In other healthcare news, AI is being used to improve understanding of dental X-rays and to enhance mammogram readings. Novo Nordisk has secured a license from Ascendis Pharma for use of its TransCon platform to produce drugs for obesity and other metabolic disorders. Evommune has raised a $115 million series C round for developing treatments against chronic inflammatory diseases. Meanwhile, Google DeepMind’s John Jumper discusses the future of AlphaFold, and new studies suggest bright light therapy might help in treating depressive disorders.
Key takeaways:
- Donald Trump's second term as President is expected to increase M&A activity in the healthcare industry, potentially raise drug prices due to tariffs, and may slow down biotech investment due to higher deficits and debt.
- Ataraxis has developed an AI-powered diagnostic test, Ataraxis Breast, that can accurately assess whether a breast cancer is high risk or low risk, potentially avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy in tens of thousands of breast cancer patients every year.
- Overjet has launched its smart imaging system, Iris, which uses AI to sharpen blurry X-ray images and add color and other visualizations to more clearly highlight potential dental health issues.
- Several healthcare updates were announced, including Novo Nordisk securing an exclusive license from Ascendis Pharma for use of its TransCon platform, AI mammography company CureMetrix entering an agreement with SimonMed imaging, and Evommune raising a $115 million series C round for developing treatments against chronic inflammatory diseases.