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Redesign Health, ARC Global merge in $2B deal to accelerate health system innovation
Redesign Health is making a major push deeper into health system-led innovation, merging with Sheba Medical Center’s innovation arm ARC Global. | The three organizations—Redesign Health, ARC Global and AVIA—work with more than 100 health systems on five continents, and the companies and products built across their networks have reached more than 100 million patients worldwide.
Talkiatry takes therapy nationwide as it builds out behavioral health platform
Talkiatry is expanding virtual therapy services nationwide as part of a broader push to provide comprehensive behavioral health services across the acuity spectrum, from low to high. | Talkiatry is expanding virtual therapy services nationwide as part of a broader push to provide comprehensive behavioral health services across the acuity spectrum, from low to high.
Integris Health to join Kaiser Permanente's Risant Health
Kaiser Permanente’s Risant Health has tapped Oklahoma’s largest nonprofit provider as the next to join its growing cadre of regional health systems. | Pending approvals, Oklahoma's largest nonprofit health system will follow in the footsteps of Geisinger Health and Cone Health in seeking outside investment and tech-enabled value-based care know-how from the Kaiser subsidiary.
Baba nabs $40M series A, backed by FirstMark Capital and CVS Health Ventures, for AI-powered Medicare patient navigation
Applied artificial intelligence company Baba
New US drug launches need price check to counter access impediments, ICER, West Health urge
As policies from the last two presidential administrations put heightened focus on drug affordability in the United States, a new report suggests much work remains to be done when it comes to the l | As policies from the last two presidential administrations put heightened focus on drug affordability in the United States, a new report suggests much work remains to be done when it comes to the launch prices of novel medicines.
Hackensack Meridian Health signs definitive agreement to acquire Hunterdon Health, commits $230M
Hackensack Meridian Health has signed a definitive agreement to pick up Central New Jersey’s Hunterdon Health, a $230 million deal that would grow the state’s largest health system to 19 total hosp | The announcement did not outline a potential timeline for the merger, which would add a nineteenth hospital to New Jersey's largest health system.
Centene, Oscar Health outline 2027 ACA marketplace plans
Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act's marketplaces opens on Nov. 1, and with more turbulence on deck, insurers are offering a look at their plans for the coming year. | Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act's marketplaces begins on Nov. 1, and with more turbulence on deck, insurers are offering a look at their plans for the coming year.
Judi Health launching employer Medicare Part D plan with a focus on transparency
Judi Health is launching a new Part D plan that aims to lean on its tech stack to drive transparency and outcomes. | Judi Health is launching a new Part D plan that aims to lean on its tech stack to drive transparency and outcomes.
Pfizer makes ‘business decision’ to end phase 2 trial of autoimmune drug as program’s future uncertain
Pfizer has called time on a phase 2 trial of its CXCR5 antibody in an autoimmune blood disorder, with the company tight-lipped on whether this marks the end of the road for the asset. The Big Pharma had been evaluating the therapy, dubbed PF-06835375, in a phase 2 study of 61 patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) that kicked off in 2022, according to the federal trials register. However, Pfizer confirmed to Fierce on Monday that this study had been terminated “due to a business decision.” “The decision to terminate the trial was not based on any safety concerns,” a spokesperson pointed out. At time of publication, PF-06835375 remained listed on Pfizer’s website for both ITP and lupus. A phase 1 study in lupus wrapped up in 2022, according to the trials database. ITP is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a low platelet count. Novartis was at one point evaluating its B-cell-depleting antibody ianalumab—recently approved as Fabhalta to treat immunoglobulin A nephropathy—as a potential treatment ITP. But the therapy struggled to demonstrate a benefit in the clinic for this indication. When contacted by Fierce, Pfizer wouldn’t confirm whether all work on PF-06835375 has been halted, and whether the company has any other plans to explore C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) as a mechanism. CXCR5 is found in blood cancers such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma chemokine receptor. However, there is little expression in normal tissue, which has led some drug developers to explore its potential. Vincerx Pharma had at one point been planning to take an anti-CXCR5 ADC into the clinic to treat B-cell malignancies, but that ambition was scrapped due to cash constraints. Where Big Pharma is placing its bets is one of the hot topics being discussed at Fierce Biotech's high-impact event in London next month. Find out more information and register by clicking on the banner below: [ ](https://qtxasset.com/quartz/qcloud5/media/image/where_big_pharma_is_placing_its_bets.png?VersionId=B8JrRbJ.pFUSK1pJgjeWHLGm_18RdLAy)
Parkview Health acquiring shared services vendor Ovation Healthcare
Parkview Health is acquiring Ovation Healthcare, a nationwide shared services vendor for providers, the Indiana rural care system announced Friday. | Parkview Health is taking its shared-services strategy nationwide with a deal to acquire Ovation Healthcare, which works with nearly 500 healthcare organizations across the country.
