A heart that starts skipping its beat, a valve that narrows shut, a knee worn down until you can't walk — an aging body is a body that slowly breaks down. And there's an industry that sells the small parts built to "repair" it, from heart pacemakers to artificial hips. This is a business whose demand is guaranteed by the single most certain thing in the world: every year, people get older.
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News & notes movingMedical Devices for the Aging Body
Medical Devices for the Aging Body
IR-MED and Dice Technologies Sign LOI to Bring PressureSafe to Japan
IR-MED Ltd. and Dice Technologies Co., Ltd. announced the signing of a letter of intent to cooperate on the evaluation, research support, localization, commercialization preparation and regulatory preparation of IR-MED's PressureSafe medical device in Japan. The LOI is not intended to create legally binding obligations between the parties, except for provisions relating to confidentiality and data protection, intellectual property rights, and device management, return and disposal. The collaboration targets a Japanese market that includes more than 36 million people aged 65 and older, approximately 8,000 hospitals, 13,600 long-term care facilities, and 16,000 or more home-visit nursing stations. Dice Technologies, based in Osaka, will lead and coordinate the evaluation program in Japan, leveraging a nationwide footprint serving over 1,000 clinics, and will support Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency consultation preparation while integrating PressureSafe data into its CareNest platform and domestic Electronic Health Records. Clinical research and evidence-generation activities are expected to include cooperation with the Department of Plastic Surgery at Kobe University, subject to required ethics review, institutional approvals and separate written arrangements. IR-MED's PressureSafe combines infrared spectroscopy with a proprietary algorithm to support assessment of early signs of pressure injuries, and the partners intend to evaluate it in hospitals, long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings.
Apollo in talks for $20bn takeover of J&J orthopaedics unit DePuy Synthes
Apollo Global Management is reportedly in non-binding talks to acquire Johnson & Johnson's orthopaedics business, DePuy Synthes, for nearly $20bn, according to Bloomberg, which first reported the development. Anonymous sources said an agreement could be reached within several weeks, though the talks could also end without a deal or attract another bidder, and DePuy Synthes has drawn interest from several private equity companies. If signed, it would be Apollo's largest healthcare deal to date. The talks come as J&J works to separate itself from DePuy Synthes following its 2025 spinout announcement; the unit posted $9.3bn in sales last year and was created through J&J's $21bn takeover of Swiss company Synthes in 2012, which was combined with its own DePuy business. GlobalData medical devices research director Andrew Thompson called a $20bn deal a low end value, noting J&J bought Synthes in 2011 for $19.7bn and DePuy was a $3.5bn acquisition from Roche in 1998, and said a rival bid would likely come from another private equity group or consortium rather than Stryker or Zimmer due to regulatory hurdles. Neither J&J nor Apollo immediately responded to a request for comment.
Edwards Lifesciences Praises Updated CMS Coverage Decision for TAVR
Edwards Lifesciences said an updated CMS national coverage determination will ease patient access to transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Under the new NCD, CMS will cover TAVR for symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis without the coverage with evidence development requirement, while expanding coverage to asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis with coverage with evidence development. The policy also revises coverage criteria for pre-procedural patient assessment, intraoperative requirements, and operator and hospital procedural volume requirements. Edwards said it is pleased the updated policy represents an important step toward improving and expanding patient access to TAVR while reinforcing the value of a multidisciplinary Heart Team, and that the modernized policy supports a more streamlined patient care journey and gives Heart Teams greater flexibility in patient evaluation and treatment. The company added that it has confidence in its 2026 guidance, with 2027 guidance to come in December at its investor conference.
Apple unveils Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with new health features
Apple has announced its most advanced health and fitness experience yet, introducing the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 with a new Health Sensing System that delivers the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable, along with a redesigned Health app powered by Apple Intelligence. The new watches measure heart rate every five seconds and HRV as often as every five minutes, 24 times more frequently, and introduce a readiness score from 0 to 10 with recommendations like Recover or Go For It. The redesigned Health app, coming later this year with iOS 27, adds an Insights tab and a Longevity tab featuring Health Age, which compares users' metrics to their chronological age. Users can also schedule and purchase lab tests covering over 50 biomarkers for $119 at approximately 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations in the U.S., and new movement assessments use the iPhone camera and Apple Watch for at-home evaluations. The watches also support perimenopause and menopause tracking, and watchOS 27 will be available starting September 14 for Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later.
MarketsandMarkets projects the global MRI systems market will grow from USD 6.88 billion in 2026 to USD 9.68 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 7.0%. Growth is driven by the rising prevalence of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, an expanding geriatric population, increasing chronic diseases like cancer, and supportive regulatory and reimbursement policies. The closed MRI systems segment held the largest market share in 2025, as did the fixed/stationary design segment. Asia Pacific is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Key players include Siemens Healthineers, GE HealthCare, Philips, FUJIFILM, and Canon, with innovations focusing on AI-enabled workflows and helium-free systems.
