability to withdraw by providing 3 months notice.
HeraMED Managing Director and CEO, Anoushka Gungadin, commented: “This is an incredibly exciting collaboration for HeraMED. Garmin is a globally recognised brand that has developed a specific smartwatch technology strategy for women. It is a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionise maternity care. By incorporating Garmin's high-quality sensor data into HeraCARE, we're expanding and enhancing our ability to provide continuous, real-time health insights to expectant mothers and their healthcare providers.
We are delighted to bring health and wellness data into our clinical grade platform for the purpose of transforming the model of care for maternity. The additional data points will contribute to HeraMED’s ‘data- as-an-asset’ approach with the possibility to monitor activities such as steps for pregnant mothers with hypertensive or diabetic conditions or sleep quality for our mental health care plans will only enrich the capability of HeraCARE.”
Garmin Health Senior Director of Global B2B Sales Joern Watzke said: “We are excited to collaborate with HeraMED to leverage Garmin smartwatch technology in support of women’s healthcare. This strategic relationship will highlight how Garmin wearable data can extend beyond informing daily healthy habits to supporting pregnancy monitoring by providing healthcare providers with valuable patient insights. By making smartwatch technology and advanced health data available for a variety of applications in the fields of healthcare, insurance and research, we believe Garmin is truly helping change the future of women’s healthcare for the better.”
In addition to the HeraCARE platform integration, HeraMED and Garmin will explore potential research collaborations and data integrations through the Garmin Health API focused on women’s health, including maternity care. This collaboration is dedicated to research and data rather than commercial and it is intended will develop specific research projects to be supported by targeted granting bodies in key target markets.
This collaboration agreement does not involve any direct financial consideration between the companies. However, HMD anticipates the collaboration is beneficial as it will enhance the HeraCARE platform by providing a more holistic view of maternal health by bringing health and wellness data together, and the additional data points will contribute to HMD's ‘data-as-an-asset’ strategy.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from HeraMED Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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17 February
2 Biggest Medical Device ETFs in 2025
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a popular investment strategy, and generally contain a variety of publicly traded companies under one stock symbol, often with a focus on a specific sector.
Depending on the ETF, investors may be able to track up-and-coming companies, get exposure to top firms or a mix of both. Aside from stocks, some ETFs also track commodities or bonds.
In the healthcare industry, medical device ETFs bring together companies that go to great lengths to develop pharmaceutical-based technology that can improve the lives of patients.
To help investors make decisions when it comes to medical device ETFs, here the Investing News Network provides a brief breakdown of what ETFs are and a look at the medical device ETFs you can invest in.
What is an exchange-traded fund?
Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, hold a basket of equities, often focused on a theme or niche. ETFs are appealing because they give investors the ability to hone in on a specific market area without investing in individual companies. While they are similar to mutual funds, ETFs trade on stock exchanges in the same way stocks do.
Put simply, ETFs reduce the risk of investing by providing access to a larger pool of companies — they let investors pick an area that interests them and suffer less financially if one company under the ETF’s umbrella underperforms. In this way, ETFs allow investors to enter the market confidently and hopefully enjoy long-term capital gains.
Like many areas of the life science space, the medical device sector can be volatile, making ETFs particularly appealing. For example, if a company in a medical device ETF fails a clinical trial or receives negative feedback from the US Food and Drug Administration, ETF investors will largely be protected from any share price drop the stock might have.
On the other hand, if a company in a medical device ETF sees a major gain, that increase will also be muted for ETF investors. That's why some investors prefer to take their chances by adding individual stocks to their portfolios.
Medical device ETFs to consider
Investors keen on medical device ETFs only have three choices, according to ETFdb.com.
Here’s a brief look at the two biggest medical device ETFs available. The third ETF, the First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (BATS:MDEV), is much smaller, with total assets of only US$2.16 million.