Weekly Rundown: JAMA Network to add AI journal in 2027; UMass Memorial Health partners with Microsoft, Accenture
Stay up to date on the latest in health tech, digital health and health AI news with this weekly brief. Read below for news from the week of Oct. 12 to 16. | The latest news from UMass Memorial Health, Elation Health, HealthTap, JAMA and more.
Fierce Healthcare Regulatory Recap: HHS presses medical groups on gender-affirming care for minors; CMS distributes RHTP funding to 5 states
Stay up to date on the latest across Washington, D.C. with this weekly brief. Read below for news from Oct. 12 to Oct. 16. | The latest news from CMS and HHS this week: HHS demands info on ‘sex-rejecting procedures’ for minors, CMS releases more RHTP funds and more.
Duke Health, CaroMont Health seek to jointly build, operate 2 Charlotte-area hospitals
Duke Health and CaroMont Health are partnering to build a pair of new hospitals in North Carolina’s fast-growing Mecklenburg County, the nonprofits shared Wednesday. | The pair filed Certificate of Needs with the state to build two hospitals comprising 200 beds in fast-growing North Carolina's Mecklenburg County.
Par Health recalls 22 lots of IV blood thinner, its 3rd US product pull in a month
U.S.-based generic drugmaker Par Health has issued
Elevance Health Foundation launched a prize program for patient safety initiatives. Here's why
The Elevance Health Foundation has launched a new prize program aimed at supporting solutions aimed at improving patient safety, with the first crop of winners targeting challenges like health lite | The Elevance Health Foundation has launched a new prize program aimed at supporting solutions aimed at improving patient safety, with the first crop of winners targeting challenges like health literacy, fall prevention and medication errors.
As prior auth becomes an AI ‘arms race,’ Otter Health raises $8M for a different approach
Prior authorization has long been a source of friction between payers and providers, and now, with algorithmic tools for claims reviews and LLMs for appeals, it's evolved into an AI "arms race" as | The company built an AI-powered real-time clinical quality platform to better manage healthcare utilization by influencing care decisions rather than requiring clinicians to get permission for them.
Walmart to expand health benefits for employees, including $0 prescriptions, rare disease care
Walmart is expanding benefits for its 1.6 million U.S. | The new offerings include “zero cost” prescriptions, expanded Centers of Excellence for rare conditions and paid NICU leave.
Zodoc acquires health tech company Sohar Health for automated benefits eligibility checks
Zocdoc acquired insurance technology co | Zocdoc acquired insurance technology company Sohar Health as it pushes to evolve beyond an appointment-booking marketplace into broader healthcare access infrastructure.
10 Dane County employers get grants for AI, manufacturing training
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced state funding for Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, Quartz Health Solutions, DSG Outerwear and more in the Madison area.
Rush University System for Health, Endeavor Health unveil 12-hospital merger
Two of Chicagoland’s major healthcare players announced plans Wednesday to merge into a 12-hospital nonprofit with nearly $11 billion in annual revenue. | The resulting nonprofit system would be Illinois' largest by hospital count and comprise nearly $11 billion in annual operating revenue.
Integrating care for people with serious mental illness
Serious mental illness (SMI) is challenging to address. | People with serious mental illness often face significant barriers to getting the care they need. In this week's episode of "Podnosis," we explore how Amae Health is working to address gaps in the system by bringing psychiatric care, physical healthcare and other support services together under one model.
Confido Health nabs $12.5M to scale agentic AI across PE-backed medical groups
Confido Health is expanding beyond AI voice agents to build out an agentic AI operating system that can execute administrative workflows across a medical practice. | The company secured a $12.5 million series A extension following its $10 million series A round announced in September to continue scaling an AI platform for end-to-end healthcare operations.
Judge rejects NC State Health Plan's request to block Atrium affordability program
Atrium Health scored an early courtroom win on Tuesday when a judge rejected the state of North Carolina’s request for a temporary restraining order on an affordability program the health system pl | The state's treasurer has said the large health system's Affordability Protection Program, a response to being left out of a preferred provider program, would bankrupt the public health plan.
Google unveils new Fitbit Edge tracker as tech giant expands health monitoring ambitions
Google on Monday its debuted its second Fitbit tracker of the year, the Fitbit Edge, which sits between the screenless health tracker Fitbit Air and the more advanced Pixel Watch. | The new device also builds on Google’s health tracking ambitions by combining advanced health sensors with AI-powered insights designed to identify changes in a user’s health and translate those signals into personalized guidance.
Marsh survey examines how health systems are managing capital, investment strategies
Health systems’ finances improved in 2026, but many organizations remain under enough pressure to keep tapping reserves, taking on debt, and turning to investment portfolios for financial flexibili | Forty-three percent of respondents report expecting to draw on reserves in 2026, up from 37% the year prior.
Par Health recalls more IV bags on cellulose risk weeks after similar action
Par Health issued a
Fullspan Health on Winning the AI Search Revolution
As AI becomes a primary source of health information, healthcare marketers face a new challenge: ensuring their brands appear in the answers consumers receive. | Learn how Fullspan Health is helping brands improve AI visibility, build trust and engage patients across the healthcare journey.
