Medtech in a Minute: Elizabeth Holmes Could Get a New Trial, and More

Elizabeth Holmes' play for a new trial

As far fetched as it might seem, Elizabeth Holmes' attempt at getting a new trial might actually work. The founder and ex-CEO of Theranos was supposed to face sentencing this month. But instead, the court will now hold an evidentiary hearing on Oct. 17 (her previously scheduled sentencing date) to determine whether prosecutors manipulated a key witness who testified during the four-month trial of the former Silicone Valley executive.

How Dexcom Built a Better CGM

Last week, as part of a global streaming launch event, Dexcom revealed how the product designers addressed common CGM user pain points to build a better device. Some of those pain points included adding a 12-hour grace period for changing a CGM sensor, and making alerts friendlier and more customizable.

And in case you missed our last Medtech in a Minute report...

Sterigenics Loses Big in Court

Sterigenics plans to appeal a $363 million guilty verdict awarded to Willowbrook, IL resident and cancer survivor Susan Kamuda. It is the highest jury verdict on record for an individual plaintiff in the state of Illinois, and even exceeds the $346 million Kamuda's lawyers asked for in closing arguments against Sterigenics, parent company Sotera Health and its corporate predecessor Griffith Foods. Ethylene oxide (EtO) continues to be king of medical device sterilization for everything from wound dressings to stents. The reason this flammable, colorless gas is such a popular method in this industry is because for many devices, sterilization with ethylene oxide may be the only method that effectively sterilizes without damaging the device in the process. Medical devices made from certain polymers (plastic or resin), metals, or glass, or that have multiple layers of packaging or hard-to-reach places (for example, catheters), are likely to be sterilized with EtO.

Avita Medical Abruptly Replaces CEO

James "Jim" Corbett, has been tapped to lead Avita Medical as CEO. Corbett, who already served on Avita's board, replaces Michael Perry, effective immediately. The transition comes at a time when Avita's shares are at their lowest level in years. Perry had served as Avita's CEO since June 2017. The Cambridge, UK-based company touts Corbett's nearly 40 years of experience in the life sciences field, and that he has served as CEO of multiple publicly traded companies, including Microtherapeutics, Ev3, and Alphatec Spine. He also served as CEO at Home Diagnostics, Vertos Medical, and CathWorks.