Healthcare News and Headlines

The Blueprint for Commercializing Breakthrough Healthtech
NewsFeb 18, 2026

The Blueprint for Commercializing Breakthrough Healthtech

AI‑driven medtech firms must prove tangible ROI for patients, providers and payers to move from lab to bedside. Brent Ness outlines three pillars—capital efficiency with payer alignment, rigorous evidence and reimbursement pathways, and operational scalability paired with strong IP—that determine...

By Medical Design & Outsourcing
NACHC Announces Center for Mobile Health to Advance Mobile Healthcare Delivery
NewsFeb 18, 2026

NACHC Announces Center for Mobile Health to Advance Mobile Healthcare Delivery

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) unveiled the Center for Mobile Health, a dedicated hub to accelerate mobile health programs across community health centers. Backed by the Leon Lowenstein Foundation, Direct Relief and mobile‑vehicle firms, the Center will...

By Healthcare Innovation
STAT+: New FDA Guidance for Antibiotic Use in Food-Producing Animals Prompts Criticism over Antibiotic Resistance
NewsFeb 18, 2026

STAT+: New FDA Guidance for Antibiotic Use in Food-Producing Animals Prompts Criticism over Antibiotic Resistance

The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine issued new guidance urging drugmakers to add explicit duration limits to medically important antibiotics used in food‑producing animals. Currently, about 28% of these drugs are administered continuously for approved indications, but the guidance seeks...

By STAT News — Pharma
Cassidy, GOP Colleagues File Brief In LA Case On Comstock Act
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Cassidy, GOP Colleagues File Brief In LA Case On Comstock Act

Senate health committee chair Bill Cassidy and 59 Republican lawmakers filed an amicus brief supporting Louisiana’s lawsuit that the FDA violated the 1870 Comstock Act by permitting telehealth prescribing of mifepristone. The brief argues the agency overstepped its authority, seeking...

By Inside Health Policy
SPT Labtech, BellBrook Labs Automate Screening for VPS4B ATPase Inhibitors for Cancer Drug Discovery
NewsFeb 18, 2026

SPT Labtech, BellBrook Labs Automate Screening for VPS4B ATPase Inhibitors for Cancer Drug Discovery

SPT Labtech and BellBrook Labs announced a joint effort to automate a high‑throughput, cell‑based assay for VPS4B ATPase inhibitors, pairing BellBrook’s Transcreener® ADP2 fluorescence‑polarization assay with SPT’s dragonfly® liquid‑handling system. The miniaturized platform operates in 384‑ and 1536‑well formats and...

By GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News)
Ultrasound-Jiggled Nanobubbles Can Crack Cancer's Collagen 'Fortress'
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Ultrasound-Jiggled Nanobubbles Can Crack Cancer's Collagen 'Fortress'

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have shown that ultrasound‑activated nanobubbles can mechanically disrupt the dense collagen matrix surrounding solid tumors, creating a temporary “softening” effect that lasts several days. In a breast‑cancer model, the approach enabled deeper penetration of...

By Phys.org – Nanotechnology
Transfer Delays Tied to Worse Acute Stroke Intervention Results
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Transfer Delays Tied to Worse Acute Stroke Intervention Results

A new Lancet Neurology study of 22,410 ischemic‑stroke patients shows that door‑in‑door‑out (DIDO) times exceeding the 90‑minute guideline are tied to poorer functional outcomes and lower rates of endovascular therapy. Patients with DIDO intervals of 91‑180 minutes, 181‑270 minutes, and...

By TCTMD
Oz: Codifying MFN Deals Could Avert ‘Draconian’ Pricing Measures
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Oz: Codifying MFN Deals Could Avert ‘Draconian’ Pricing Measures

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla met with CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz to negotiate a "most‑favored‑nation" (MFN) drug pricing agreement, though the specific terms were not disclosed. Oz indicated that the Trump administration plans to codify such voluntary MFN deals into law...

By Inside Health Policy
Oz: Codifying MFN Deals Could Avert ‘Draconian’ Pricing Measures
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Oz: Codifying MFN Deals Could Avert ‘Draconian’ Pricing Measures

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla disclosed a direct collaboration with CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz on a "most favored nation" (MFN) drug pricing arrangement, though the specific terms remain undisclosed. Oz indicated that the Trump administration intends to codify such voluntary MFN...