From Data Rich to Decision Ready in Life Sciences
Life sciences organizations have invested heavily in data and analytics, yet timely decision making remains a challenge. | Within3 leaders discuss why ownership, insight sharing and human judgment are critical to faster decisions.
Oracle Health data breach in 2025 compromised data of 20M people: report
A 2025 data breach of Oracle Health’s legacy Cerner system compromised personal information belonging to nearly 20 million people, Bloomberg
Weekly Rundown: Nextech taps Assort Health, EliseAI for agentic AI; Elsevier rolls out clinical AI tool for nurses
Stay up to date on the latest in health tech, digital health and health AI news with this weekly brief. Read below for news from the week of Oct. 5 to 9. | The latest news from Nextech, Assort Health, EliseAI, Elsevier, Arcadia, Solera Health and more.
Nvidia commits $1 billion to U.S. science and quantum computing
The chipmaker announced the commitments Thursday at a Washington event tied to the Trump administration's Genesis Mission program
HHS launches 4 new vaccine injury research, reporting initiatives
The U.S. | The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday announced a series of actions aimed at strengthening the federal government's response to vaccine-related health concerns.
California to Ban Quartz Countertops Amid Health Concerns
Quartz countertops are made through a process that releases crystalline silica, which can lead to numerous health conditions like silicosis.
California Could Become First State to Ban Quartz Countertop Production Amid Health Concerns
California could soon become the first state to ban quartz countertops amid mounting health concerns. California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to pass a ban as emergency regulation this October, after a rising number of workers have developed silicosis and other lung illnesses.
Utah expands healthcare AI sandbox with August AI, Nolla Health pilots, adds third-party evaluators
Utah is expanding the state's AI regulatory sandbox program with new pilots to test AI-supported prescription renewals, dermatology and physical therapy, while adding physician oversight and indepe | Utah is expanding the state's AI regulatory sandbox program with new pilots to test AI-supported prescription renewals, dermatology and physical therapy, while adding physician oversight and independent third-party evaluators to strengthen safety and accountability.
Rose Brand Acquires IWEISS, Bringing Together Complementary Expertise For The Future Of Live Entertainment
Two major companies have joined forces: Rose Brand and IWEISS have spent more than a centu | Rose Brand has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire IWEISS, bringing together two highly respected companies with decades of experience serving the entertainment, performing arts, event, and architectural markets.
Teladoc Health unveils new AI capabilities within Solo platform for hospitals
Teladoc Health announced Wednesday the launch of two new artificial intelligence capabilities within its enterprise smart care platform Solo. | The two new tools aim to help health systems surface timely patient insights into their care environments while reducing technology fragmentation, executives say.
Rising Stars: How VML Health’s Molly Kanofsky turns ‘an idea on a page’ into real-world impact
Molly Kanofsky had it all planned out. | VML Health's Molly Kanofsky ended up in the pharma marketing world after an unexpected career detour, where she's now able to merge her passion for healthcare with her creative side.
Lodging Dynamics names new SVP of business development
Hotel management company Lodging Dynamics has appointed Danny Dolce senior vice president of business development. | Danny Dolce will lead the expansion of Lodging Dynamics’ third-party management portfolio, focusing on luxury, premium-branded and full-service hotels in destination-driven markets.
CD&R, McKesson acquiring infusion therapy provider Option Care Health for $5.8B
Option Care Health, a provider of infusion therapy services, is being acquired by private equity firm CD&R and healthcare conglomerate McKesson in a deal valued at $5.8 billion, the companies a | Option Care Health, the country's largest independent provider of at-home and alternate site infusion services, would go private in the deal, which is expected to close in the first half of 2027.
Vitalize secures $31M to scale AI-powered operating system for hospital staffing and scheduling
Hospital staffing and scheduling is unglamorous, complex and tedious work, and Veeraj Shah, Vitalize CEO and co-founder, believes it's the most valuable healthcare task to tackle. | Vitalize positions its software as an "air traffic control" system for healthcare operations, helping health systems automate staffing, forecast demand, manage capacity and reduce reliance on overtime and agency labor.
Trinity Health improves to 1.1% operating margin in FY2026
Trinity Health grew its operating income from a narrow loss to a $281.1 million gain (1.1% operating margin) in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, a performance improvement the large nonprofit at | The 91-hospital system credited volume gains and greater rates for its 5.2% operating revenue growth and expense management, including a reduction in full-time equivalents and checked cost growth "well below the medical rate of inflation."
Datavant, ID.me partner on digital identity verification for medical records
Datavant is partnering with identity verification company ID.me to help patients request their medical records faster and more easily via simple digital credentials. | Datavant has teamed up with ID.me to streamline medical records requests, enabling patients to verify their identities digitally and access records faster.
