Category: Medical

A US appeals court on Friday overturned a jury’s verdict that medical device maker Medtronic owes competitor Colibri $106.5 million for infringing a patent related to heart valve technology.

The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit determined, that a California judge should have ruled before the trial that Minneapolis-based Medtronic’s devices did not violate Colibri’s patent rights.

Medtronic said in a statement that the decision “affirms our longstanding position that Colibri’s patent infringement claims lacked merit.” Spokespeople and an attorney for Colibri did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Colorado-based Colibri alleged in a 2020 lawsuit that Medtronic’s Evolut devices for replacing heart valves in heart disease patients infringed a Colibri patent related to deploying artificial heart valves.

The patent relates to Colibri’s competing heart valve implant system. Colibri said in the lawsuit that company officials shared information about its patented technology with Medtronic in 2014, before Medtronic introduced its Evolut system.

A jury found in 2023 that Medtronic’s devices infringed Colibri’s patent. A three-judge Federal Circuit panel overturned the verdict on Friday, agreeing with Medtronic that the district court judge should have ruled for the company before the case went to a jury trial.

The case is Colibri Heart Valve LLC v. Medtronic CoreValve LLC, US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, No. 23-2153. Reuters

Japanese shipping giant Nippon Yusen Kaisha is spending EUR1.25bn ($1.45bn) to acquire the healthcare logistics business of the Walden Group through the acquisition of the entire share capital of Movianto International.

The healthcare logistics business of the Walden Group includes Movianto, Eurotranspharma, Transpharma International and Walden Digital. Specialising in the healthcare industry, the business provides contract logistics, 4PL, first mile transportation and distribution services from 138 locations in 12 countries throughout Europe.

NYK subsidiary Yusen Logistics Group has positioned healthcare logistics as a key growth area and has been strengthening its capabilities in medical and pharmaceutical logistics globally in recent years. India Seatrade News

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the progress made by AIIMS Jammu in a short period and said that perhaps the institute will be counted among the best of the 23 AIIMS in the country.

“If we look at the 22 other AIIMS in the country, perhaps the best AIIMS will be counted as that of Jammu. Not only do patients from Jammu come here for treatment but also patients from neighbouring states have begun coming here,” Abdullah told reporters.

He said that this is even though it is not easy to travel on this highway. “Once the expressway gets completed, the rush of patients will increase,” he said.

Abdullah visited AIIMS in Samba on Thursday to review its functioning and expressed satisfaction over the remarkable progress made by the institution in a short period.
Accompanied by Adviser to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Abdullah addressed a gathering of AIIMS management, students and medical staff, and lauded the efforts that have shaped AIIMS Jammu into a state-of-the-art healthcare and academic institution.

“The successful establishment and functioning of AIIMS is a testament to the power of will and vision. The dream of the prime minister has truly taken shape here,” the chief minister said, adding, “World-class efforts and endeavour seem to have come together to create this exceptional facility.”

Highlighting the growing importance of the institution, the chief minister noted, “It is heartening to see AIIMS already serving patients from across the country. The completion of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway will further facilitate access for patients.”
He expressed the hope that other healthcare institutions across Jammu and Kashmir would emulate this model of excellence.

The chief minister assured full government support to the institution and its vision of growth and expansion. He praised the ambitions of the AIIMS management and hoped that AIIMS Kashmir would be completed soon and become operational.

While releasing the Manual of Disaster Management prepared by AIIMS Jammu, the chief minister underscored the need for readiness.
“We sincerely hope never to face a situation that requires the use of this manual. Yet, in the interest of preparedness, it is better to have and not need than to need and not have. Such forward-thinking initiatives by institutions like AIIMS are commendable,” he said.

Wani also addressed the gathering and congratulated AIIMS Jammu for its impressive infrastructure, lush green campus and emergence as a hub of medical excellence.

He appreciated the hospital’s patient-friendly registration process and the quality of its treatment facilities.

Prof. Shakti Kumar Gupta presented a comprehensive overview of the institution’s progress, sharing the vision of AIIMS Jammu to become a global centre of healthcare, research and education.

He said that patient feedback indicates that 82 per cent of discharged patients are highly satisfied, with another 17 per cent satisfied with the services provided. He also outlined several key statistics demonstrating the hospital’s growing capabilities.

