🎯Today's Healthcare Pulse
Updated 1h agoWhat's happening: FDA places Regeneron's garetosmab under priority review for rare disease FOP
The FDA has granted priority review to Regeneron's anti‑activin A antibody garetosmab, with a decision expected by August. Phase 3 OPTIMA data showed a 94% reduction in new heterotopic ossification lesions at the lower dose and a 90% reduction at the higher dose, alongside a >99% drop in lesion volume.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Hims & Hers acquires Eucalyptus in $1.15B deal
Deals•Feb 20, 2026
AlayaCare Secures $50M Growth Capital Facility From CIBC Innovation Banking
AlayaCare Inc., a Montreal‑based provider of home and community care software, secured a $50 million growth‑capital facility from CIBC Innovation Banking. The funding will fuel the company's expansion and support strategic mergers and acquisitions. The partnership builds on a relationship dating back to 2014.
FinSMEs
Social•Feb 20, 2026
Exercise‑induced Liver Enzyme GPLD1 Restores Memory, Boosts Vascular Health
Liver enzyme GPLD1 produced during exercise reverses aging- and Alzheimer’s-related memory loss by improving vascular health https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674%2826%2900111-X
By David Sinclair
News•Feb 20, 2026
FDA Starts Review of Regeneron's Drug for Rare Disease FOP
The FDA has placed Regeneron's anti‑activin A antibody garetosmab under priority review, with a decision expected by August. Phase 3 OPTIMA data showed a 94% reduction in new heterotopic ossification lesions at the lower dose and a 90% reduction at the higher...
By pharmaphorum
News•Feb 20, 2026
Nanozyme Aptasensor: A Breakthrough in S. Aureus Diagnostics
Researchers have unveiled a nanozyme‑aptamer colorimetric array that classifies Staphylococcus aureus strains with 100% accuracy, including methicillin‑resistant variants. The platform couples gold‑nanoparticle nanozymes with four strain‑specific aptamers, producing distinct color fingerprints that are decoded by hierarchical clustering and linear discriminant...
By AZoNano
Social•Feb 20, 2026
Allonic’s 3D Tissue‑Braided Robots Mimic Human Connective Tissue
The technology is undeniably impressive — but it carries a distinct 'Westworld' vibe. Anybody else feeling it? Allonic, a robotics startup based in Hungary, is developing humanoid robot bodies using a proprietary 3D "Tissue Braiding" system. The process weaves high-strength fibers, elastic...
By Robert Lufkin, MD
Social•Feb 20, 2026
Teens with Dogs Show Better Mental Health, Fewer Issues
Is it ok to let your kids kiss the dog? A new study found that teenagers who live with dogs show better mental health and fewer social difficulties. In a group of 343 teens, dog owners scored better across five behavioral measures:...
By Robert Lufkin, MD
News•Feb 20, 2026
UK Firm Steps in to Ease Medicine Supply Crisis in NHS
A shortage of bone cement from German supplier Heraeus Medical threatens NHS orthopaedic surgeries, potentially lasting two months. NHS England has asked trusts to prioritise emergency joint replacements, leaving elective patients at risk. UK‑based Biocomposites accelerated the launch of its...
By pharmaphorum
News•Feb 20, 2026
Novartis to Divest India Unit to Private Equity-Led Consortium for $159M
Novartis announced the sale of its majority stake in its Indian generics and prescription business to a private‑equity‑led consortium for $159 million. The transaction transfers control of a portfolio that includes both off‑patent generics and branded medicines to the buyers. The...
By Endpoints News
Blog•Feb 20, 2026
Levetiracetam Reduces Amyloid-Β Production in the Brain
Researchers report that the FDA‑approved antiepileptic levetiracetam reduces amyloid‑β42 production in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. The drug redirects amyloid precursor protein processing toward the non‑amyloidogenic pathway by modifying synaptic vesicle cycling and increasing surface APP expression. Mass‑spectrometry and electrophysiology...
By Fight Aging!
News•Feb 20, 2026
Pontiro Secures £357,500 to Expand Healthcare AI Infrastructure
Pontiro, a health‑tech firm that streamlines medical‑image data for AI, secured £357,500 in a round led by SFC Capital with participation from Plug and Play Ventures and the British Business Bank. The company’s platform has already processed more than two...
By Tech.eu
Social•Feb 20, 2026
NKTR’s Alopecia Areata Play: Market Misprices Massive Upside
Ok, so I have finally gotten around to writing out my updated thoughts/thesis on $NKTR. Link in this post. I'm about as bullish on the stock now as I've ever been. The document is very long (sorry, but it's free...give me...
By Adam May
News•Feb 20, 2026
Ex-Novartis CMO John Tsai Joins Daiichi Sankyo
Daiichi Sankyo appointed former Novartis chief medical officer John Tsai as its new CMO, succeeding Ken Takeshita after a five‑year tenure. Tsai brings a record of launching 160 projects and 15 regulatory approvals, including Zolgensma and Pluvicto, and recent experience leading biotech...