BridgeBio taps Hip Hop Public Health and others up to put a new beat on ATTR-CM awareness
Attruby maker BridgeBio is re-upping its “Don’t Pass on Your Heart Health” campaign with a fresh new beat. | BridgeBio's YouTube awareness push to lead up to World Amyloidosis Day features a conversation with Hip Hop Public Health's Doug E. Fresh and more.
How Optum, Owensboro Health teamed up to build a virtual nursing program
Kentucky-based Owensboro Health is teaming up with Optum Insight to pair bedside nurses with virtual nurses, freeing up frontline clinicians to dedicate more time to patient care. | Owensboro Health is teaming up with Optum Insight to pair bedside nurses with virtual nurses to free up frontline clinicians to dedicate more time to patient care.
MultiCare Health System to launch new health plan
Tacoma, Wash.-based MultiCare Health System is set to launch its own health plan next year, the organization
Weekly Rundown: Duke University launches digital twin program; Welldoc unveils AI-powered care loop
Stay up to date on the latest in health tech, digital health and health AI news with this weekly brief. Read below for news from the week of Sept. 28 to Oct. 2. | The latest news from Yosi Health, Grindr, K Health, Welldoc, Duke University and more.
RFK Jr.'s AI claims spark physician backlash as debate over medical AI intensifies
Robert F. | Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said on Tuesday that artificial intelligence can provide patients a second opinion that is "much better informed than any doctor in the country."
HHS awards nearly $250M in addiction treatment, overdose prevention grants
The U.S. | Projects supported include those to strengthen mental health support in schools, expand trauma treatment for families and children and more.
Microbiome testing company Tiny Health clinches $33M to scale research, enterprise partnerships
Tiny Health, a microbiome testing company, has clinched $33 million in an oversubscribed series B round. | Alongside the funding news, Tiny announced the launch of a $5 million Microbiome Research Program to enable researchers, clinicians and scientific partners to investigate important intervention strategies in microbiome health.
CommonSpirit Health grows operating revenue 8.5% to $42.4B in FY2026
CommonSpirit Health grew its revenues by 8.5% during its 2026 fiscal year while trimming its operating losses by $257 million, notwithstanding the multibillion-dollar hit it absorbed earlier this y | The 156-hospital nonprofit chopped its operating losses down by $257 million, notwithstanding the multibillion-dollar impact of its revenue cycle management breakup with Tenet Health.
Johnson & Johnson survey finds women not connecting menopause to eye health changes
Hot flashes, mood and sleep disturbances are common themes for menopause: But vision changes are not as well recognized on the list of common symptoms. | Hot flashes, mood and sleep disturbances are common themes for menopause: But vision changes are not one that makes the list of common symptoms. Now, J&J is looking to highlight this often-overlooked issue.
Crisis responses, H.R. 1 fallout are challenging states' mental health delivery
North Carolina and Wisconsin are working to decouple law enforcement from crisis response, leverage 988 in care entry and conquer longstanding data silos. | State officials spoke frankly about the challenges they face in delivering equitable mental healthcare during policy sessions at the annual Behavioral Health Tech conference last week, held in Nashville.
Employers increasingly tie digital health payments to outcomes, PHTI survey finds
Performance-based contracting is becoming the norm for digital health solutions, with the majority of employers and health plans tying vendor payments to clinical and financial outcomes, according | The report drew insights from 321 digital health professionals responsible for purchasing across health plans, employers and health systems.
Ex-Genentech, Meta, AWS AI leaders launch health AI lab with $500M backing
A new frontier artificial intelligence lab for healthcare launched with a $500 million commitment from Thoreau. | The AI startup, Ortet plans to build a full-stack platform for health, spanning compute and data infrastructure, frontier research and model development and deployment.
Hairdressing Is an Art; Let’s Remember It’s Also a Business
Across the country, hair salons are seeing demand for their services grow. And while beauty professionals may have amazing skills as far as their craft, what almost none of them have been taug | L.A. hairstylist, salon owner, and educator Paula Peralta argues that while technical skills may launch a career, business education is what helps stylists build their futures.
Elevance Health rolls out new site-of-care billing policies
Elevance Health is rolling out new billing policies that aim to ensure services are paid for at the appropriate level and drive greater transparency into where patients receive care. | Elevance Health is rolling out new billing policies that aim to ensure services are paid for at the appropriate level and drive greater transparency into where patients receive care.
Midwest nonprofits HealthPartners, Essentia Health announce merger plans
Minnesota-based nonprofits HealthPartners and Essentia Health have announced plans to combine, setting the stage for an integrated 22-hospital system spanning multiple Midwest states. | The deal would yield a roughly $12.5 billion, multi-state integrated nonprofit with 22 hospitals and a 1.6 million-member insurance business.
Health tech's dealmaking boom is back as firms chase scale and profitable growth
Health tech and digital health merger and acquisition activity remains a major force in 2026, driven by strategic expansion and the race for competitive artificial intelligence capabilities. | Health tech and digital health M&A activity remains a major force in 2026, driven by strategic expansion and the race for competitive artificial intelligence capabilities.
