Field Medical announced the successful close of its $35 million Series B funding round, bringing its total capital raised to $75 million. The round was co-led by BioStar Capital and Cue Growth, with additional participation from existing strategic investors. This follows a $40 million Series A earlier this year.

The Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California-based company will use the Series B proceeds to launch a pivotal clinical trial for its flagship innovation—the FieldForce pulsed field ablation (PFA) system. Designed specifically for treating ventricular tachycardia (VT), FieldForce features the first focal, contact force-enabled PFA catheter purpose-built for rapid, precision-guided ablation.

Field Medical received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for FieldForce in December 2024, marking a significant milestone in its development. Unlike current PFA systems on the market—marketed by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Johnson & Johnson MedTech, which initially targeted atrial fibrillation (AFib)—Field Medical is taking a novel approach by focusing first on the under-addressed VT segment.

The company was founded by Dr. Steven Mickelsen, a pioneer in the field and the founder of Farapulse, which was acquired by Boston Scientific in 2021. Now CEO of Field Medical, Dr. Mickelsen sees a critical need in VT care that existing technologies have not met.

“Ventricular tachycardia remains one of the most underserved areas in electrophysiology,” said Mickelsen. “There is a clear gap between clinical demand and the tools currently available. This mirrors the early AFib landscape, and we believe our next-generation technology—engineered for speed, precision, and impactful outcomes—has the potential to transform VT care for high-risk patients.”

Field Medical’s differentiated strategy positions it to address a major unmet clinical need and reshape the therapeutic landscape for VT with its innovative, built-for-purpose PFA platform.

Takeda announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GAMMAGARD LIQUID ERC [immune globulin infusion (human)], a 10% ready-to-use liquid immunoglobulin (IG) therapy with low IgA content (≤2 µg/mL). It is now approved as replacement therapy for individuals aged two years and older with primary immunodeficiency (PI).

GAMMAGARD LIQUID ERC is the only available ready-to-use liquid IG therapy in the U.S. with this low level of IgA, which is particularly important for patients who are sensitive or allergic to IgA. The product can be administered both intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SC), offering flexibility and convenience for healthcare providers and patients. Its ready-to-use liquid formulation eliminates the need for reconstitution, simplifying the treatment process.

“The approval of GAMMAGARD LIQUID ERC reinforces Takeda’s commitment to personalized treatment for people with primary immunodeficiency,” said Kristina Allikmets, Senior Vice President and Head of R&D at Takeda’s Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit. “With the lowest IgA content among ready-to-use liquid IG therapies, and dual administration routes, this therapy supports diverse patient needs.”

The newly approved formulation is manufactured using the same advanced process as Takeda’s other liquid immunoglobulin therapies. This approach aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to ensure reliable supply while expanding options within its IG portfolio.

With the U.S. FDA approval secured, Takeda plans to launch GAMMAGARD LIQUID ERC commercially in 2026, followed by a 2027 launch in the European Union, where it is already approved under the name DEQSIGA® by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The timeline allows for a structured scale-up of manufacturing and distribution, which is crucial in the context of plasma-derived therapies.

As part of its evolving product strategy, Takeda also announced plans to discontinue GAMMAGARD S/D, its older, freeze-dried (lyophilized) IG therapy that contains less than 1 µg/mL IgA in a 5% solution. The decision follows an in-depth evaluation of the legacy manufacturing process, which is no longer sustainable for meeting future global patient needs. Production of GAMMAGARD S/D will cease at the end of December 2027, with existing inventory maintained until it is either exhausted or expired.

“We understand this may impact patients currently on GAMMAGARD S/D,” said Allikmets. “That’s why we’re sharing this update early—to give patients and healthcare providers sufficient time to explore alternative treatment options.”

Takeda remains committed to supporting the PI community by offering innovative and adaptable immune globulin therapies that meet modern clinical standards.

Speaking at a National Doctors’ Day event, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the state government’s ambitious plan to increase the number of MBBS seats to over 3,400 by the year 2029. Addressing a gathering of medical professionals, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and supporting doctors with improved resources and facilities.