By pharmaphorum
Social•Feb 20, 2026
AZN's Calquence + Venetoclax Approved for CLL Treatment
#AZN Calquence combined with Venetoclax approved in US for treating Adults with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in a particular form.
By WheelieDealer
News•Feb 20, 2026
Could Medical Care Help Cure China’s Services Trade Deficit?
China’s medical tourism is gaining traction as foreign patients praise rapid, affordable care in megacities like Shanghai and Beijing. While the absolute number of inbound patients remains modest, industry insiders see a growing pipeline driven by visa‑free entry, expanding international...
By South China Morning Post — Economy
News•Feb 20, 2026
Rising Healthcare Costs Strain Health System Margins
Healthcare spending surged as higher service volume boosted hospital revenues but also drove operating costs higher, pushing the median health‑system margin down to 1.3% in December from 1.5% in November. Labor expenses rose 4.2% year‑over‑year while supply costs jumped 12.3%,...
By HFMA – Healthcare Financial Management Association
Deals•Feb 20, 2026
Novartis to Sell 70.68% Stake in Novartis India to Consortium for ₹1,446 Crore
Novartis AG announced the sale of its 70.68% stake in Novartis India Ltd. to a consortium of WaveRise Investments, ChrysCapital Fund X and Two Infinity Partners for ₹1,446 crore. The share purchase agreement was signed on 19 February 2026, concluding...
The Hindu BusinessLine — Economy/Markets
Deals•Feb 20, 2026
Axis Medical Secures Undisclosed Investment From Spur Ridge Capital
Denver-based Axis Medical, a distributor of spinal implant and orthobiologic technologies, received an undisclosed investment from Spur Ridge Capital. The funding will be used to accelerate growth through operational infrastructure, sales initiatives, and strategic expansion, including acquisitions, while the company...
FinSMEs
Deals•Feb 19, 2026
Braidwell Invests $45M in BrightSpring, Shares Jump 86%
Private equity firm Braidwell Capital has taken a $45 million equity stake in BrightSpring, a provider of healthcare services. The investment, announced on Feb. 19, 2026, sent BrightSpring's stock up 86% in after‑hours trading.
Motley Fool Investing
Deals•Feb 19, 2026
Flinn Raises $20M to Develop AI-Driven Product Lifecycle Tools for Medtech and Pharma
Flinn announced a $20 million fundraising round to accelerate development of artificial intelligence tools for product lifecycle management in the medtech and pharmaceutical sectors. The capital will be used to build AI-driven solutions that streamline design, compliance, and market launch...
Tech.eu
Deals•Feb 19, 2026
Altesa BioSciences Secures $75M Series B Funding
Altesa BioSciences announced a $75 million Series B financing round, bolstering its pipeline in the biotech sector. The new capital will support the company's research and development initiatives and accelerate growth.
FinSMEs
Deals•Feb 19, 2026
Hims & Hers to Acquire Eucalyptus in $1.15B Deal
Direct-to-consumer virtual care company Hims & Hers announced it has signed an agreement to acquire international digital health platform Eucalyptus for up to $1.15 billion. The transaction includes $240 million cash at closing and the remainder in deferred and earn‑out payments, with...
MobiHealthNews (HIMSS Media)
Video•Feb 19, 2026
Lenovo and Duke Health Consider the Hospital of the Future
In this video, we hear about trends and future expectations in health IT from LaDonna Worrell, Senior Director of IT Operations at Duke Health and Justin T. Collier, MD, Healthcare CTO North America at Lenovo. The hospital of the future is...
By Healthcare IT Today
News•Feb 19, 2026
ViVE
ViVE 2025 convened leading health‑tech innovators to examine how security, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are reshaping digital health. Speakers highlighted AI‑driven diagnostics, robust cybersecurity frameworks, and interoperable platforms as essential for scaling patient‑centric care. The event also showcased...
By HealthTech Magazine
Deals•Feb 19, 2026
Warburg Pincus in Final Talks to Acquire Integrace Health for ₹1,200 Crore
US private‑equity firm Warburg Pincus is in advanced talks to acquire Mumbai‑based formulations maker Integrace Health for about ₹1,200 crore. Integrace, currently owned by True North Fund VI LLP and Temasek’s V‑Science Investments, is expected to sign the deal in a...
ETCFO – Corporate Finance
Deals•Feb 18, 2026
Unnatural Products Secures $1.8B Cardio Pact with Novartis
Biotech firm Unnatural Products announced a $1.8 billion partnership with pharmaceutical giant Novartis to develop cardiovascular therapies. The agreement includes a corporate investment from Novartis, marking a significant funding boost for Unnatural Products.
BioWorld (Citeline) – Featured Feeds
Deals•Feb 18, 2026
Tencent Acquires 35% Stake in Insighta From Prenetics for $70M
Prenetics Global Limited announced the sale of its 35% equity stake in Insighta to Tencent for $70 million in cash, as part of its strategic transformation to focus on its IM8 health brand. The deal, reported on February 18 2026, provides Prenetics with...
GlobeNewswire – Earnings Releases
Deals•Feb 18, 2026
Cencora to Acquire Covetrus in $3.5B Animal Health Merger
Cencora announced a $3.5 billion merger with Covetrus, creating a leading animal health company. The transaction, guided by three advisory firms, combines Cencora's distribution capabilities with Covetrus's veterinary services platform. The deal is expected to close later this year.
