Healthcare & Life Sciences

Acknowledgment Letter to Mom3nts Production

FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), Division of Manufacturers and Communication (DMB), issued an acknowledgment letter to Mom3nts Production. The letter confirms receipt of a submission filed under docket FDA-2025-V-3791. No documents are available for public viewing on Regulations.gov; the letter content is contained in an attachment.

FDA Center for Tobacco Products Files Complaint - April 2026

The FDA Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) filed a complaint on April 14, 2026, initiating a formal enforcement action against tobacco product manufacturers. The complaint was submitted to regulations.gov under docket FDA-2026-H-3832. This filing represents FDA's regulatory enforcement mechanism for addressing violations of tobacco product standards under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

Electrode Balloon Catheter and High-Voltage Generation Processing Device Patent Grant

USPTO granted Patent US12599391B2 to Shanghai Microport Rotapace Medtech Co., Ltd. for an electrode balloon catheter and high-voltage generation processing device. The invention includes a balloon, inner catheter, and shock wave generation component with a flexible circuit layer enabling reduced passage size. The patent contains 15 claims and covers electrode arrangements positioned within the balloon connected via flexible circuitry.

Emergency Protocol Receptacle for Puncture Wounds - Patent US12599387B2

USPTO granted Patent US12599387B2 to Jesse Radford for an emergency protocol receptacle designed for puncture wounds. The invention utilizes an endothermic chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda to inflate a balloon, facilitating faster blood coagulation in puncture-type wounds. The patent covers a balloon, powder capsule, and depressible top cap configuration.

Zimmer Patent for Bone Graft Delivery Systems Granted

The USPTO granted Patent US12599388B2 to Zimmer, Inc. covering bone graft delivery devices and methods. The invention includes a cannula and cartridge system for compacting and delivering bone material through fluid communication to an implantation site. The patent names six inventors and contains 15 claims.

Bard Vascular Occlusion Device Patent US12599384B2 Granted

USPTO granted US Patent No. 12,599,384 (B2) to Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. on April 14, 2026, for a vascular occlusion device featuring an adjustable body with a pair of lobes and an adjustment assembly. The device allows modification of lobe distance through an elongated member and receiving member mechanism. The patent includes 20 claims and covers methods of use for vascular occlusion procedures.

LAA Occlusion Devices, Systems, and Methods Patent US12599386B2

USPTO granted patent US12599386B2 to Laminar, Inc. covering devices, systems, and methods for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) using implants that expand against cavity walls and twist to gather tissue, which can then be secured with fasteners. The patent, granted April 14, 2026, contains 5 claims and was filed August 28, 2020.

Medical Instrument with Consistent Smoothness of Action - US12599392B2

The USPTO granted Patent US12599392B2 to Aesculap AG for a medical instrument featuring improved pivot mechanism design with bearing portions and shoulder elements that ensure consistent sliding action. The patent, filed October 18, 2021, contains 19 claims covering surgical instruments with enhanced operational smoothness. Aesculap AG and its inventors Sven Barthelmes, Holger Loesdau, Christian Stark, and Markus Knecht hold the rights to this technology.

Olympus Endoscope System and Endoscopic Ligator Attachment Method Patent US12599385B2

The USPTO granted Patent US12599385B2 to Olympus Medical Systems Corp. for an endoscope system and endoscopic ligator attachment method. The patent covers an endoscope with an insertion section, a coupling thread with a coupling portion and thread portion, and a distal end cover that moves on the outer surface of the insertion section. The patent contains 18 claims and issues from Application No. 18115937, which was filed on March 1, 2023. This patent grant establishes enforceable intellectual property rights for Olympus Medical Systems Corp., granting them exclusive rights to practice the claimed endoscope system invention. Competitors in the medical device sector should monitor this patent when developing similar endoscopic devices to avoid potential infringement. The patent provides 20-year exclusivity from the filing date.