Earlier, the chief minister toured various sections of the campus, including diagnostic labs, testing facilities, in-patient wards and high-tech academic classrooms, taking stock of infrastructure and operational readiness. PTI

The global clinical laboratory services market was valued at USD 231.8 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 362.1 billion by the end of 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2035. This growth is driven by rising demand for early disease diagnosis, advancements in laboratory technologies, and the increasing prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases. Additionally, the growing trend of preventive healthcare and personalized medicine is further fueling market expansion.

Growing incidence of infectious and chronic diseases is driving demand for diagnostic testing on an extensive count, with healthcare providers looking for prompt and accurate information to guide treatment. In addition, technological advancements including automation and molecular diagnostics have improved speed and accuracy of laboratory services, thereby driving market expansion. Moreover, the growing population of elderly individuals is also driving the need for laboratory tests, as the geriatric population would generally be required to undergo health checks more often.

Regional analysis
North America holds the largest market share, bolstered by its sophisticated healthcare systems, high per capita healthcare spending, and the presence of major market players. The region benefits from ongoing technological advancements and a strong focus on preventive healthcare.

Europe represents a substantial market, characterized by well-established healthcare frameworks and a growing emphasis on precision medicine. Countries like Germany and the UK are key contributors to the regional market.

Asia Pacific is poised for remarkable expansion. The sheer population size, coupled with increasing government and private investment in healthcare infrastructure, burgeoning medical tourism, and a rising incidence of chronic diseases, makes it a highly attractive market for clinical laboratory service providers.

Market drivers and challenges
Market drivers
Rising Incidence of Chronic and Infectious Diseases: The global increase in conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and various infectious diseases necessitates frequent and accurate diagnostic testing.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in molecular diagnostics, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and point-of-care testing are enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and speed of laboratory services.

Growing Geriatric Population: An aging global population is more prone to chronic conditions, leading to increased demand for diagnostic and monitoring services.

Emphasis on Personalized Medicine: The shift towards tailored treatments based on an individual’s genetic makeup is driving the demand for specialized genetic and genomic testing.

Increasing Awareness and Preventive Healthcare: Greater public awareness about early disease detection and the importance of regular health check-ups is boosting the utilization of clinical laboratory services.

Rising Healthcare Expenditure: Governments and private entities are increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure and services, supporting market growth.

Market challenges
Pricing Pressure and Reimbursement Policies: Healthcare payers and providers often face pressure to reduce costs, impacting reimbursement rates for laboratory tests.

Regulatory Hurdles and Compliance: Obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses and accreditations can be complex and time-consuming, with strict quality and safety standards to adhere to.

Shortage of Skilled Labor: A lack of trained laboratory professionals can hinder the operational efficiency and expansion of services.

Procedural Shift towards Home-Based/Point-of-Care Testing: While offering convenience, this trend could potentially impact the volume of tests conducted in traditional laboratory settings.

Data Security and Privacy Concerns: Managing vast amounts of sensitive patient data requires robust cybersecurity measures and compliance with stringent data protection regulations.

Market trends
Automation and Digitalization: Increasing adoption of robotic systems, automated analyzers, and advanced software solutions (e.g., Laboratory Information Management Systems – LIMS) to enhance efficiency, reduce manual errors, and improve throughput.

Integration of AI and Machine Learning: AI algorithms are being integrated to analyze complex data, improve diagnostic accuracy, predict disease outcomes, and streamline laboratory workflows.

Growth of Personalized and Precision Medicine: A significant trend driving demand for genetic sequencing, pharmacogenomics, and biomarker testing to tailor treatments to individual patients.

Expansion of Point-of-Care (POC) Testing: The development of portable and rapid diagnostic devices allows for testing outside traditional laboratory settings, improving accessibility and turnaround times.

Telehealth Integration: Clinical laboratories are increasingly integrating with telehealth platforms to provide remote consultation and facilitate sample collection.

Focus on Molecular Diagnostics: Continued growth in molecular testing for infectious diseases, oncology, and genetic disorders due to its high sensitivity and specificity.

Consolidation and Strategic Partnerships: Mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations among market players to expand service portfolios, enhance technological capabilities, and extend geographical reach.