Law360 — Mergers & Acquisitions
Video•Feb 18, 2026
NHS Urges Nine Million People to Get Therapy
The National Health Service has rolled out a nationwide campaign urging nine million Britons to access talking‑therapy services, zeroing in on six anxiety‑related conditions – social anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, body‑dysmorphic disorder and specific phobias. The push comes as...
By The Telegraph
Deals•Feb 18, 2026
Arsenal Sells MaxHealth to CenterWell in Private Equity Acquisition
Arsenal, a private equity firm, has sold its portfolio company MaxHealth to CenterWell, a healthcare provider, in a strategic acquisition. The deal expands CenterWell's service offerings and marks a notable transaction in the healthcare private equity space.
JD Supra (Labor & Employment)
Deals•Feb 18, 2026
IBM Ventures Invests in SQK and QodeX Quantum for Specialized Software Development
IBM Ventures announced new investments in early‑stage quantum software startups SQK and QodeX Quantum, supporting SQK's hybrid quantum‑classical algorithms for medical imaging and QodeX's quantum‑native AI platform. The undisclosed funding aims to accelerate the quantum software ecosystem and give the...
Quantum Computing Report
Deals•Feb 18, 2026
Synchrony Medical Raises $5M to Commercialize LibAirty Airway Clearance System
Synchrony Medical announced a $5 million fundraising round to fund the commercialization of its LibAirty airway clearance system. The capital will be used to scale production, pursue regulatory approvals, and expand market reach. The round marks a significant step in...
HIT Consultant
Deals•Feb 18, 2026
Gilead to Acquire Genhouse in $1.5B+ Deal to Accelerate Synthetic Lethality
Gilead Sciences announced a deal to acquire Genhouse for over $1.5 billion, aiming to strengthen its synthetic lethality oncology pipeline. The acquisition brings Genhouse’s portfolio of synthetic lethality drug candidates and technology into Gilead’s pipeline, underscoring its commitment to precision oncology.
BioWorld (Citeline) – Featured Feeds
Video•Feb 17, 2026
Women’s Wellness: Hormones, Menopause, and Heart Health
The NYU Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease hosted a webinar focusing on the intersection of hormones, menopause, and heart health, featuring endocrinology expert Dr. Priya Jenani. The session highlighted that cardiovascular disease is the top killer of women, yet...
By NYU Langone Health
Video•Feb 17, 2026
Flourish: Hospitality Isn’t About Luxury, It’s About Humanity with Page Petry
The Flourish episode features Paige Petri, a hospitality veteran, discussing how the core tenets of genuine care, anticipation, and experience design can transform health‑care delivery. Host Sarah Richardson frames the conversation around the idea that thriving people build thriving systems,...
By This Week Health
Video•Feb 16, 2026
Thinking Out Loud: Is It Possible To Manage Change Well?
The video asks whether change can be managed well, and argues that success hinges on leadership and communication. It highlights that a visionary leader who articulates a compelling future can rally early adopters, while acknowledging that politics—both macro and micro—must be...
By The King’s Fund
Video•Feb 16, 2026
Construction Workers Bond with 4-Year-Old Waiting for Heart Transplant #LoveYourHeart
The video captures a group of construction workers visiting a four‑year‑old boy who is waiting for a life‑saving heart transplant, part of the #LoveYourHeart campaign. The crew entered the pediatric ward, introduced themselves, and spent several minutes playing games, reading...
By Cleveland Clinic
Video•Feb 16, 2026
Oral GLP-1 Breakthrough - Arecor CEO on Improving Bioavailability for Obesity Treatment
The video centers on Arecor’s effort to develop an oral GLP‑1 formulation that overcomes the chronic low‑bioavailability problem plaguing peptide therapeutics, especially for obesity treatment. The CEO highlights that while more than a hundred peptide candidates are in development for...
By Proactive Investors
Video•Feb 16, 2026
The VapeScan Study, An Exemplary CUIMC Collaboration
The grand‑round presentation highlighted the VapeScan Study, a joint effort between Columbia University Irving Medical Center, the Mailman School of Public Health and multiple clinical departments, designed to assess early cardiovascular and pulmonary effects of e‑cigarette use in young adults....
By Columbia Mailman School of Public Health
Video•Feb 16, 2026
Maie St. John, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S. | Head and Neck Surgeon
Dr. Maie St. John, professor and director of otolaryngology‑head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins, recounts how a childhood encounter with a facial tumor set her on a path to become a head‑neck cancer surgeon. She describes a recent case of...
By Johns Hopkins Medicine
Video•Feb 16, 2026
Sweeping Affordable Care Act Changes Proposed for 2027 (Katie Keith)
The Health Affairs podcast aired on February 13, 2026, unpacked a sweeping 577‑page proposed rule that would reshape the Affordable Care Act for the 2027 coverage year. Released unusually late in the rule‑making cycle, the proposal gives stakeholders just weeks...
By Health Affairs