The FDA has undertaken several measures to make the regulatory process less burdensome for diagnostics companies, but these may not be enough to incentivize companies to take their new genetic tests through the approval process. At the same time, confusion reigns: a special HHS advisory committee on genetic testing has been disbanded, and the FDA is reviewing its jurisdiction to regulate home brews, which are the dominant route to commercialization for genetic tests. Some critics worry that these developments may stifle innovation and companies are waiting for clarity.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has agreed to buy Mesa Biotech for $450m in cash and Hillrom will acquire Bardy Diagnostics for $375m in cash. Both deals will add complementary digital health solutions, which may be a continued trend in 2021.

Personal care and cosmetic product trademark filings compiled from the Official Gazette of the US Patent and Trademark Office, Class 3.