Highlighting the strides made in medical education, Saini noted that while Haryana had only six medical colleges in 2014, the number has now grown to 15, with nine additional colleges currently under construction. This expansion has already translated into a significant rise in MBBS seats—from 700 in 2014 to 2,185 at present.

He emphasized that the government’s focus is not just on increasing the number of institutions, but also on ensuring access to high-quality healthcare services for citizens across the state. The establishment of a medical college in every district, he said, is part of this broader vision to decentralize and democratize medical education and healthcare delivery.

Extending his best wishes to doctors, healthcare workers, and all those serving in the medical field, the Chief Minister acknowledged their vital role in society. Referring to this year’s Doctors’ Day theme, “Caring for the caregivers behind the mask,” he said it serves as a reminder to honor not only the professional dedication of doctors but also their selfless contributions to public well-being.

Recalling the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saini paid tribute to the medical community’s unwavering commitment. “While the nation was in lockdown, doctors stepped forward in full PPE kits, caring for patients while staying away from their own families. Their courage and compassion continue to inspire us all,” he said.

With a renewed focus on expanding medical education and upgrading healthcare infrastructure, the Haryana government aims to ensure that both future doctors and patients have the support and systems they need for a healthier tomorrow.

With seasonal flu, fevers, and throat infections on the rise across India—and respiratory concerns like COVID-19 making a resurgence—everyday self-care and community protection have become more important than ever. Leading this wellness movement is Cipla Health Ltd., one of India’s most trusted fast-moving wellness goods (FMWG) companies. Backed by medical science and consumer insight, Cipla Health offers a comprehensive portfolio of products designed to help families effectively manage seasonal health challenges.

Through its wide-ranging and purpose-driven brands such as Cofsils, Cipladine, Prolyte ORS, Paracip, and Maxirich, Cipla Health provides accessible and reliable tools to support preventive and symptomatic care:

• Cofsils Lozenges offer rapid relief from sore throat pain within just 5 minutes. Their triple-action formula fights viruses, tackles bacterial infections, and provides soothing comfort—making them a practical on-the-go remedy.

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• Cipladine Gargles, formulated with povidone-iodine, directly target throat infections. Ideal for managing sore throat, tonsillitis, and reducing viral spread, they also serve as an effective oral hygiene solution during seasonal illness.

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• Prolyte ORS replenishes fluids and electrolytes lost due to fever or fatigue. Based on WHO recommendations, this oral rehydration solution helps individuals recover faster and maintain hydration balance.

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• Paracip, Cipla Health’s trusted paracetamol brand, provides relief from common symptoms like headaches, body aches, and chills—frequent companions of seasonal infections.

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• Maxirich Daily Multivitamin supports daily immunity and energy levels with a blend of over 13 essential vitamins and minerals, helping individuals stay resilient through changing weather patterns.

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Commenting on the rising need for accessible wellness solutions, Mr. Shivam Puri, MD & CEO of Cipla Health Ltd., said, “At Cipla Health, we are committed to delivering trusted and effective wellness tools to every Indian home. As seasonal illnesses continue to impact communities, our aim is to equip families with simple, science-based solutions that promote everyday health and protection.”

Cipla Health remains at the forefront of preventive care, offering holistic support rooted in medical expertise. Whether facing a seasonal virus or preparing for unexpected health waves, the right tools and awareness can make all the difference in staying safe and well.

In a landmark development set to redefine cancer care in Northeast India, the International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) India, in partnership with ILS Hospitals, has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer centre in Agartala, Tripura. The inauguration ceremony, attended by the Honourable Chief Minister of Tripura, marks a significant milestone in bringing world-class cancer diagnostics and treatment to the region.

This is the first corporate sector comprehensive cancer centre in Northeast India, reflecting IOCI’s commitment to bridging healthcare disparities by expanding access to advanced oncology services. The facility is housed within the ILS Hospitals campus in Agartala, a leading healthcare institution supported by the Government of Tripura since 2008. This strategic partnership unites IOCI’s oncology expertise with ILS Hospitals’ robust infrastructure and strong community presence to deliver integrated, patient-centric cancer care.

