VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the “Company” or “Algernon”) (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW0) (OTCQB: AGNPF), a Canadian healthcare company announces that it has signed a definitive equipment order and financing agreement with Catalyst MedTech for the provision of four, U.S. FDA cleared Oncovision CareMiBrain™ brain-specific, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner systems to be utilized in four planned Algernon neuroimaging medical clinics. This ...

Group 1 - Philips is actively engaging with policymakers in Washington regarding investigations into U.S. imports of medical technology items [1] - The company does not anticipate an immediate impact from these probes [1]

Core Insights - Cigna has approved coverage for Cleerly's AI-QCT/AI-CPA technology, effective October 1, 2025, expanding access to cardiovascular imaging for 61 million Americans [1][3][4] - This decision marks a significant recognition of the clinical and economic value of AI-based cardiovascular imaging technology [1][4] - The rapid adoption by major insurers reflects increasing clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of AI-QCT in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing healthcare costs [4] Coverage Details - Cigna will cover AI-QCT/AI-CPA imaging for patients meeting specific clinical criteria starting October 1, 2025 [4] - The combined coverage from Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, EviCore, and Medicare will provide access to advanced imaging technology for over 61 million Americans [3][4] - The upcoming CPT I code for the technology, effective January 2026, further supports its integration into standard care [3] Industry Impact - The approval by Cigna is seen as a pivotal moment for precision medicine in cardiology, enhancing clinical insights and supporting informed care decisions [4] - Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., making advancements in diagnostic technology particularly significant [4] - Cleerly's approach is based on extensive data from over 40,000 patients, aiming to establish a new standard of care for heart disease [6][7]

Core Insights - Stryker Corporation (SYK) reported strong second-quarter 2025 results, with net sales increasing by 11.1% year over year to $6.1 billion and organic sales growing by 10.2% [1][6] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.13 surpassed consensus estimates, driven by healthy volume growth, favorable pricing, and disciplined execution [1][2] Short-Term Growth Drivers - The orthopaedics segment showed significant strength, with knee implants rising by 6.3% and hip implants advancing by 8.9%, supported by increased elective procedure volumes and the adoption of the Mako robotic platform [3][4] - Mako procedures exceeded 2 million, with international markets playing a crucial role in expanding robotic-assisted surgery capabilities [4][6] - The MedSurg and Neurotechnology segment achieved 16.7% organic growth, driven by demand for patient handling systems, surgical instruments, and neurovascular solutions [7][6] Long-Term Growth Drivers - Stryker's international business is a key growth lever, with double-digit gains in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, and low penetration of robotic-assisted surgery in emerging markets presents significant opportunities [8] - The company maintains a strong innovation pipeline across various medical fields, with R&D investments consistently above 6% of sales [9] - Recent acquisitions, such as Wright Medical's spine assets and Cerus Endovascular, are generating integration benefits and expanding Stryker's market presence [10][11] Challenges - Competitive pressures in the robotics and devices market are intensifying, with rivals like Zimmer Biomet, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic advancing their platforms [15] - Macro pressures, including inflation and currency volatility, are impacting margins, with management noting that these factors affected performance in the second quarter [16] - Supply-chain risks remain, particularly in electronic components and specialty materials, which could limit product availability [17] Competitors' Update - Zimmer Biomet reported net sales of approximately $2.08 billion, up 7% year over year, and raised its full-year EPS guidance [18] - Johnson & Johnson achieved sales of $23.7 billion, marking a 5.8% year-over-year increase, and raised its full-year sales forecast [19] - Medtronic's revenues reached roughly $8.58 billion, reflecting an 8.3% year-over-year increase, with raised guidance for organic revenue growth and EPS [21] Conclusion - Stryker's second-quarter performance underscores its strong execution across key segments while maintaining margin discipline [22] - The company's robust pipeline, global expansion, and integration synergies present a compelling long-term outlook, although premium valuation and competitive intensity temper the near-term investment case [22]

MESA, ARIZONA / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / Medical Care Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK:MDCE) announced a breakthrough in diabetes detection with its AI Facial Health Risk Estimator. The platform extracts subtle facial biomarkers-including skin tone irregularities, microvascular patterns, and elasticity loss-which correlate with early insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes risk. ...