Smart ring maker Oura postpones public listing due to 'uncertainty in the IPO market'
The digital health IPO window may be closing, at least for now. | Smart ring maker and health tracking company Oura is postponing its previously announced initial public offering on Nasdaq due to "uncertainty in the IPO market," the company announced Tuesday morning.
UnitedHealthcare, Team Health settle $100M fraud suit in Tennessee
A 2021 legal battle between UnitedHealthcare and Team Health was dismissed after the parties reached a settlement, per court documents. | A 2021 legal battle between UnitedHealthcare and Team Health was dismissed after the parties reached a settlement, per court documents.
Merck's holistic HIV health hive buzzes with the help of actress Debbie Allen
Merck’s newly unveiled HIV education program “Your Hive of Whole Health” is buzzing with the help of a queen bee in famed actor and HIV advocate Debbie Allen. | Merck's "Your Hive of Whole Health" brings together a hoard of educational resources and tips to promote holistic health for those living with HIV.
Adventist Health strikes $18.5M settlement resolving sexual abuse lawsuit
Adventist Health has struck an $18.5 million settlement resolving a lawsuit brought by former patients who alleged sexual abuse from an employed physical therapist. | The settlement translates to more than $2.6 million per plaintiff, “representing one of the nation’s largest per-plaintiff recoveries in a sexual abuse case involving a medical provider,” law firm Lewis & Llewellyn said.
Pioneer of China NewCo model sued in US over trade secret misuse, double-dealing
A legal feud unfolding in New York is putting a spotlight on the work of a business development veteran who is credited for pioneering one of biopharma’s hottest dealmaking mechanism: the China “NewCo” model. In a lawsuit originally filed in New York state court and recently moved to federal court, China’s Lepu Medical Technology has alleged that biopharma business development consultant Su Zhang, who was hired to help shop its GLP-1 weight-loss candidates to Western partners, engaged in corporate double-dealing and trade secret leaks. According to the complaint, while acting as Lepu’s primary dealmaking liaison for a group of obesity and metabolic disease drug candidates, Zhang was secretly double-dipping as the acting chief business officer for a direct competitor, BrightGene Pharmaceutical. “She never adequately disclosed the role, never sought Lepu’s consent, and never proposed any safeguard,” Lepu alleged in its complaint, which was filed in July after Zhang’s consulting firm, CoDevCo, sought certain transaction-based success fees from its angry customer through an arbitration process in Singapore. Lepu, the parent company of Lepu Biopharma, has asked Zhang to pay back its $500,000 retainer and disgorge all benefits she received during the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, plus other damages and relief. The company has also requested the court grant injunctions to protect Lepu’s trade secrets. The ill-fated partnership officially kicked off in December 2024, when Lepu tapped CoDevCo as its “exclusive business development mechanism” to identify collaborators for the company’s drug candidates. According to Lepu’s complaint, Zhang personally negotiated and signed the agreement as managing director for CoDevCo, which used her home address. Before the Lepu deal, Zhang made a name following a short stint as the global head of business development for Hengrui Pharmaceuticals. It was during her tenure that Hengrui signed a landmark deal granting exclusive rights for a portfolio of GLP-1 assets to Hercules, which was at that time newly established by a group of private equity and venture capital firms. In addition to the regular upfront and milestone payments, Hengrui also gained an equity stake in Hercules, which later became Kailera Therapeutics. The Hengrui-Hercules deal opened a new paradigm, where a Chinese biopharma company spins off certain early-stage assets to investors for further development through the creation of a new company abroad. The “NewCo” model quickly came into vogue as it allows Western investors to access high-potential assets originating from China at an early stage while giving the Chinese licensors an opportunity to reap long-term benefits through equity stakes in the new firms. The NewCo model proved its value when Kailera staged a record-breaking $625 million IPO on Nasdaq this April, merely two years into the Hengrui deal. Related Kailera CEO 'knew we were in a good spot' before obesity biotech's record-breaking $625M IPO On her LinkedIn page, Zhang described her work at Hengrui as “[b]uilding team and capability from the ground up,” forming NewCo and major pharma partnerships worth billions of dollars. Lepu clearly wanted that kind of track record to help boost its own cardiometabolic portfolio, which includes a range of assets for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and muscle preservation during weight loss treatment. “Lepu’s pipeline is very valuable, but only if Lepu could secure the right international partner to expand into the overseas market during the available commercial window,” the company argued in its complaint. The Chinese biotech said it had little knowledge of U.S. laws, customs or business practices in the business development field, and therefore “needed to rely entirely” on the expertise of Zhang and her team as the firm’s first engagement of a U.S.