Eastspring: Healthcare Offers Defensive Growth Amid High Bond Yields
Eastspring Asset Management (Thailand) views the Healthcare sector as one of the most attractive investment opportunities amid a rotation of funds out of technology and AI stocks, as bond yields remain elevated. The firm notes that healthcare stocks have strong fundamentals and a trend of continued growth, or what is known as Defensive Growth, while institutions have been increasing their allocation to the sector. Between May 26 and August 25, 2026, the XLV Healthcare index rose 18.65%, while the Technology sector posted a negative return of 0.67%, and the MSCI World gained only 3.32%. The US 10-year yield stood at approximately 4.64%, up from 4.0% at the end of February, and could rise further on inflation concerns, which may continue to pressure technology stocks. Eastspring points out that Healthcare combines defensive characteristics, demand from an aging society, and growth, with S&P 500 Healthcare EPS expected to grow 21.3% in 2027, higher than the S&P 500's 11.94%. The BofA Global Fund Manager Survey for July 2026 found that Healthcare was the sector where fund managers increased their allocations the most. For interested investors, the ES-HEALTHCARE fund invests through the Janus Henderson Global Life Sciences Fund in life sciences stocks globally.
CVRx Secures Devoted Health Coverage for Barostim Therapy
CVRx announced that Devoted Health has issued a Medicare Advantage coverage policy for its Barostim therapy, effective July 17, 2026, covering patients under the current FDA-approved indication and those in the BENEFIT-HF clinical trial. This expands reimbursement access across Devoted Health's roughly 466,000 Medicare Advantage members in 29 states. Combined with Humana's earlier coverage, CVRx now has Medicare Advantage coverage representing about 21% of total enrollment, strengthening its commercial outlook. Shares have traded flat following the news, with the stock down 57.2% year to date versus the industry's 6.7% decline. The company also reported second-quarter 2026 revenues of $15.7 million, up 16% year over year, and expanded its U.S. active implanting centers to 258.
Taiwan Faces Demographic Crisis, Population Expected to Drop 48% to 12.15 Million by 2075
Bloomberg reports that Taiwan's population may decline to about 12.15 million by 2075, a drop of roughly 48% from 2026 levels, amid a continued decrease in births and young population, while the number of elderly rises significantly, posing long-term challenges to the labor market, economy, and defense capabilities. Estimates from Taiwan's National Development Council (NDC), based on household registration data, indicate that the working-age population will shrink by nearly two-thirds over the next 50 years. By 2075, the population aged 0-14 will be only 585,000, the working-age population (15-64) will be about 5.13 million, and those aged 65 and above will reach 6.43 million, meaning the elderly will outnumber the working-age population and account for more than half of the total population. These figures reflect risks after the population peaked at 23.6 million in 2019, and could also affect Taiwan's security, as the military still relies partly on conscription amid threats from China.
Medical costs hit record high of 49 trillion yen, rising for fifth straight year
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on the 28th that the estimated medical costs (preliminary figures) paid to medical institutions for treatment of illness and injury in fiscal 2025 increased by 2.6% from the previous year to 49.2 trillion yen. Due to an aging population and advances in medical care, costs have risen for five consecutive years, reaching a new record high. The growth rate had been shrinking for three consecutive years, but in fiscal 2025 it turned to expansion. A ministry official analyzed that "one factor is the increased use of expensive drugs such as anticancer agents."
Global Atrial Fibrillation Market to Reach $38.7B by 2035
The global atrial fibrillation market is projected to grow from USD 21.4 billion in 2026 to USD 38.7 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market expansion is driven by rising prevalence of the condition, an aging population, and increasing adoption of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Antiarrhythmic agents account for about 55% of the therapy landscape, while monoclonal antibodies are emerging as an investigational approach. Nearly 60 catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure devices are marketed or under development, with catheters representing approximately 40% of current treatment devices. North America is expected to remain the largest regional market, while Asia-Pacific is projected to see the fastest growth. Hospitals currently account for more than 80% of the end-user market. Key companies profiled include Abbott, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Sanofi.
NAM unveils 5 strategies to sustain growth, positioning as a comprehensive medical device provider
Namwiwat Medical Corporation, or NAM, revealed its growth plan under five core strategies during its earnings call for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026. The strategies include expanding its product portfolio to cover the entire value chain from upstream to downstream, building its brand to increase margins and create brand loyalty, expanding into international markets through subsidiaries in Malaysia and Italy, as well as establishing a component assembly base in Indonesia with local partners, using strategic partnerships to develop products, and managing costs efficiently. The company continues to advance medical innovations and health solutions to support the growth of the medical industry, an aging society, and the trend toward treatments that emphasize greater precision and safety.