US12599389B2 - Multi-Sided Cutting Instrument for Mobilizing Small Foot Bones

USPTO granted patent US12599389B2 to Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. covering a multi-sided orthopedic cutting instrument with multiple cutting surfaces designed for mobilizing and realigning small bones in the foot. The invention includes a handle and cutting head with lead and side cutting surfaces arranged to control soft tissue cutting while limiting inadvertent deep penetration. The patent contains 31 claims and is classified under CPC codes A61B 17/1682, A61B 17/32, A61B 17/1659, and A61B 17/1604.

US12599785B2: Wearable Stereotactic Device, Apr 14

US12599785B2: Wearable Stereotactic Device, Apr 14

Congress Returns, Healthcare Hearings, Kennedy Testifies

McDermott+ Consulting published a weekly healthcare preview noting Congress has returned from recess with a full agenda focused on DHS funding and potential reconciliation legislation. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is scheduled to testify before three House committees regarding the President's FY 2027 HHS budget priorities. Multiple healthcare-related committee hearings are scheduled, including sessions on chronic disease prevention, healthcare innovation, fraud prevention in state-run programs, and public health legislation.

EPA Releases Draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List Including Microplastics for Public Comment

The EPA and HHS released a draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 6) on April 2, 2026, adding microplastics among other contaminants for public comment through June 5th. The listing is required under the Safe Drinking Water Act every five years but imposes no regulatory requirements. If microplastics are later included in the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 6, public water systems would need to sample and report during 2027-2031. California already requires statewide microplastics monitoring under SB 1422.

China Pharma Innovators Pursue Global Expansion via Licensing Deals

A&O Shearman published analysis on how Chinese pharmaceutical companies are expanding internationally through out-licensing, partnership, and NewCo deal structures. The article examines China's emergence as a leading pharma innovation hub responsible for 29% of the world's innovative drug pipeline, with regulatory approval times reduced from 663 days in 2017 to 105 days in 2024. Key legal and regulatory angles for these transaction structures are discussed.

HRSA 340B Rebate Model RFI Comments Due April 20; Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk Restrict 340B Pricing

HRSA has extended the deadline for comments on its proposed 340B rebate model pilot program to April 20, 2026. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have implemented policies requiring covered entities to submit dispensing data for all 340B drugs within 45 days of dispense. These changes increase administrative burden and create risk of pricing denials and cash flow disruption for covered entities.

100% Section 232 Tariffs on Patented Drugs, APIs, and Key Materials

The White House issued a presidential proclamation on April 6, 2026, imposing 100% additional Section 232 national security tariffs on patented pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and key starting materials. The tariffs affect pharmaceutical manufacturers and U.S. importers, with phased implementation beginning July 31, 2026 for certain companies and September 29, 2026 for others. Generic pharmaceuticals and U.S.-origin products are excluded from these tariffs.

FDA Form 483 Response Guidance, March 2026 Draft

FDA Form 483 Response Guidance, March 2026 Draft

Halozyme US12600959B2 - Modified PH20 Hyaluronidase Polypeptides

USPTO granted Patent US12600959B2 to Halozyme, Inc. covering modified PH20 hyaluronidase polypeptides with enhanced stability and activity. The patent includes 15 claims spanning formulations, compositions, and uses thereof. Filing date was March 5, 2025, with application number 19071345.

Isoxazolo[5,4-H]quinazoline CDK Inhibitor Patent

USPTO granted patent US12600731B2 to Chengdu Cynogen Bio-Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. for isoxazolo[5,4-H]quinazoline compounds effective as cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors for treating cell proliferation disorders. The patent contains 23 claims and covers pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating CDK-mediated diseases.

Benzazepine derivative for vasopressin receptor disease treatment

Benzazepine derivative for vasopressin receptor disease treatment

Rare Disease Advisory Council Meeting, Indianapolis, April 17th

The Indiana Department of Health announced a public meeting of the Rare Disease Advisory Council scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026. The meeting will take place in the Yoho Executive Board Room at 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204, with livestream access available. The advisory council includes members appointed by the Governor representing physicians, nurses, pharmacists, pharmaceutical representatives, advocacy organizations, research institutes, and ex-officio members from Indiana Medicaid and the DOI Commissioner.