By Inside Health Policy
Quantum-Level Effects in Biology: Weak Magnetic Fields and Isotopes Can Alter Cell Protein Structures
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Quantum-Level Effects in Biology: Weak Magnetic Fields and Isotopes Can Alter Cell Protein Structures

University of Waterloo researchers demonstrated that weak magnetic fields and isotopic substitution can alter the structure of cellular proteins, specifically tubulin polymerization, in a quantum‑consistent manner. Published in Science Advances, the study bridges structural biology, biophysics, and quantum biology, revealing...

By Phys.org – Biotechnology
Pediatric Myopia Drug Is Latest In String Of Unexpected FDA Rejections
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Pediatric Myopia Drug Is Latest In String Of Unexpected FDA Rejections

The FDA has rejected a pediatric myopia drug, citing a lack of substantial evidence for its efficacy. Pediatric ophthalmologists argue the drug, already used in compounded form, effectively slows myopia progression in children. The decision follows a series of recent,...

By Inside Health Policy
‘Mass Layoffs’ at PeaceHealth Include Hospice Staff
NewsFeb 18, 2026

‘Mass Layoffs’ at PeaceHealth Include Hospice Staff

PeaceHealth announced a systemwide reduction of 94 positions, affecting less than 1% of its Washington workforce and including hospice staff, nurse practitioners, and administrative roles. The cuts trigger Washington's WARN Act, requiring a 60‑day notice before mass layoffs. This is...

By Hospice News
Cutting-Edge Technologies Are Poised to Transform Orthopedics
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Cutting-Edge Technologies Are Poised to Transform Orthopedics

Orthopedic surgery is rapidly adopting AI, robotic assistance, VR/AR and wearable digital tools, shifting from experimental concepts to routine practice. AI now supports imaging interpretation, predictive risk modeling, personalized surgical planning, training simulations and remote postoperative monitoring. Robotic platforms improve...

By Healio
FDA Backtracks On Moderna mRNA Flu Vaccine Refusal, Sets Aug. 5 Review Deadline
NewsFeb 18, 2026

FDA Backtracks On Moderna mRNA Flu Vaccine Refusal, Sets Aug. 5 Review Deadline

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reversed its earlier decision to decline a review of Moderna's mRNA influenza vaccine candidate. Following a Type A meeting with the company, the agency set an August 5, 2026 deadline for completing its evaluation. The...

By Inside Health Policy
An Oral Mucosa‐Inspired Wet‐Adhesion Janus Hydrogel With Asymmetric Bifunctionalities of Antifouling/Antioxidant for Treating Oral Ulcer in Diabetes
NewsFeb 18, 2026

An Oral Mucosa‐Inspired Wet‐Adhesion Janus Hydrogel With Asymmetric Bifunctionalities of Antifouling/Antioxidant for Treating Oral Ulcer in Diabetes

Researchers have engineered a wet‑adhesion Janus hydrogel (WAJH) that mimics oral mucosa to treat diabetic oral ulcers. The hydrogel features an antifouling agar/polyacrylamide layer and a tannic‑acid‑rich adhesive layer, delivering adhesion energies of 15 J m⁻² and 316 J m⁻² respectively. Its antioxidant tannic...

By Small (Wiley)
N.I.H. Director Will Temporarily Run C.D.C. in Leadership Shake-Up
NewsFeb 18, 2026

N.I.H. Director Will Temporarily Run C.D.C. in Leadership Shake-Up

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the current NIH director, has been named acting director of the CDC, a role he will hold while continuing to lead the National Institutes of Health. He replaces Jim O’Neill, who is slated for a nomination to...

By New York Times – Health
Training Course: Achieving Data Quality and Integrity in Maximum Containment Laboratories
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Training Course: Achieving Data Quality and Integrity in Maximum Containment Laboratories

The FDA and UTMB are hosting a free, week‑long training course on data quality and integrity for BSL‑4 laboratories from July 28 to August 1, 2025, with in‑person seats in Manhattan, Kansas and a virtual option. The curriculum covers GLP requirements, Animal Rule...

By FDA
How One Health System Attained a Patient Safety Milestone: Zero CAUTI Infections
NewsFeb 18, 2026

How One Health System Attained a Patient Safety Milestone: Zero CAUTI Infections

North Country Healthcare, an alliance of three critical‑access hospitals in New Hampshire, launched the staff‑driven "Lines and Drains" project using its Meditech Expanse EHR to standardize catheter documentation and create real‑time performance dashboards. By redesigning workflows, linking orders to worklists,...

