Getting a PET scan in Europe could become easier after Siemens Healthineers agreed to acquire the nuclear diagnostic imaging business of pharmaceutical giant Novartis. Meanwhile, Enlitic announced plans to acquire a radiology rival as a springboard for future growth, the company’s CEO Michael Sistenich said in a statement.
The latest in merger and acquisition news this week was PatientPay’s announcement that it will merge with ClearGage to create a leader in healthcare billing and payments. Additionally, Check Point Software announced that it will add AI-enhanced analytics based on the dark web in partnership with fast-growing Cyberint.
Siemens acquires AAA Diagnostics
Siemens Healthineers said it can expand its U.S.-based PET radiopharmaceutical business to Europe with the acquisition of Novartis’ molecular imaging business for $223 million, the Financial Times.
Switzerland-based Novartis bought the radiopharmaceutical technology known as Advanced Accelerator Application for nearly $4 billion in 2017, according to a Reuters story About that sale: AAA’s technology created images of organs and injuries by adding traces of radioactive materials to diagnose diseases. This technology could also be used to fight cancer.
Last week story Information about the transaction with Siemens revealed that the imaging giant wants to produce the necessary nuclear isotopes, with their shorter half-lives, closer to European imaging centres, because the compounds have to be used on the day of production.
Sources at the companies confirmed the deal and said it is expected to close this year, pending regulatory approval.
Enlitic acquires Laitek for $5 million
The Fort Collins, Colorado-based software company that aims to improve clinical workflows and expand healthcare capacity by using AI for data management has announced it has signed a conditional agreement to acquire competitor Laitek.
Laitek, which focuses on rapid PACS data migration, has a steady stream of new migration projects, according to Enlitic’s August 29 report announcementThe acquisition includes all of the company’s proprietary capabilities, historical data, trade secrets and existing customer relationships.
By adding Laitek’s medical imaging data migration and routing services to its portfolio of AI-enhanced medical imaging data software licensed to providers, Enlitic says the consolidation will expand access to new customers, increase revenue synergies and deliver cost savings.
“Laitek and Enlitic represent a strong strategic fit, allowing us to provide our clients with a differentiated and synergistic service offering,” Sistenich said in a statement.
The combined capabilities help address “multiple long-standing operational challenges, such as data migrations and storage, data standardization and the transition to cloud solutions,” he said.
The acquisition is subject to a successful capital increase by Enlitic.
PatientPay merges with ClearGage
PatientPay, a partner for patient billing and payments for acute, outpatient and specialty care, is merging with ClearGage, a provider of healthcare cost estimating and payment solutions.
The merger will enable PatientPay to develop and launch an advanced digital infrastructure that better connects patients and healthcare providers, the company announced last week.
By joining forces, the combined platform aims to better align the consumer experience “with the financial goals and needs of healthcare organizations,” ClearGage CEO Ryan Zemmin said in a statement.
“Our collective ability to make the patient financial experience as smooth as possible and collect payments quickly is why our customers continue to rely on us to protect and improve the financial health of their organization,” added Tom Furr, CEO of PatientPay.
Check Point adds AI-driven intelligence
Check Point Software, based in Redwood City, California, announced on August 27 that it has agreed to adopt Cyberint’s advanced threat prevention capabilities, which include the detection and removal of impersonating websites and social media accounts, stolen credentials and leaked data.
“Leaked credentials and fake websites designed for malicious purposes are alarmingly common these days, with over 90% of organizations facing these threats,” said Yochai Corem, CEO of Cyberint, in a statement.
Founded in 2010, the third-party risk management provider serves a diverse list of global customers and Fortune 500 companies and will strengthen Check Point’s SOC capabilities, said Sharon Schusheim, Check Point’s Chief Services Officer.
“We can translate identified risks into autonomous preventive measures and collaborate with Check Point and third-party security products to contain compromised assets and limit external exposure,” she said.
Cyberint’s Argos Platform capabilities, which leverage intelligence from the open, deep and dark web and analyze evolving attack surfaces for new threats, are being combined with Check Pint’s Infinity Platform.
According to Check Point, the transaction is expected to close in 2024.
Andrea Fox is Editor-in-Chief of Healthcare IT News.
Email address: afox@himss.org
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