The Agartala centre is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including the GE Discovery IQ PET CT scanner for high-precision cancer diagnostics and the ELEKTA SYNERGY linear accelerator, a global gold standard for precision radiation therapy. The centre also features a dedicated chemotherapy daycare, staffed by trained oncology nurses, providing a comfortable and safe setting for systemic treatments.

Already, the centre has shown remarkable impact—conducting over 300 PET CT scans in just six months before the official launch of its radiotherapy unit—highlighting both the community’s need and trust in the facility. The ELEKTA SYNERGY’s advanced imaging-guided radiation therapy capabilities, including IMRT and IGRT, allow for accurate tumor targeting with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, significantly improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Dr. Madhur Garg, Promoter Director of IOCI, emphasized the broader vision: “This centre is not just about providing treatment—it is about bringing hope and healing to communities long underserved by modern oncology infrastructure. With the integration of diagnostics, chemotherapy, and precision radiation, we are offering a complete cancer care ecosystem under one roof.”

The facility’s registration under the Ayushman Bharat scheme ensures that economically vulnerable populations can access these life-saving treatments without financial strain, reinforcing the government’s vision of universal health coverage.

Dr. Ashvini Sengar, Promoter Director of IOCI, noted the transformative potential of the collaboration: “By combining IOCI’s technical capabilities with ILS Hospitals’ reach and reputation, we are creating a sustainable, high-impact model for regional cancer care.”

The centre also incorporates a multidisciplinary Tumor Board, where medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical specialists jointly assess cases to design personalized treatment plans. Surgical oncology services are available for a wide range of cancers, ensuring holistic care.

Dr. Pramod, Executive Director at IOCI, reiterated the patient-first approach: “From diagnosis to recovery, every touchpoint has been designed with empathy and clinical excellence. This is the future of cancer care—accessible, affordable, and patient-focused.”

The establishment of IOCI Agartala is a major step forward in decentralizing advanced cancer care, reducing the burden of travel to distant metros, and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in Northeast India. With its technological edge, compassionate care, and commitment to accessibility, the centre stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients across the region.

In a major step toward strengthening healthcare access across Uttar Pradesh, the state government is advancing plans to modernize medical infrastructure. As part of this effort, King George’s Medical University (KGMU) and Queen Mary Hospital in Lucknow will soon house two advanced, multi-storey medical facilities aimed at enhancing dental and women’s healthcare services.

The project, with an estimated budget of ₹198 crore, has been designed by the Planning Division under the Building Cell (Technical) of the Public Works Department. Construction will follow the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) model, ensuring timely execution within two years.

According to the proposal, the KGMU campus will see the addition of a five-storey Dental Faculty Complex and a nine-storey Apex Women’s Health Centre at Queen Mary Hospital.

New Dental Faculty Complex

The five-storey dental block will be constructed behind the existing building and will accommodate five key departments. The layout includes:

• Ground Floor: Oral Medicine and Radiology

• First Floor: Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

• Second Floor: Public Health Dentistry

• Third Floor: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics

• Fourth Floor: Oral Pathology and Microbiology

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In addition to academic and clinical departments, the facility will offer modern amenities such as a 200-seat multipurpose hall, dedicated parking, a security room, a 2,000 sq ft administrative office, and other support services.

Apex Women’s Health Centre at Queen Mary Hospital

The proposed nine-storey Apex Women’s Health Centre will be a landmark facility dedicated to comprehensive women’s and child healthcare. Built above three basement levels, it will offer:

• Ground Floor: Utility and service areas

• First Floor: High-risk Obstetrics OPD

• Second Floor: Inpatient wards for high-risk pregnancies

• Third Floor: Labour Room, Emergency OT, and Post-Operative Complex

• Fourth Floor: Maternal ICU under Critical Care and Medicine

• Fifth Floor: Neonatal ICU (NICU)

• Sixth Floor: Paediatrics Critical Care ICU

• Seventh Floor: Reproductive and Foetal Medicine

• Eighth Floor: Elective Operation Theatre

• Ninth Floor: Faculty offices for Critical Care, Obstetrics, and Neonatology

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The centre will be equipped with advanced systems, including modern elevators, CCTV surveillance, public address systems, and HVAC facilities.