By Healthcare IT News (HIMSS Media)
NewCo Boom Shows No Signs of Slowing
NewsFeb 18, 2026

NewCo Boom Shows No Signs of Slowing

The NewCo model, where Asian biotech assets are spun out into Western start‑ups backed by Western capital, surged in 2025 with 13 new companies—more than double the six disclosed in 2024. Early 2026 already sees three additional launches, including Kidswell...

By BioCentury
VCU Health on Hospital-at-Home and RPM Governance
NewsFeb 18, 2026

VCU Health on Hospital-at-Home and RPM Governance

VCU Health, Virginia’s first hospital‑at‑home (HaH) provider, is showcasing its digital‑health journey at HIMSS 2026. Director David Collins will detail how lessons from the adult HaH and remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs shaped a governance framework for a new NICU RPM...

By MobiHealthNews (HIMSS Media)
Frist Cressey Ventures Raises $425M Fund to Invest in AI-Native Care
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Frist Cressey Ventures Raises $425M Fund to Invest in AI-Native Care

Frist Cressey Ventures closed an oversubscribed $425 million Fund IV, lifting its assets under management close to $1 billion. The new fund zeroes in on early‑stage, AI‑native healthcare companies that can reshape care delivery. Strategic limited partners such as Cigna, MedStar Health and...

By HIT Consultant
Protecting a Healthcare Facility From All Angles
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Protecting a Healthcare Facility From All Angles

Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation is piloting an AI‑driven predictive tool that scores inpatient threat levels using EHR data, social determinants and real‑time updates, alerting clinicians through the electronic health record. The system gives staff early awareness of potentially violent...

By HealthTech Magazine
FDA to Review Moderna’s Flu Jab on Agency Pivot
NewsFeb 18, 2026

FDA to Review Moderna’s Flu Jab on Agency Pivot

The FDA has reversed its earlier refusal and will now evaluate Moderna’s mRNA‑1010 seasonal flu vaccine using a two‑track approach: a full Biologics License Application review for adults 50‑64 and an accelerated approval pathway for those 65 and older, contingent...

By Pharmaceutical Technology (GlobalData)
Medline Addresses Bed Fire Risk Linked to Death
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Medline Addresses Bed Fire Risk Linked to Death

Medline is revising usage instructions for its home‑care adjustable beds after the FDA documented safety incidents involving hand‑control pendants that sparked, melted or ignited, and entrapment hazards from third‑party accessories. The agency recorded 12 injuries and two deaths—one fire‑related and...

By MedTech Dive
Registered Outsourcing Facilities
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Registered Outsourcing Facilities

The FDA’s updated list of Section 503B outsourcing facilities details registration dates, annual fee requirements, and inspection status as of February 18, 2026. Facilities must complete initial registration and then re‑register each year between October 1 and December 31, otherwise they are delisted on January 1....

By FDA
Identy Joins Africa’s Push for Digital Identity in Humanitarian Healthcare
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Identy Joins Africa’s Push for Digital Identity in Humanitarian Healthcare

Identy is partnering with the volunteer NGO HumanCoop to roll out offline facial‑recognition tools for undocumented patients in northern Mauritania, creating portable digital medical IDs that work without internet. The initiative will initially cover the Bir Mogrein community of over 2,500...

By Biometric Update
Lilly to Pay CSL $100M to License Monoclonal Antibody Targeting IL-6
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Lilly to Pay CSL $100M to License Monoclonal Antibody Targeting IL-6

Eli Lilly has agreed to pay CSL Ltd. $100 million to license the monoclonal antibody clazakizumab, which targets interleukin‑6. Under the agreement, CSL will keep development rights for the drug’s use in preventing cardiovascular complications in end‑stage kidney disease patients, currently...

By BioPharma Dive
From DNA To Decision
NewsFeb 18, 2026

From DNA To Decision

Rapid functional testing is turning ambiguous genetic variants into actionable medical decisions. A zebrafish model proved a newborn‑identified SMN1 mutation benign, allowing clinicians to defer costly SMA therapy. This proof‑of‑concept shows whole‑genome sequencing can move from data to diagnosis within...

By Forbes – Healthcare
Health Fraud Scams
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Health Fraud Scams

The FDA has escalated its enforcement against health‑fraud scams, targeting products ranging from 7‑OH opioid derivatives and tianeptine‑laden supplements to adulterated honey and toxic cosmetics. Recent public notifications and warning letters detail seizures, recalls, and advisories aimed at protecting consumers...

