Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, UK, and the University of Cambridge have developed a new tool to predict the risk of developing prostate cancer in men. The new tool, named CanRisk-Prostate, is already in use by healthcare specialists for predicting the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers across the world.

It helps to reduce unnecessary and potentially invasive testing for people who are at very low risk of developing the disease. The first comprehensive prostate cancer model was developed using the information on genetic and cancer family history obtained from approximately 17,000 families affected by prostate cancer.

To predict future risks, the model makes use of the rare genetic faults in moderate-to-high-risk genes as well as a risk score based on 268 other common low-risk variants and detailed family cancer histories. Researchers found that the predicted risk of developing the disease was higher for men whose fathers had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which is 42% if the father was diagnosed at 50 years and 27% if diagnosed at 80 years.

Medical technology company Lipogems has raised €12.5m in growth capital this year for its knee osteoarthritis (OA) investigational device exemption (IDE) studies, which were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

These FDA studies are related to a separate and specific indication in knee OA. Lipogems is securing financial resources from ABC Medtech and LIFTT to pave the pathway for a knee OA indication and reimbursement in the US besides building infrastructure to support growth. The funds will also help educate and raise awareness among consumers and patients about knee OA, and extend into other markets with common conditions that have limited therapeutic options and where MicroFat can deliver better relief.

Novosound has entered into a commercial partnership agreement with medical technology company Pavmed to advance intravascular imaging technology. The company stated that the new deal furthers its move into healthcare, as well as its regional expansion into North America.

It is specialised in designing and producing ultrasound sensors using a thin-film technique to address the conventional ultrasound limitations. The company uses its in-house design and manufacturing capabilities in engineering a thin-film core material which is lightweight, compact, extreme temperature resistant, flexible, low profile, and also capable of producing high resolution images.

Novosound CEO and co-founder Dave Hughes said: “PAVmed has a strong track record in delivering commercial stage medical technology across medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health – the group is the ideal partner for Novosound as we increasingly gain traction in the international healthcare sector.”

Recently, the company secured $4.49m (£3.7m) in a financing round, which was led by investment services provider Par Equity.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that the merger of two major hearing implant providers, Cochlear and Oticon Medical, may lead to higher prices for the National Health Service (NHS). The deal could also lead to reduced quality as well as impact innovation for UK patients who depend on these devices.

In April, Cochlear agreed to acquire Oticon Medical, the hearing implant division of Demant, for kr850m ($119.8m). According to the CMA, Cochlear’s proposed acquisition would create a negative impact on patients requiring implants, most of whom purchase their devices through the NHS. Both Cochlear and Demant are involved in the supply of cochlear implants and bone conduction solutions, which are surgically implanted.

Click Therapeutics has secured Breakthrough Device Designation for its CT-132 prescription digital therapeutic to treat episodic migraine, from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

CT-132 is currently under development as an adjunctive preventive treatment for episodic migraine in people of age 18 years and above. It has been designed for reducing the number of migraines that occur per month in patients suffering with four or more migraine days per month.

CT-132 combines the company’s adaptive patient engagement platform with multiple clinically validated mechanisms of action. Click Therapeutics chief strategy officer Austin Speier said: “We are thrilled to receive this Breakthrough designation as it will facilitate collaborative discussions with the FDA and help expedite the process of bringing a first-in-class migraine digital therapeutic to patients.

“This is also powerful recognition of the innovative work led by our in-house science and development teams to create a new approach to treating migraine, one supported by early, promising clinical data.” The company stated that the CT-132 programme is authorised by the active support of its Migraine Advisory Board.