Certified Health Care Professions Commission Public Meeting Notice

The Indiana Department of Health has published a notice of a public meeting of the Certified Health Care Professions Commission scheduled for April 21, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Indiana Government Center South, Conference Room C in Indianapolis. The meeting will be livestreamed and is open to the public. Commission members include representatives from nurse aide, registered nurse, health facility administrator, and consumer categories.

Handheld Electromechanical Surgical System Patent

USPTO granted Patent US12599378B2 to Covidien LP covering a handheld electromechanical surgical system. The device features an end effector with opposing jaw members, a drive beam, an adapter assembly, and a handle assembly with a power source, motor, force sensor, and motor controller for maintaining constant force during tissue approximation. The patent contains 17 claims and is classified under CPC codes A61B 90/06, A61B 17/068, A61B 17/072, and A61B 2090/064.

US12599381B2 - Surgical Stapler with Removable Power Pack

USPTO granted patent US12599381B2 to RevMedica, Inc. covering a surgical stapler with a removable power pack. The power pack contains motors and engagement members for firing fasteners and articulating the device, with sensors to track firing and articulation positions during surgery. The patent includes 19 claims.

Cilag GmbH Surgical Stapler and Staple Cartridge Patent, US12599380B2

USPTO granted patent US12599380B2 to Cilag GmbH International for a surgical stapler and staple cartridge system. The patent covers a retaining pin assembly design and staple cavity configuration where outermost edges align with or extend beyond the pin rod axis. The patent includes 20 claims and was filed on April 5, 2023.

CILAG Surgical Tissue Detection Patent (US12599379B2)

USPTO granted patent US12599379B2 to CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL on April 14, 2026. The patent covers devices, systems, and methods for detecting tissue and foreign objects during surgical operations using electrodes and impedance-based detection. The patent application was filed on February 26, 2024.

Staple Cartridge Comprising Formation Support Features - US12599382B2

The USPTO granted Patent US12599382B2 to Cilag GmbH International for a staple cartridge comprising formation support features. The patent, granted on April 14, 2026, covers a cartridge body including staple formation features with 20 claims. The filing date was January 17, 2025.

Applied Medical Surgical Stapler Actuation Shaft Retention - US12599383B2

The USPTO granted patent US12599383B2 to Applied Medical Resources Corporation for a powered surgical stapler handle with a retention mechanism. The mechanism applies direction-dependent frictional force on an actuation shaft to prevent unintentional movement of drivetrain components. The retention feature includes a featherboard-like configuration with transverse ribs restricting movement in one direction while permitting movement in the opposite direction.

Revolution Ascend CT Security Vulnerability Recall

Health Canada issued a Type II medical device recall for GE Healthcare Japan Corporation's Revolution Ascend CT systems due to a potential security vulnerability in the AW server deployed via Edison Health Link (EHL) based CT smart subscription. Three lots are affected: AS10G2400087YC, AS10G2400056YC, and AS10G2400081YC, all with model/catalogue number 00840682146173. Healthcare providers using these devices should contact the manufacturer for additional information regarding the cybersecurity vulnerability.

Dexcom G7 iOS CGM App Type II Recall - Display Flicker Issue

Health Canada issued a Type II medical device recall for Dexcom G7 iOS CGM App versions 2.9.0 to 2.11.2 (model SW12300). The affected apps display a flicker that sequentially shows previous Estimated Glucose Values before displaying the current reading. Users are advised to contact Dexcom, Inc. for additional information. The recall was published April 14, 2026, with recall date April 9, 2026.

Nitrous Oxide Chargers: Sold for Inhalation Without Market Authorization

Health Canada has issued a Type I recall for PUR GAS Cream Charger nitrous oxide products sold without Drug Identification Number (DIN) market authorization. The products, sold in multiple flavours including Blue Raspberry, Mango, and Grape, were marketed for inhalation purposes. Posh Glass Inc. of Calgary, Alberta is the affected company. Retailers are required to remove these products from the Canadian market.