By FDA
Pharmaceutical Quality Resources
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Pharmaceutical Quality Resources

The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research created the Office of Pharmaceutical Quality (OPQ) to standardize drug quality oversight across all manufacturing sites, both domestic and foreign. OPQ’s mandate spans new drugs, biologics, generics, biosimilars, over‑the‑counter products, and certain...

By FDA
FDA Accepts BMS Protein Degrader for Review; Disc Rare Disease Drug Rejected
NewsFeb 18, 2026

FDA Accepts BMS Protein Degrader for Review; Disc Rare Disease Drug Rejected

The FDA has accepted Bristol Myers Squibb’s protein‑degrading multiple myeloma candidate iberdomide for review, with a decision expected by Aug. 17 after a Phase 3 trial showed higher minimal residual disease‑negative rates. In contrast, the agency rejected Disc Medicine’s accelerated‑approval bid for...

By BioPharma Dive
Ambient AI in the Exam Room: For Better Care and Better Caring
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Ambient AI in the Exam Room: For Better Care and Better Caring

Leonard Calabrese argues that ambient artificial intelligence—low‑cost, always‑on tools integrated into the exam room—can free clinicians from the constant EMR distraction and restore genuine face‑to‑face interaction. By handling routine documentation and patient‑message drafting, AI lets physicians focus on non‑verbal cues...

By Healio
Digital Path Practices Reflected in Latest Checklist Changes
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Digital Path Practices Reflected in Latest Checklist Changes

The College of American Pathologists issued the 2025 accreditation checklist on Dec. 9, adding a new “Digital Pathology Including Remote Data Assessment” section. The revision requires laboratories to validate digital pathology systems, document remote review locations, and treat remote CLIA‑certified sites...

By CAP Today
AI in Healthcare Starts Long Before the Exam Room
NewsFeb 18, 2026

AI in Healthcare Starts Long Before the Exam Room

AI-driven clinical tools are rapidly improving diagnosis and treatment, but they leave patients exposed to hidden financial risks. A case of an autonomous AI ER physician resulted in a $37,000 out‑of‑network bill, highlighting systemic navigation failures. While clinical AI promises...

By Employee Benefit News
Deploying AI 'Allows Doctors to Be Doctors' Again
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Deploying AI 'Allows Doctors to Be Doctors' Again

Innovaccer released the whitepaper "Autonomous Healthcare" outlining AI’s role in alleviating clinicians’ administrative load. The report highlights AI‑powered documentation, scheduling, and data integration tools that can reclaim up to 30% of physicians’ time. CEO Abhinav Shashank argues that these efficiencies...

By Healthcare Finance News (HIMSS Media)
Rox Heart Radio: Why AI?
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Rox Heart Radio: Why AI?

Rox Heart Radio released a new episode titled “Why AI?” featuring host Roxana Mehran in conversation with cardiology researchers Ami Bhatt and Rohan Khera. The trio explores how artificial intelligence is poised to reshape cardiovascular care, from imaging interpretation to risk prediction....

By TCTMD
Addressing the 58% Launch Failure Rate: Accelerating Market Access Through Intelligent Decision-Making
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Addressing the 58% Launch Failure Rate: Accelerating Market Access Through Intelligent Decision-Making

Pharma launches are missing the mark 58% of the time, a failure rate driven by poor market insight and fragmented decision‑making. Accelerating market‑access planning from pre‑Phase 2 and integrating real‑world data can give companies a strategic north star. Purpose‑built AI tools...

By MedCity News
Innovation in Ophthalmology: How Biotechs Are Reshaping the Treatment of Eye Diseases
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Innovation in Ophthalmology: How Biotechs Are Reshaping the Treatment of Eye Diseases

Vision loss remains a leading disability, prompting biotech firms to shift from symptom‑management to disease‑modifying therapies. Gene‑replacement approaches using AAV vectors dominate the inherited retinal disease pipeline, highlighted by Luxturna’s success and multiple late‑stage candidates such as Beacon’s laru‑zova and...

By Labiotech.eu
Livi Partners with CloudFit to Bridge Healthcare and Holistic Wellbeing Through AI-Powered Preventative Health Platform
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Livi Partners with CloudFit to Bridge Healthcare and Holistic Wellbeing Through AI-Powered Preventative Health Platform

Livi, Europe’s leading digital‑first healthcare provider, has partnered with AI‑driven holistic platform CloudFit to launch an integrated preventative health solution. The collaboration lets Livi GPs refer patients to CloudFit’s fitness, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, creating a continuous care loop between...