-based BD consultant. “Zhang’s dominating influence on the business development strategy is further evidenced by the fact that she personally controlled the business-development communications on behalf of Lepu with potential partners,” Lepu said in its complaint. After entering the deal, Zhang introduced Lepu to her four associates. According to Lepu’s version of events, all of them were allegedly employed at different time points to perform similar jobs at other Chinese companies that Lepu described as its competitors, while having access to Lepu’s confidential information. As such, Lepu described Zhang’s team as “a roster of individuals whose primary professional loyalty, by virtue of their concurrent full-time employment, ran to Lepu’s competitors.” As well as the specific examples set out in the case, a look at Lepu’s deals over the period suggests Zhang may have been involved in at least one transaction. During their partnership, Lepu, through its subsidiary Shanghai Minwei Biotechnology, also out-licensed its GLP-1/GIP/FGF21 agonist MWN105 to a NewCo called Sidera Bio in the fall of 2025. The deal included an upfront and near-term payment of $35 million, up to $1.01 billion in milestones, and a 9.99% stake in the Danish startup. It seems likely that Zhang facilitated the Minwei deal given that Lepu is on record as having used CoDevCo as its “exclusive business development mechanism.” The big shock for Lepu came in the form of a news article on June 25, 2025. The article, reporting on phase 2 data for BrightGene’s GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist BGM0504, identified Zhang as acting chief business officer of the Lepu rival. Blindsided by her association with BrightGene, Lepu confronted Zhang in July 2025. “Lepu was given assurances that there was nothing to be concerned about and told that Zhang would explain the matter to Lepu,” Lepu alleged in its complaint. “Zhang never did.” Lepu claimed that Zhang had the motive and opportunity to steer potential prospective partners toward BrightGene or other competitors. Later, in February 2026, one of Zhang’s associates joined BrightGene as the vice president for global business development, according to the complaint. Around the same time, Lepu sent written demand letters asking Zhang to account for her BrightGene role, identify what confidential data were shared with the rival firm, and provide any conflict-of-interest or firewall policies during the engagement. According to Lepu, neither CoDevCo nor Zhang answered the questions in their responses. Related Novo vs. KBP: How a $1.3B deal turned into a fraud accusation and an international legal fight In a motion to dismiss filed with the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of New York on Sept. 4, Zhang’s legal team argued that Lepu’s agreement was signed with CoDevCo, and that an employee of the contractor does not owe fiduciary duties to the client. In its complaint, Lepu said: “That CoDevCo was the contracting entity does not insulate Zhang from personal liability for duties she personally undertook and personally breached.” Taking the argument one step further, the defending party argued that the consulting agreement “does not create a fiduciary relationship even between CoDevCo and Lepu; instead, it identifies CoDevCo as an independent contractor retained to market Lepu’s business to potential western partners.” Although CoDevCo was Lepu’s exclusive business-development contractor, there were no terms stipulating that the consulting firm should serve only Lepu, Zhang’s lawyer noted. As to Lepu’s claims that Zhang misappropriated trade secrets, the defendant argued that Lepu authorized the use of the information so Zhang’s team could perform their service per the agreement. In a rebuttal filed on Sept. 11, Lepu’s lawyer set out why they believe the Chinese biotech satisfied New York law’s misappropriation definition by alleging that the defendant used a trade secret “in breach of a duty or through improper means.” As an alternative to dismissing the suit, the defendant suggested the action should be stayed pending outcomes from the arbitration of a separate case in Singapore. While NewCo pioneer Zhang is defending her business arrangements, momentum behind the NewCo trend has continued unabated into 2026. Through August, Chinese biotech assets have spurred 15 NewCo deals this year, according to local trade publication PharmaDJ.
Berry Street, Abbott partner to link Lingo CGM with nutrition coaching
Nutrition care company Berry Street and Abbott inked a partnership aimed at expanding personalized nutrition support. | Through the partnership, Abbott’s Lingo, an over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor, will now feature live nutrition coaching from Berry Street.
Oracle Health rolls out AI solutions for RCM, oncology as part of broader healthcare, life sciences strategy
ORLANDO, Fla.—Healthcare is entering an AI era, and the industry needs a fundamentally different architecture designed for AI from the start, Oracle Health executives said Wednesday. | Healthcare is entering an AI era, and the industry needs a fundamentally different architecture designed for AI from the start, Oracle Health executives said Wednesday.
AI-enabled Pelago expands from SUD care to mental health, behavioral addictions
Pelago, a virtual substance use disorder (SUD) provider, has expanded to mental health and behavioral addiction care. | The new Pelago Behavioral Health Platform means co-occurring conditions can be assessed and treated in a single plan. Behavioral addiction programming includes gambling, gaming and binge eating
AstraZeneca recommits to youth health to dial funding past $100M
AstraZeneca has re-upped its UNICEF-partnered Young Health Programme (YHP),
Par Health recalls IV sedative in US, flagging presence of cellulose, stopper material
Par Health has issued a
Virtual SUD support platform Nosis launches to address lifestyle, diet needs
Nosis, a platform supporting substance use disorder (SUD) recovery, is launching from stealth in all 50 states. | The virtual startup leverages labs with health coaches and dietitians to address the biological and metabolic health needs of individuals in recovery.