Company Overview - ResMed is a global leader in cloud-connected and digital health, focusing on three verticals: Sleep Health, Breathing Health, and Health Care Technology delivered in the home [3] - The company has sold 13 million 100% cloud-connectable medical devices across 140 countries, emphasizing the significance of the bedside table as a critical location for health technology [4] Data and Achievements - ResMed has accumulated 23 billion nights of respiratory medical data from its devices, showcasing its extensive reach and data collection capabilities in the healthcare sector [4] - Founded in 1989, ResMed has established itself as a major player in the healthcare technology market [4]

ResMed Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: ResMed (NYSE:RMD) - **Industry**: Digital health and medical devices, focusing on sleep health, breathing health, and healthcare technology delivered at home - **Headquarters**: San Diego, California - **Founded**: 1989 - **Market Presence**: Sold 30 million cloud-connectable medical devices in 140 countries, with 23 billion nights of respiratory medical data collected [5][6] Core Strategies and Goals - **ResMed 2030 Strategy**: Aims to improve 500 million lives by 2030 through innovative products and services [6][7] - **Recent Achievements**: Changed 154 million lives in the last 12 months with devices and software [7] - **Product Development**: Focus on creating the smallest, quietest, and most comfortable devices, with a strong emphasis on cloud connectivity and intelligence [7][10] Financial Performance - **Free Cash Flow**: Generated over $1.7 billion in free cash flow in the last 12 months [9] - **Gross Margin Improvement**: Achieved 230 basis points year-on-year gross margin accretion in Q4 and 150 basis points quarter-on-quarter [9][10] - **Net Operating Profit Margins**: Currently in the range of 33-34% [10] Innovation and Product Development - **New Products**: Launched innovative products like the AirTouch N30i and AirFit F40, incorporating fabric into patient interfaces [11] - **Acquisitions**: Acquired Ectosense for its home sleep testing technology and Virtuox for home sleep apnea testing [12][57] - **Research Utilization**: Leveraging 23 billion nights of data to improve products and contribute to peer-reviewed research [13][14] Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape - **Tariff Relief**: ResMed products benefit from tariff relief under the Nairobi Protocol, ensuring no tariffs on products made in various locations [12] - **Competitor Landscape**: Competitors have been affected by recalls, but ResMed remains confident in its market position and growth potential [47][48] - **Market Growth**: The device market is expected to grow mid-single digits, with ResMed aiming to exceed this through demand generation efforts [58] Patient Engagement and Adherence - **Adherence Rates**: Connected devices have increased adherence from 50% to 73%, and with app usage, adherence can reach 87% [14][20] - **GLP-1 Drug Impact**: Patients on GLP-1 weight loss drugs are 11% more likely to start CPAP therapy and show higher resupply rates [24][25] - **Patient Empowerment**: Focus on educating patients about access to equipment and the importance of adherence to therapy [20][23] Research and Development - **Investment in R&D**: ResMed invests 6-7% of revenues back into research and development to drive innovation [55] - **Future Growth**: Aiming for double-digit basis point improvements in gross margins annually through supply chain optimization and product innovation [63][64] Conclusion - ResMed is positioned as a leader in the digital health space, with a strong focus on innovation, patient engagement, and financial performance. The company is actively working to expand its market presence and improve patient outcomes through its 2030 strategy and ongoing product development initiatives.