By Health Tech Digital (UK)
The Murky Waters of Healthcare Cost Transparency: What Plan Sponsors Can Control
NewsFeb 18, 2026

The Murky Waters of Healthcare Cost Transparency: What Plan Sponsors Can Control

The 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act introduced mandatory broker compensation disclosures and broader pricing data for health plans, pushing plan sponsors to adopt fiduciary rigor similar to retirement plans. Yet, translating transparency into cost control remains difficult as procedure prices can...

By Human Resource Executive
Lab Reins in Magnesium Tests with Decision Support
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Lab Reins in Magnesium Tests with Decision Support

Washington University in St. Louis deployed a clinical decision‑support workflow to curb over‑ordering of inpatient magnesium tests, a high‑volume assay often ordered by default on daily order sets. Analysis of Epic data showed half of the orders were routine "AM...

By CAP Today
A New Era For Blindness Treatment Is Within Sight
NewsFeb 18, 2026

A New Era For Blindness Treatment Is Within Sight

A wave of clinical trials is testing stem‑cell, gene‑editing and bionic‑eye technologies to treat blindness, especially retinitis pigmentosa and dry age‑related macular degeneration. Early‑stage studies from UC Davis, BlueRock Therapeutics and the University of Michigan report measurable vision gains, such as...

By Forbes – Healthcare
Broker’s Call: Ipca Laboratories (Buy)
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Broker’s Call: Ipca Laboratories (Buy)

Ipca Laboratories posted a robust 19% year‑on‑year EBITDA increase to ₹530 crore, surpassing broker estimates, while revenue rose 6.6% to ₹2,400 crore. Domestic formulation sales grew 12% and export formulation climbed 17%, offset by flat API sales overall but a 26% rebound...

By The Hindu BusinessLine – Markets
Overloaded with Patient Records? How MVSPlus Keeps You Organized
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Overloaded with Patient Records? How MVSPlus Keeps You Organized

Healthcare providers are drowning in ever‑growing patient records, leading to missed follow‑ups, delayed appointments, and staff burnout. MVSPlus offers a dedicated virtual assistant that cleans, updates, and organizes charts in real time, integrating seamlessly with existing workflows. By handling routine...

By Healthcare Guys
Novartis' Oral BTK Drug Moves the Needle in CINDU
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Novartis' Oral BTK Drug Moves the Needle in CINDU

Novartis announced that its oral BTK inhibitor Rhapsido (remibrutinib) achieved significantly higher complete response rates than placebo in the phase 3 RemIND trial for the three most common forms of chronic inducible urticaria (CINDU). The drug, already approved for chronic spontaneous...

By pharmaphorum
ADLM Urges Federal Action to Ensure Safe, Equitable AI in Clinical Labs
NewsFeb 18, 2026

ADLM Urges Federal Action to Ensure Safe, Equitable AI in Clinical Labs

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) has issued a position statement urging Congress and federal regulators to update the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to explicitly govern AI tools used in clinical laboratories. ADLM warns that without modernized...

By Dark Daily
STAT+: Biotech Startup Raises $175 Million to Advance Alzheimer’s Antibody Therapy
NewsFeb 18, 2026

STAT+: Biotech Startup Raises $175 Million to Advance Alzheimer’s Antibody Therapy

Korsana Biosciences announced a $175 million financing round led by Fairmount, Venrock, Wellington Management and TCGX to develop its Alzheimer’s antibody candidate KRSA‑028. The startup positions KRSA‑028 as a next‑generation “brain shuttle” designed to clear amyloid plaques more efficiently than existing...

By STAT (Biotech)
[Clinical Rounds] A Multidisciplinary Management Approach to Cervical Cancer During Pregnancy
NewsFeb 18, 2026

[Clinical Rounds] A Multidisciplinary Management Approach to Cervical Cancer During Pregnancy

A 39‑year‑old gravida 3 woman presented at 10 weeks gestation with vaginal bleeding and a prior diagnosis of high‑grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) that had not been followed up. Cervical cancer testing confirmed HSIL while the intrauterine pregnancy remained viable. The...

By The Lancet
Epetōme Secures Multi-Million-Pound Investment to Scale Its Subscription-Based Gut Health Range Globally
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Epetōme Secures Multi-Million-Pound Investment to Scale Its Subscription-Based Gut Health Range Globally

Epetōme, the UK‑based gut‑health brand founded by nutritionist Emily English, has secured a multi‑million‑pound investment led by Active Partners and Redrice Ventures. The funding will accelerate its international rollout and fund expanded clinical trials on probiotics and prebiotics. Since its...

By InternetRetailing