1. iShares US Medical Devices ETF (ARCA:IHI)
Total assets: US$5.1 billion
The iShares US Medical Devices ETF was launched in 2006 and tracked 50 holdings as of February 11, 2025. This iShares ETF has more than US$5.1 billion in assets under management and its top three constituents by weight are:
- Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT): Abbott Laboratories’ medical devices are geared towards vascular disease, diabetes and vision care.
- Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ:ISRG): This medical device firm is the maker of the da Vinci surgical and Ion endoluminal systems. These robotic products are designed to improve clinical outcomes for patients through minimally invasive surgery.
- Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX): Boston Scientific's device portfolio is extensive. Its areas of focus include gastroenterology, cardiac and vascular surgery, neurological and orthopedic surgeries, and urology.
2. SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF (ARCA:XHE)
Total assets: US$208.99 million
Formed on January 26, 2011, the SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF tracked 66 holdings as of February 11, 2025. This SPDR ETF has more than US$208 million in assets under management and some of its top holdings are:
- Inari Medical (NASDAQ:NARI): Headquartered in California, Inari Medical developed the first mechanical thrombectomy system to receive FDA 510(k) clearance for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.
- AtriCure (NASDAQ:ATRC): Another venous-focused medical device company, AtriCure developed the first medical device to receive FDA approval for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation.
- iRhythm Technologies (NASDAQ:IRTC): Medical device firm iRhythym Technologies combines wearable biosensors and cloud-based data analytics with its proprietary algorithms to produce clinical actionable information.
This is an updated version of an article originally published by the Investing News Network in 2016.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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23 January
Cyclopharm Signs US Agreement with HCA Healthcare for Technegas®
Cyclopharm Limited (ASX: CYC) is pleased to announce the signing of a major contract with Hospital Corporation of America Healthcare (HCA), one of the largest single healthcare providers in the United States. This agreement marks a significant milestone for the company which will allow the deployment of Technegas® in up to 169 nuclear medicine departments across HCA’s extensive network.1
HCA Healthcare operates one of the most comprehensive hospital networks in the US, encompassing over 180 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care in 20 states.
The national contract covering the deployment of Technegas in nuclear medicine departments across the entire HCA network was instigated by HCA after multiple of its sites entered into independent discussions with Cyclopharm regarding Technegas. This prompted HCA head office to initiate the creation of a broad-based contract which will bypass the need for individual site contract negotiations and most efficiently streamline the deployment of Technegas technology.
The agreement further underscores the commercial demand for Technegas which is already the preferred agent of choice in 65 countries outside the US for diagnosing lung conditions, including pulmonary embolism, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory diseases.
Cyclopharm CEO James McBrayer said, “We are thrilled to partner with HCA Healthcare, a leader in delivering quality care to millions of patients annually. This 3-year agreement will allow for the accelerated availability of Technegas across the US and reinforces our commitment to improving outcomes for patients with respiratory conditions.”
As well as streamlining implentation across up to 169 HCA nuclear medicine departments, today’s agreement opens discussions with the HealthTrust Purchasing Group (HealthTrust)2, HCA’s affiliated group purchasing organisation (GPO) that serves as the contracting and purchasing arm to a further network of over 1,800 hospitals in the USA.
Cyclopharm will now engage directly with individual HCA locations, clinical leaders and Divisional Directors to implement Technegas, prioritising those sites which had already entered preliminary discussions with Cyclopharm.
Technegas has been recognized globally for its ability to provide precise and reliable functional lung imaging. With this contract, HCA facilities will be at the forefront of adopting advanced nuclear medicine technology, ensuring better diagnostic and therapeutic options for their patients.
Mr. McBrayer concluded, “This agreement not only extends the footprint of Technegas in the US market but also sets the stage for its broader adoption within HealthTrust’s extensive network. We are proud to support HCA in its mission to provide exceptional care and are eager to see the positive impact of our technology on patients and clinicians alike.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Cyclopharm Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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23 January
CONNEQT App Launches in USA as Pulse Deliveries Commence
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