Teal Health raises $22M ahead of expected surge in demand with new coverage mandate
Teal Health, maker of an FDA-approved at-home cervical cancer screening device, has raised $22 million in a Series A funding round. | Starting in 2027, most health plans are required to cover the cost of self-collected tests with no cost to consumers, including follow-up tests. Teal is working to coordinate billing with major commercial payers ahead of that deadline.
Business Group on Health taps BioRadar to boost workforce readiness for emerging threats
Biological threat intelligence is increasingly becoming a workforce and business issue, not just a public health concern. | Biological threat intelligence is increasingly becoming a workforce and business issue, not just a public health concern. Emerging threats—infectious disease outbreaks, pandemics and potential bioterrorism events—can cause workforce and operational disruptions.
Business Group on Health taps BioRadar to boost workforce readiness for emerging threats
Biological threat intelligence is increasingly becoming a workforce and business issue, not just a public health concern. | Biological threat intelligence is increasingly becoming a workforce and business issue, not just a public health concern. Emerging threats—infectious disease outbreaks, pandemics and potential bioterrorism events—can cause workforce and operational disruptions.
Tissot Introduces the First Quartz PRX Chronograph
Tissot adds a quartz chronograph to the PRX collection, pairing its integrated steel design with a cool vertically brushed dial and slim built.
Wenger Corporation Launches GearBoss® Sports Rigging for Sports and Entertainment Venues
OWATONNA, MINN. | Serving arenas, stadiums, universities and other large-scale venues with specialized rigging solutions for increasingly complex environments.
Walmart launches rural health ambassador pilot, tapping pharmacists for expanded support
Big box retailer Walmart is launching a six-month pilot program that places pharmacists in a new “Health Ambassador” role at five rural stores to help customers navigate health and wellness resourc | Walmart’s Health Ambassador Associate roles will be given to trained pharmacists at each store participating in the program.
Oura, Counsel Health join CMS ACCESS model to test whether wearables and AI can improve chronic care at scale
Oura and Counsel Health are teaming up to participate in CMS' 10-year chronic condition management program, betting that continuous health data from Oura's smart ring paired with medical AI can hel | Counsel Health, an AI-native primary care company, plans to participate in CMS' ACCESS Model under the early cardio-kidney-metabolic track, with smart ring maker Oura serving as the preferred wearable partner.
Sentara Health pilots GW RhythmX's AI precision care platform to support emerging primary care models
Not-for-profit health system Sentara Health is moving beyond administrative automation to test artificial intelligence-powered clinical care directly during primary care visits. | Not-for-profit health system Sentara Health is moving beyond administrative automation to test artificial intelligence-powered clinical care directly during primary care visits.
SCAN Health Plan, Walmart partner on Medicare Advantage plans
SCAN Health Plan is partnering with retail giant Walmart to launch a co-branded Medicare Advantage plan in two states, the companies
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Oracle Health extends clinical AI agent to inpatient nurses
Oracle Health is building out its generative AI capabilities for inpatient nursing workflows. The company announced the U.S. | The clinical AI agent, embedded directly within the Oracle Health Foundation EHR, combines voice-driven chart navigation and search, acute nursing summaries and voice-enabled discrete charting.
Ayble Health banks $16M series A to expand AI-driven precision digestive, autoimmune healthcare
Ayble Health secured a $16 million oversubscribed series A funding round to accelerate its expansion into artificial intelligence-driven precision digestive and autoimmune healthcare. | Ayble Health says it is currently in-network with most commercial health plans, covering more than 80 million patients through its various partnerships.
CMS extends ACCESS model to more chronic conditions as agency official eye cross-payer alignment
The Trump administration is rapidly expanding its 10-year ACCESS Model, a value-based payment program that reimburses digital health companies based on patient outcomes rather than services deliver | The Trump administration is rapidly expanding its 10-year ACCESS Model, a value-based payment program that reimburses digital health companies based on patient outcomes rather than services delivered.
Only 46% of Gen Z, Millennial health plan members trust payers: Accenture survey
Member trust in insurers is on the decline among Gen Z and Millennials, down 10.5% between 2023 and 2026, new research from Accenture found. | This trust gap, according to analysts, could cost $3 billion in future member lifetime value for the largest commercial payers over the next decade.
Knowtex launches frontier healthcare AI lab
Artificial intelligence company Knowtex launched a frontier AI lab for healthcare, aimed at developing and rigorously evaluating clinical AI tools for accuracy, auditability and clinician trust.
Evvy raises $40M to expand precision medicine for vaginal health
Evvy, a precision medicine company focused on the vaginal microbiome, has raised an oversubscribed $40 million series B round. | Evvy makes an at-home vaginal health test whose results are clinician-reviewed and offers personalized treatment plans, also driving real-world data collection and research on women's health.
GE HealthCare launches AI-driven operations system
GE HealthCare announced Tuesday the launch of a new artificial intelligence-enabled SaaS application to help healthcare organizations optimize resources and expand care access. | The application—dubbed CareIntellect for Operations—can forecast capacity constraints up to 72 hours in advance, the company says.