Double-Bending Flexible Surgical Tool System

USPTO granted Patent US12599374B2 to Beijing Surgery Robotics Company Limited for a double-bending flexible surgical tool system. The system includes a mechanical arm with four continuum segments forming two dual continuum mechanisms, driven by a transmission unit to enable opposing bending movements. The patent contains 13 claims and covers surgical robotics technology for enhanced precision in surgical procedures.

Knee Tensioner-Balancer Method Patent B2

The USPTO granted Patent US12599377B2 to Dynamic Balancer Systems LLC on April 14, 2026. The patent covers a knee tensioner-balancer method using force sensors to evaluate human knee joints and generate digital geometric models. The invention tracks medial and lateral condyle contact points during knee flexion across a range of angles.

FUJIFILM Ultrasound Diagnostic System with Transducer Verification Mode

The USPTO granted FUJIFILM Corporation Patent US12599370B2 for an ultrasound diagnostic system with a verification mode for detecting failed transducer channels. The system analyzes ultrasound image data to identify failed channels and adjusts detection criteria based on the influence on image quality. Application 18778868 was filed on July 19, 2024, and the patent contains 11 claims.

US12599371B2 - Apparatus and Separation Cell for Separating Drops of Biological Liquid from Transport Air

USPTO granted patent US12599371B2 to NISO BIOMED S.R.L. covering an apparatus with a separation cell for separating drops of biological liquid from transport air in flows from endoscopes. The separation cell features an inner chamber with upper inlet connectable to an endoscope, a bottom outlet for biological liquid connected to a suction pump and collection/analysis element, and an upper outlet for transport air connected to a vacuum source. The cell forms a V-shaped depression determining the transport air path. Patent includes 9 claims.

FUJIFILM US12599368B2 Patent - Blood Vessel Aggregate Detection

USPTO granted patent US12599368B2 to FUJIFILM Corporation on April 14, 2026, covering an information processing apparatus, method, and program for detecting blood vessel aggregate regions in ultrasound images. The patent claims a blood vessel aggregate detection unit that identifies regions where three or more blood vessels are aggregated, and a highlight display unit that visually emphasizes these regions in the ultrasound image for medical diagnostic purposes.

GE Precision Healthcare 3D Pleural Surface Ultrasound Patent US12599367B2

USPTO granted GE Precision Healthcare LLC Patent US12599367B2 for methods and systems generating 3D pleural surfaces from ultrasound imaging. The patent covers generating a 3D pleural surface viewed from inside the lung using 2D or 3D ultrasound images with virtual light source shading. The patent contains 16 claims and names five inventors.

Biopsy Device Having Linear Motor

USPTO granted patent US12599373B2 to C.R. Bard, Inc. on April 14, 2026. The patent covers a biopsy device with a linear motor featuring dual feedback circuits that simultaneously control axial advancement and compensate for user movement. The 20-claim patent names Chad Van Liere and Aseem Singh as inventors.

CooperSurgical Surgical Retractor with Non-Slip Blade Texture Patent

USPTO granted patent US12599376B2 to CooperSurgical, Inc. for an illuminated surgical retractor with a non-slip textured blade. The invention features a blade surface with preferential grip in the extraction direction and minimal grip in opposing directions. The patent contains 30 claims and names Jeffrey Ralph Swift, Jason Swift, Matthew Traub, and Nicholas Lauder as inventors.

GUNZE LIMITED Patent For Atrial Septal Defect Treatment

USPTO granted patent US12599375B2 to GUNZE LIMITED on April 14, 2026. The patent covers a medical material for treating atrial septal defect with a mesh structure made of bioabsorbable linear material and a reversible locking mechanism. Inventors are Yuuki Kato and Hinami Nakamura.