Once completed, these new facilities will mark a significant leap in Uttar Pradesh’s journey towards accessible, high-quality, and future-ready healthcare for all.

Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai has launched a specialized Women and Child Wing, featuring a cutting-edge Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), reinforcing its commitment to comprehensive maternal and neonatal care.

The new wing was introduced through an open house event, allowing visitors to explore its state-of-the-art facilities, which support women and children at every stage—from antenatal care through labor, delivery, and postnatal support. The unit offers 24/7 access to specialized neonatology and pediatric critical care services.

Neeraj Lal, Regional Director for Maharashtra and Karnataka, emphasized the vision behind this expansion: “This launch reflects our dedication to delivering holistic and empathetic healthcare for women and children. Whether it’s antenatal counseling, gynecological care, or advanced neonatal support, our expert team is here to walk with families through every step of the journey. We are proud to provide world-class infrastructure paired with the warmth and compassion every mother and child deserves.”

The newly established NICU is equipped to manage complex and high-risk cases, offering rapid, life-saving interventions during critical scenarios such as premature births or complicated pregnancies. Staffed by a multidisciplinary team of neonatologists, pediatric intensivists, and trained nursing professionals, the unit ensures continuous care with advanced technology and a human touch.

A key focus of the wing is to encourage active parental involvement, recognizing that informed and engaged parents contribute significantly to a newborn’s recovery and long-term well-being.

In recent developments, Medicover Hospitals Navi Mumbai also introduced the MISSO robotic system for knee and hip replacement surgeries. This advanced robotic-assisted technology has significantly enhanced surgical precision, minimized patient discomfort, and reduced hospital stays. In a notable case, a 76-year-old patient was able to walk just two hours post-surgery, demonstrating the technology’s clinical impact.

Additionally, in 2024, Medicover partnered with Lupin Digital Health to roll out AI-enabled, at-home cardiac rehabilitation via the Lyfe digital therapeutics platform. Designed to enhance post-discharge cardiac care, the program offers real-time monitoring and tailored recovery support across 23 hospitals in India.

Together, these initiatives underscore Medicover Hospitals’ focus on leveraging innovation to improve outcomes and provide accessible, patient-centric care across all life stages.

Lupin has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Loteprednol Etabonate Ophthalmic Gel, 0.38%.

The approved formulation is the generic equivalent of Bausch & Lomb’s Lotemax SM Ophthalmic Gel and has been deemed bioequivalent. As the first generic filer, Lupin has secured 180 days of marketing exclusivity in the U.S. for this product. Manufacturing will take place at Lupin’s facility in Pithampur, India

Loteprednol Etabonate Ophthalmic Gel, 0.38% is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation and pain following eye surgery. According to IQVIA MAT data as of May 2025, the reference product (Lotemax SM) recorded annual U.S. sales of approximately $29 million.

ASX-listed medical technology company Optiscan Imaging has commenced recruitment for a groundbreaking clinical trial at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, aiming to enhance surgical precision and reduce repeat procedures in breast cancer treatment. The trial will involve up to 50 patients and evaluate the company's advanced InVue and InForm imaging systems, setting the stage for U.S. FDA submissions.

The study marks the company’s first in-human breast cancer trial and will assess the clinical workflow and real-time imaging performance of its devices in a surgical setting. These platforms are designed to address a persistent challenge in breast cancer surgery: ensuring clear surgical margins—removing the tumour entirely with a surrounding border of healthy tissue to reduce recurrence.

