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Avandra Health, a federated network for medical imaging and clinical data, has announced the acquisition of the clinical data-sharing platforms DatCard Systems and Sorna.
Avandra offers a de-identified patient data aggregation platform specifically aimed at assisting with AI development, clinical innovation and medical research, while DatCard offers tools for imaging data sharing for continuity of care, and Sorna offers automated DICOM CD production, cloud-enabled data sharing and intelligent routing technologies.
Avandra says the integration will create the largest medical imaging platform network that will serve immediate patient care needs and long-term research innovation.
"This combination enables us to unlock the full potential of medical imaging to transform healthcare delivery and accelerate life-saving research, while continuously improving the tools and support that clinicians depend on daily," Ryan Tarzy, CEO of Avandra Health, said in a statement.
"Our customers can be confident that the products and services from DatCard and Sorna that they rely on every day will continue without interruption – delivered by the same teams, and with the same commitment to outstanding service."
New York-based Ciba Health, a digital health company focused on polychronic conditions, is partnering with Canadian health benefits administrator Quikcard as it launches its services across Canada.
Ciba Health offers a prevention-focused AI-enabled virtual chronic care platform that allows individuals to connect with physicians, registered dietitians, health coaches and licensed mental health professionals for care management. It also provides remote monitoring with connected devices and AI care navigation.
Through the partnership, members of Quikcard, a health benefits administrator in Alberta, will have access to Ciba Health's 12-month program, which includes personalized one-on-one sessions with a registered dietitian and a health coach, as well as personalized health assessments and plans.
Members will also be able to utilize Ciba's lifestyle modification programs to reduce stress and support nutrition and physical activity, as well as track their progress.
Ciba's GLP-1 Step Down program will also be available to Quikcard members, which is designed for individuals seeking to prevent the onset of hypertension, obesity, diabetes and prediabetes.
During the first year of the partnership, Ciba's programs will be available to Quikcard's members through individual offerings within the benefit manager's health and wellness spending account.
"Quikcard has always been driven by innovation and a commitment to helping Canadians access better care," Chris Biddeson, VP of business development at Quikcard, said in a statement.
"This partnership with Ciba Health advances that mandate by giving our members access to personalized, prevention-focused solutions that help them take a more active, informed approach to their health."
Octave Bioscience, which offers a clinically validated multi-analyte biomarker blood test for MS, announced a partnership with Quest Diagnostics to make its Multiple Sclerosis Disease Activity Test accessible through Quest's specimen-collection network nationwide.
Octave providers who order one of its MS tests can refer patients to one of Quest's patient service centers.
The partnership also allots Quest first rights to consider specimen collection services for Octave's future tests for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
"The Octave MSDA Test is an important clinical innovation because it harnesses comparatively simple blood testing to illuminate relapse and treatment response in patients with MS, helping to reduce reliance on specialized imaging technologies alone," Dr. Michael Racke, a board-certified neurologist and senior medical director of neurology at Quest Diagnostics, said in a statement.
"By making it available through our nationwide network of patient service centers, Quest is making it easier for patients and their physicians across the country to access these insights."