Ultrasound Patent for Measuring Physiological Properties

The USPTO granted patent US12599369B2 to FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc. for ultrasound methods and systems measuring physiological properties. The technology measures vessel-wall displacement and blood-flow velocity at two locations of the same vessel to determine pulse-wave velocity and blood pressure without requiring ECG data. The patent includes 20 claims and was filed on March 1, 2024.

NY DOH Recognizes Black Maternal Health Week, Hosts Roundtable and Launches Social Media Campaign

The New York State Department of Health recognized Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17) by hosting a roundtable discussion at Ancient Song Doula Services in Brooklyn with healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers to discuss critical issues affecting Black maternal health. The Department also launched a social media campaign, 'Healthy Mothers. Strong Communities,' to raise awareness about maternal health disparities and promote equitable health outcomes for Black mothers and birthing people across New York State.

Boston Scientific Scimed Ultrasonic Imaging Ablation Catheter Patent

The USPTO granted Patent US12599360B2 to Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. covering an integrated ultrasonic imaging and ablation catheter system. The invention utilizes MEMS-based Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) technology and dual electrode carrier assemblies for cardiac ablation procedures. The patent contains 15 claims and was filed on October 24, 2022.

Methods and Systems for Ultrasound Imaging of a Body in Motion

The USPTO granted Patent US12599358B2 to inventors Philippe Cormier, Jonathan Poree, and Jean Provost for methods and systems enabling ultrasound imaging of a body in motion. The patent covers computing Lagrangian coordinates from Eulerian-based ultrasound images and forming Lagrangian-based ultrasound images using those coordinates. The patent contains 20 claims and was filed on August 5, 2021.

Ultrasound Diagnostic Apparatus and Method - US12599359B2

USPTO granted Fujifilm Corporation Patent US12599359B2 for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and control method capable of displaying blood vessel measurements within an ultrasound image display range. The apparatus includes features for detecting regions of interest and positioning blood vessel information display accordingly. The patent includes 20 claims and was filed on January 31, 2022.

US12599362B2 - TERUMO - 3D Medical Image Processing Device

USPTO granted patent US12599362B2 to TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA for an image processing device that displays three-dimensional biological tissue data as a 3D image with 2D cross-sectional views. The patent covers technology for forming cutting regions in 3D medical imaging data to expose lumens and display corresponding cross-sections.

Wearable Device for Hands-Free Operation of an Ultrasound Probe

The USPTO granted patent US12599363B2 to GE Precision Healthcare LLC on April 14, 2026, for a wearable device enabling hands-free operation of an ultrasound probe. The invention comprises a mount with a spherical outer surface and opening to receive a probe, a base with an inner circumferential surface for selective rotation about at least one axis, and a lock to secure the probe position and orientation. The patent contains 20 claims.

Ultrasound Simulation System Patent, Simhawk Ltd

USPTO granted patent US12599364B2 to Simhawk Ltd on April 14, 2026, for an ultrasound simulation system. The invention comprises a camera, physical tridimensional reference element attached to an ultrasound transducer, and processing module that digitally images the reference element, determines spatial data relative to a virtual location-identifying orientation, and displays ultrasound data when spatial data matches. The patent contains 24 claims under CPC classification A61B 8/4245.

Boston Scientific Scimed - Ultrasonic Imaging ICE Catheter System Patent

USPTO granted Patent US12599361B2 to Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. for an ICE imaging system featuring an intracardiac echocardiography catheter with a micro-electromechanical phased array ultrasound transducer. The patent covers a catheter with 6 French or smaller outer diameter designed for delivery through venous systems into heart chambers for pacemaker and ICD lead placement imaging. The patent protects the electronic flex cable architecture and signal processing methods for constructing heart images from ultrasound beam transmissions.

Stabilizing Transnasal Balloon Sheath Patent US12599365B2

USPTO granted patent US12599365B2 to Medtronic, Inc. for a transnasal transesophageal balloon catheter with compliant balloons, fluid channels, and a probe guide lumen of less than 15 French. The patent covers technology for slidably and rotatably receiving an ultrasound probe during transnasal procedures.