The Japanese firm has decided to shrink its oncology portfolio by transferring its rights to oxaliplatin in Japan, along with a portfolio of generics, to Takata. Though Yakult will maintain an interest in the area through irinotecan and several other anticancers, its has said future R&D investment will shift more towards the microbiome.

Fecal incontinence is a common, devastating condition that often goes untreated. Eyeing the potential multibillion-dollar opportunity, medtech start-ups are developing approaches that range from small and disposable to surgical and permanent.

With health care becoming increasingly data driven, third-party payors are requiring a higher level of evidence before making a positive coverage determination for a new technology or procedure. This has made the road to reimbursement much longer and tougher for device companies in general, and manufacturers of transoral devices for GERD are a prime example.

Founded in 2001, EndoGastric Solutions Inc., a mature medical device company with $140 million in venture backing, hasn’t been able to secure a reliable source of reimbursement dollars for its EsophyX endoscopic treatment for GERD. Under new management, EGS is recommitting itself to collecting necessary clinical data and operating as a lean start-up as it makes its case for coverage and reimbursement with insurers.