Future outlook
The clinical laboratory services market is poised for a dynamic future. The emphasis on preventive healthcare and early diagnosis will continue to drive demand. The integration of advanced technologies like AI, big data analytics, and automation will revolutionize how tests are performed and interpreted, leading to more accurate, faster, and cost-effective diagnostics. The rise of personalized medicine will further necessitate highly specialized and complex testing. While regulatory challenges and pricing pressures remain, the intrinsic value of accurate diagnostics in guiding clinical decisions ensures a positive long-term outlook for this essential market. Transparency Market Research

The Kerala High Court has orally sought details from the State government of rules framed to ensure periodic inspection of government hospitals, medical colleges, and other clinical establishments to maintain quality standards.

The Kerala High Court has orally sought details from the State government of rules framed to ensure periodic inspection of government hospitals, medical colleges, and other clinical establishments to maintain quality standards.

The Bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji sought the details while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by G. Samuel of Mavelikara and two others seeking a directive to ensure effective administration of government-run medical colleges, hospitals, and health centres.

The PIL was filed following the death of a woman following the collapse of an old building on July 3 at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kottayam, and the recent disclosure by Haris Chirackal, Head of the Department of Urology of the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, about severe shortage of surgical equipment at the hospital.

The State Attorney referred to Rule 21 of the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Rules, which deals with preparation of a panel of assessors for inspection and assessment of such establishments. Not satisfied, the court said the Rule did not deal with periodic inspections, and cited the need for a specific framework for the purpose and adjourned the matter for hearing by two weeks. The Hindu

The European Commission launches two initiatives under its Preparedness Union agenda: an EU Stockpiling Strategy and a Medical Countermeasures Strategy. Both are designed to improve access to essential goods for European citizens and societies, businesses and economies – ensuring continuity of essential goods and lifesaving medical supplies at all times, in particular during crises such as major energy blackouts, natural disasters, conflicts or pandemics.

EU Stockpiling Strategy: safeguarding essential supplies ahead of crises
The EU Stockpiling Strategy is designed to secure essential goods — such as food, water, oil, fuel and medicines – in the event of a crisis. It is the first ever EU comprehensive approach to stockpiling.

Key actions in the Stockpiling Strategy include:

• Establishing an EU Stockpiling Network with Member States to share best practices, coordinate stocks, and develop joint recommendations.
• Identifying stock gaps and duplications through information sharing and strengthening cooperation among Member States and with the EU.
• Expanding EU-level stockpiles to fill gaps in essential goods, supported by initiatives like rescEU for medical gear, shelter, generators, and more.
• Enhancing transport and logistics for rapid crisis response.
• Promoting civil-military, public-private, and international partnerships to maximise resource use efficiently and on time.

Medical Countermeasures Strategy: fortifying health crisis preparedness
With rising disease outbreaks and growing antimicrobial resistance, exacerbated by climate change, deteriorating biodiversity and ecosystems, and geopolitical challenges, the EU’s Medical Countermeasures Strategy seeks to accelerate the development, production, deployment, and accessibility of lifesaving medical tools.

Key actions of the strategy include:

• Advancing next-generation flu vaccines, new antibiotics for antimicrobial resistance, antivirals for vector-borne diseases, and improving access to CBRN countermeasures.
• Boosting intelligence and surveillance by developing an EU list of priority medical countermeasures, preparedness roadmaps, and EU/global wastewater sentinel systems.
• Accelerating innovation via the Medical Countermeasures Accelerator, R&D hubs, and expanding the HERA Invest programme.
• Securing scalable production through EU FAB’s ever-warm capacity and the new RAMP UP partnership.
• Improving medicine access and deployment through joint procurement and support for ready-to-use labs.
• Strengthening global cooperation and cross-sector collaboration, including civil-military preparedness, public-private efforts, citizen readiness, and workforce investment.

Together, these strategies mark a key step toward a more proactive European response in the face of future crises. European Commission

The United States has delayed the implementation of its “Liberation Day” reciprocal tariffs until the 1st of next month, providing additional time for affected countries to finalise interim trade deals with the US. Initially announced by President Donald Trump on April 2, the tariffs were to target several nations, including India, but their enforcement was paused for 90 days, giving trading partners until July 9 to reach agreements.