MESA, ARIZONA / ACCESS Newswire / September 23, 2025 / Medical Care Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK:MDCE) today announced the launch of its AI Facial Health Risk Estimator, a groundbreaking technology that leverages advanced facial imaging to provide early risk detection for cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The system uses deep neural networks trained on biometric signatures such as micro-wrinkle density, skin elasticity, and tone variations to generate a real-time estimate ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and highlights recent advancements in nanotechnology for improving these aspects [2][4][14]. Diagnosis Challenges - Current diagnostic methods for IPF are limited by low accuracy, high invasiveness, and time consumption, leading to delays in diagnosis and missed treatment opportunities [2][11]. - Nanoparticle biosensor platforms show great potential for non-invasive early screening by detecting biomarkers like miRNA in serum with high sensitivity and efficiency [11]. Treatment Challenges - Existing IPF treatments have limited efficacy, often accompanied by adverse effects due to low bioavailability and off-target effects [2]. - Inhalation drug delivery systems using nanocarriers can achieve higher drug concentrations in the lungs while reducing systemic side effects, thus enhancing therapeutic efficacy [13]. Nanotechnology Applications - The article outlines the use of functionalized nanoparticles for imaging, which can significantly improve the contrast in MRI, allowing for clearer visualization of early lesions [11]. - Various innovative nanocarriers, such as lipid nanoparticles, mesoporous nanoparticles, and nano-metal-organic frameworks, are introduced to enhance drug delivery efficiency [13]. Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment - The integration of treatment delivery and real-time monitoring through unified nanoplatforms is crucial for personalized medicine in IPF [13]. - The use of nanotechnology for tracking transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via in vivo imaging can optimize treatment outcomes by allowing real-time monitoring of cell survival and distribution [13]. Future Directions - The article discusses the challenges and translational barriers faced by cutting-edge technologies in clinical applications and provides insights for future research directions in developing more effective IPF diagnostic and therapeutic strategies [14].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Pharmacy/Drugstore Industry in China and Japan**: The industry is currently undervalued, with China's pharmacies in a critical transitional phase. The low valuations may represent a cyclical trough as leading companies manage prescription outflow and category expansion effectively. Concerns regarding profitability in Japan's dispensing business due to drug price reductions are considered overblown, suggesting potential for a re-rating in the sector [3][11]. Company Insights - **Pop Mart (9992.HK)**: The company is viewed neutrally due to a less favorable risk/reward profile, despite a solid long-term investment thesis. Key factors influencing Pop Mart include the necessity of licensing renewals, the importance of owning retail stores during downturns, and the need for appealing design and rapid market response. Significant share price weakness could present a good entry point, with a price target of HK$300 driven by strong sales of new products and upcoming animations [4][11]. - **China Oil E&C and OFS Sector**: Companies like SEG and COSL are highlighted for their strong backlog expansion and expected earnings growth. COSL is projected to deliver a 20% year-over-year growth in net profit for FY25. The sector is characterized by high conviction in record backlogs and stable capital expenditures from major Chinese oil companies. Price targets for several companies in this sector have been lifted, reflecting positive sentiment [6][10][13]. - **China Medtech Industry**: The potential exit of GE HealthCare from the Chinese market underscores a trend of consolidation within the Medtech sector. Domestic companies are expected to gain market share as they are better positioned to navigate local challenges. This shift indicates a rapidly changing competitive landscape [8][11]. Financial Metrics and Projections - **Hong Kong Property Market**: Following a recent rate cut, the effective mortgage rate is now 3.375%, which is still higher than the net rental yield of 3.1%. The expectation is for a positive carry to be achieved by 2026, supporting a forecast of 3-5% home price growth. Key developers to watch include Henderson and Sino Land, with a preference for Swire Properties among landlords [7][12]. - **Earnings and Dividend Projections**: - Offshore Oil Engineering and Yantai Jereh are expected to see significant increases in earnings and dividends, while COSL and Sinopec Oilfield Service Corp are projected to experience declines in earnings estimates [14][16]. Additional Insights - **Market Sentiment**: The overall sentiment in the sectors discussed is cautiously optimistic, with potential for growth in the pharmacy and oil sectors, while the Medtech industry faces challenges from multinational exits. The property market in Hong Kong is also expected to stabilize with future rate cuts [3][6][8][7]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights and projections from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussed industries and companies.