Sovereignty drives Orange Business to open-weight AI
Orange Business shifted sensitive AI work to open-weight models it runs itself, with sovereignty outwe | Sovereignty concerns are motivating Orange Business to move sensitive AI workloads onto open-weight models it runs itself.
Precision for All: Closing the Gap Between Science and Life
Biopharma innovation is moving fast, yet according to Ryan Keeling, CEO of Diaceutics, the industry continues to face a fundamental challenge: too many eligible patients never reach the therap | Why are so many eligible patients still missing the therapies designed for them?
Weekly Rundown: Cleveland Clinic taps Luminai for AI automation; Quest brings lab testing to Apple Health
Stay up to date on the latest in health tech, digital health and health AI news with this weekly brief. Read below for news from the week of Sept. 7 to 11. | The latest news from Suki, Apple, Cleveland Clinic, Luminai, Rainfall Health and more.
University of Iowa Health Care calls off $2B+ patient tower build
Plans to build a new, $2 billion-plus patient care tower and other accompanying upgrades at the University of Iowa Health Care’s main campus are off the table in favor of smaller-scale upgrades to | "Significant financial challenges” facing the healthcare industry at large have limited Iowa Health Care’s ability to “responsibly” deploy capital toward the five-year build. It is now proposing a $380 million capital plan focused on updating and expanding existing facilities.
Optum Health CEO pulls back curtain on turnaround
As UnitedHealth Group continues to chart its turnaround from a challenging 2025, the company's top brass is pulling back the curtain on those efforts at its healthcare services unit, Optum Health.< | As UnitedHealth Group continues to chart a turnaround from a challenging 2025, the company's top brass is pulling back the curtain on those efforts at its healthcare services unit, Optum Health.
Interra Health now supports CMS’ GLP-1 Bridge Program
Electronic prescribing platform Interra Health announced Tuesday that it now supports the U.S. | Interra Health’s platform alerts providers when patients may be eligible to enroll in the program, executives say.
Anomaly Insights, Inova Health partner on AI-powered RCM
Artificial intelligence-powered payer intelligence startup Anomaly Insights announced Thursday a collaboration with Inova Health to improve payment outcomes and support revenue management operation | Through the partnership, Anomaly will provide Inova with additional data and analytics to evaluate payer behavior and payment outcomes.
As elective surgical volumes drag in 2026, health system execs say solid demand is still in sight
Though surgical volumes were a sore spot for major for-profit health systems in the opening half of 2026, executives said this week they are optimistic those service lines will stay afloat for the | In fireside chats this week, leaders of the country's largest for-profit systems acknowledged a slowdown in demand that will generally continue through 2026. They also affirmed continued investments to meet future anticipated demand, particularly in ambulatory settings.
Obsidian Netron FS16 For Data-Intensive Entertainment Applications
Obsidian Control Systems is pleased to introduce the Netron FS16, a purpose-built network switch designed for lighting p | A purpose-built network switch designed for lighting professionals who demand rock-solid connectivity under the pressure of live production.
Increases in healthcare spending the largest driver behind premium growth: Yale study
As insurance premiums continue to rise, a new study finds that escalating healthcare spending is the leading factor behind the trend. | As insurance premiums continue to rise, a new study finds that escalating healthcare spending is the leading factor behind the trend.
Luma locks down 15-year, $410M fund for life science investments
Luma Group today announced the final close of its inaugural life sciences venture capital fund, totaling $410 million. The New York-based investment firm has had a grip on life sciences since its founding in 2023. The funds unveiled today, dubbed LumaBio Fund I, include investments that have already been made into more than 10 biotechs. They include the likes of eye disease-focused Character Biosciences, rebranded Belgian biotech Coultreon Biopharma and cellular rejuvenation company Altos Labs. The fund saw early success when one of the companies it co-founded, called Vaccine Company, was picked up by Eli Lilly earlier this year for up to $1.55 billion. The acquisition of the in vivo nanoparticle technology-focused biotech formed part of a trio of vaccine buys for the Big Pharma, which has itself been on a prolonged spending spree in 2026. Luma's fund is structured as a 15-year investment with plans to support groundbreaking science and support companies through key milestones from discovery to commercialization, Luma explained in the release. "We founded Luma Group on the belief that extraordinary science, supported by patient, long-term capital, has the power to improve millions of lives," Joshua Fink, founder and managing member of Luma Group, said in the release. "This fund represents more than capital—it is a commitment to partnering with extraordinary innovators as they translate visionary science into life-changing medicines."
H1 acquires Defacto Health to expand provider network intelligence
H1 has acquired Defacto Health, a healthcare data company focused on provider network intelligence, in a move to expand its offerings for health plans and strengthen its healthcare data assets. | H1 has acquired Defacto Health, a healthcare data company focused on provider network intelligence, in a move to expand its offerings for health plans and strengthen its healthcare data assets.