The latest update, announced via Trump’s social media platform, outlines new tariff rates on 14 countries, which will come into effect on August 1. According to the announcement, the US will impose 25 percent tariffs on goods from Malaysia, Tunisia, and Kazakhstan; 30 percent tariffs on imports from South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina; 32 percent on Indonesian products; 35 percent on goods from Serbia and Bangladesh; 36 percent on imports from Cambodia and Thailand; and 40 percent on products from Laos and Myanmar. These are in addition to the previously announced 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea.

In letters sent to the leaders of the affected countries, Mr Trump warned against retaliatory tariffs, stating that any such measures would prompt the US to further increase import duties. The tariff measures are part of President Trump’s ongoing push to correct trade imbalances and enforce what he describes as “more fair and balanced” trade relationships. News On AIR

Several leading medical organizations filed a lawsuit against US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services on Monday, arguing that current policies on Covid-19 vaccines pose an imminent threat to public health.

The plaintiffs, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, American Public Health Association and Infectious Diseases Society of America, have asked the court to vacate Kennedy’s recent directive removing the Covid-19 vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s childhood and pregnant‑women immunization schedules.

The lawsuit accuses Kennedy of working “to dismantle the longstanding, Congressionally-authorized, science- and evidence-based vaccine infrastructure that has prevented the deaths of untold millions of Americans.”

Representatives for HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lead counsel for the plaintiffs Richard Hughes, a partner at law firm Epstein Becker Green, said he hopes to expedite the case, with a hearing in the next few weeks and a permanent order in the case entered by September.

Kennedy, who for decades has sown doubt about the safety of vaccines contrary to evidence and research by scientists, is head of the department that oversees the CDC. He said in May that the CDC would remove the Covid shot from vaccination schedules for healthy children and healthy pregnant women.

The complainants alleged that such “baseless and uninformed policy” decisions place critical populations at “grave and immediate risk” of preventable illness, long-term harm, or death.

HHS’ changes to the Covid vaccine recommendations have led pregnant women and parents to question the value of other recommended vaccines, representatives of the medical societies said.

“We’re hearing from pediatricians all over the country that parents are having significant concerns about every single vaccine,” Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said at a press conference.

In addition to the new directive on Covid vaccines, Kennedy fired all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the independent panel of experts that advises the agency on vaccine policy, and replaced them with seven new members, including several who have advocated against vaccines.

The lawsuit doesn’t address Kennedy’s overhaul of that committee. But Hughes told reporters that he expects the new members will take action against other vaccines and the groups plan to amend their complaint when that happens. Reuters

The Delhi government is set to launch a dedicated mental health programme focused on children, the working class and senior citizens, through a four-tier model offering teleconsultation, counselling, OPD care and a referral system.

In a bid to tackle the rising cases of stress and anxiety across age groups, a comprehensive mental health programme under the AYUSH intervention will help people of all ages, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said

He said that the initiative — aimed at promoting holistic well-being — will focus on three key population groups: children, the working class and senior citizens.

The service will be anonymous, accessible and rooted in traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani, he said, adding that this will be the first focused mental health initiative under Ayush and it will support people at every stage — from a phone call to a consultation, and even hospital-level care if needed.

Many people hesitate to speak about mental stress. Through this platform, they can reach out anonymously and seek help without fear or stigma, the minister said.

The programme will operate through a four-level structure starting from telephonic consultations, moving to mental health counselling, followed by OPD services at Ayush hospitals and a final referral stage in case specialised psychiatric intervention is needed.

The programme is especially significant at a time when stress is increasingly being reported among school children, with some showing early signs of aggression and anxiety. Also, working professionals are burdened with high-pressure targets and a lack of work-life balance.

Women who juggle home and workplace responsibilities will also be covered within this group. The elderly, too, face isolation and other age-related mental health challenges.

Under the plan, people can call a dedicated helpline and book a time slot to speak with a counsellor. If the counsellor feels that in-person help is required, the case will be referred to OPDs at Ayush hospitals. There are currently four such teaching hospitals in Delhi — Karol Bagh, Defence Colony, Najafgarh and Nanak Pura.

If further care is necessary, the final level will involve referral to allopathic or psychiatric facilities based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Functioning under the Delhi government’s health framework, the AYUSH systems comprise Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. PTI