During lumpectomy procedures, surgeons will use the InVue precision surgery device to capture live, cellular-level images of the surgical site immediately after tumour removal. This intraoperative feedback allows for real-time assessment of tumour margins, potentially reducing the need for follow-up surgeries and improving long-term outcomes.

“We believe our innovative real-time microscopic imaging platform represents a genuine breakthrough in surgical cancer management,” said Dr. Camile Farah, CEO and Managing Director of Optiscan Imaging. “By providing surgeons with high-resolution, live cellular imaging at the bedside, InVue enables confident, informed decisions about tumour clearance before the patient even leaves the operating room.”

Following surgical resection, the excised tissue will be examined with InForm, Optiscan’s digital pathology imaging system, which uses topical dyes and offers rapid, high-resolution ex vivo tissue analysis. The additional data generated by InForm will be integrated into the company’s broader imaging and pathology workflow and support the regulatory approval process.

Although both InVue and InForm were designed to operate independently, they are being used together in the study to optimize data capture, minimize the need for future trials, and expedite FDA submissions. InForm will also be used on tissue samples collected chairside and in pathology labs to validate consistency across different use cases.

Professor Bruce Mann, Director of Breast Cancer Services at Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospitals, emphasized the impact of the trial: “Inadequate margins often lead to additional surgeries, increased patient anxiety, and delayed treatments. Real-time imaging tools that support surgical accuracy can significantly improve patient outcomes while reducing the burden on healthcare systems.”

Optiscan highlights that its technologies could bridge the critical gap between intraoperative imaging and diagnostic pathology, enabling a digital, integrated surgical oncology workflow. This innovation has the potential to eventually replace the frozen section technique, currently a standard pathology practice.

As the most common cancer among women globally, breast cancer affects millions each year. With rising survival rates attributed to advances in treatment, innovations like Optiscan’s aim to further improve outcomes by minimizing tissue removal, enhancing accuracy, and ultimately reducing healthcare costs. The company’s integrated imaging approach could redefine the future of breast cancer surgery.

Philips has announced a significant expansion of its long-standing partnership with Medtronic through a new multi-year agreement aimed at broadening access to advanced patient monitoring solutions and improving clinical care delivery. The collaboration, which originally began in 1992, reflects the companies’ shared vision of delivering comprehensive, clinically validated technologies to support better patient outcomes.

At the heart of this renewed alliance is the integration of next-generation monitoring systems and consumables into a seamless, unified offering for healthcare providers. Philips’ patient monitoring platforms already include Medtronic’s leading technologies such as Nellcor™ pulse oximetry, Microstream™ capnography, and BIS™ brain monitoring for consciousness assessment. The new agreement further enhances this integration by bundling essential consumables—such as ECG cables, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) cuffs, and batteries—with Philips Medtronic-enabled monitors. This streamlined solution is designed to reduce procurement complexity, eliminate contract redundancies, and ensure compatibility across critical monitoring tools.

Initially focused on the North American market, the partnership is set to expand globally, offering healthcare systems worldwide access to a unified monitoring ecosystem that simplifies operations and enhances patient safety.

In addition, Philips and Medtronic are launching a pledge program to reinforce their commitment to reliability and frontline readiness. As part of this initiative, all technologies offered through the partnership will be clinically validated, cybersecure, and prepared for immediate clinical deployment. This ensures clinicians can depend on the tools without worrying about compatibility or performance issues.

This collaborative approach gives healthcare professionals the flexibility to adopt trusted, interoperable technologies that meet evolving clinical needs. With both companies prioritizing safety, performance, and ease of integration, the partnership is well-positioned to deliver scalable, high-quality monitoring solutions to hospitals and health systems.

“Philips is passionate about equipping clinicians with the tools they need to provide better care to more patients,” said Sachin Chaudhari, General Manager of Clinical Applications and Devices for Hospital Patient Monitoring at Philips. “Through our partnership with Medtronic, we’re offering a fully validated, end-to-end solution that empowers clinicians to focus on what matters most—delivering high-quality patient care.”