Praram 9 Hospital, or PR9, said its third-quarter 2026 operating performance is showing growth compared with a year earlier, driven by a rise in foreign patients, especially from the Middle East and Myanmar, as well as more Thai patients returning for treatment. Its second-half strategy is to upgrade care for complex diseases such as kidney disease, heart disease and brain disorders, along with robotic surgery, to attract foreign patients who fly in directly for treatment. Foreign patients currently account for about 27% of the total, with Myanmar and Middle Eastern patients together making up more than half of all foreign patients. The company is confident that 2026 revenue will grow by a single-digit percentage as planned, and is also watching opportunities from Moderna and Merck's mRNA cancer vaccines, as well as government policy that could shift civil servant welfare benefits to a health insurance system, which would create a new customer base for private hospitals.
New Journey to acquire 51% stake in Zepu Medical for 437 million yuan
New Journey announced plans to acquire a 51% stake in Shandong Zepu Medical Technology Co., Ltd. through equity transfers and a capital increase, for a total consideration of 437 million yuan. The company or its subsidiary will pay 130 million yuan to acquire a 23.6364% stake in Zepu Medical from Wu Shaojun, Wu Changlin, Chai Lechun, Chen Yongyuan, Liu Jianwei, and the Chengtou Lukang Medical and Elderly Care Industry Investment Fund Weifang Partnership Enterprise. It also plans to inject an additional 307 million yuan into Zepu Medical. After the transaction, Zepu Medical will be consolidated into New Journey's financial statements, with goodwill expected to be approximately 210 million to 240 million yuan. Zepu Medical is a specialized and innovative 'little giant' enterprise and a national high-tech enterprise that has focused on the research, development, production, sales, and service of intelligent rehabilitation medical equipment for more than a decade. It has obtained 31 domestic Class II medical device registration certificates, and a total of 73 products have received EU CE certification. In the first quarter of 2026, New Journey reported revenue of 720 million yuan and net profit attributable to the parent company of 20.47 million yuan.
Johnson & Johnson Advances Seltorexant and Expands Outpatient Cardiac Care
Johnson & Johnson is advancing its novel antidepressant Seltorexant into late-stage clinical development for major depressive disorder as a potential rapid-acting treatment option. The company also entered a multi-year partnership with ACCESS to expand adoption of advanced cardiac electrophysiology technologies in ambulatory surgery centers. Both moves align with Johnson & Johnson's focus on higher-growth therapeutic and medtech areas that are important for its long-term outlook.
Bumrungrad reveals tens of thousands of Thais await heart transplants, but only about 30 are performed each year
Bumrungrad Hospital has disclosed that each year tens of thousands of patients die from heart failure in Thailand, yet the public health system can carry out only around 30 heart transplants annually. The main bottleneck is not a shortage of donors, but rather that patient screening and referral processes remain inadequate. Dr. Patchara Ongcharit, a specialist in cardiothoracic surgery, noted that currently only four to five teaching hospitals provide heart transplant services, and Bumrungrad Hospital is the sole private hospital with the full capability, achieving a 30-day post-operative survival rate of 100 percent across seven cases to date. Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Sakonwatchara Montriwet, a specialist in cardiology, spoke about the ECMELLA innovation, which combines ECMO, an artificial heart-lung support machine, with the Impella miniature heart pump to sustain patients in critical shock while they await a donor heart, effectively buying vital time to prevent other organ failure.
Ventilators Market to Reach USD 4.66 Billion by 2029, Growing at 4.7% CAGR
The global ventilators market is projected to grow from USD 3.71 billion in 2024 to USD 4.66 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%, according to a new report from MarketsandMarkets. Growth is driven by the rising prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, along with increasing demand for intensive care and home healthcare services, a growing geriatric population, and continuous technological advancements in invasive, non-invasive, and portable ventilators. North America accounted for the largest regional market share in 2024, while the Asia Pacific region is projected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Intensive care ventilators held the largest share by type in 2023, and home care settings are expected to be the fastest-growing end-user segment. Leading companies in the market include ResMed, Getinge AB, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Baxter, ICU Medical, GE Healthcare, Hamilton Medical, Nihon Kohden Corporation, and Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
International Medical's Private Placement Application Approved by Shenzhen Stock Exchange, Plans to Raise Up to 1.008 Billion Yuan
International Medical's application to issue shares to specific investors has been approved by the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The company plans to raise total funds of no more than 1.008 billion yuan. After deducting issuance expenses, the funds will be allocated to three projects: 638 million yuan for the smart health and elderly care project, 99.9313 million yuan for the second phase of the proton therapy center project, and the remaining 270 million yuan to supplement working capital. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange determined that the company meets the requirements for issuance, listing, and information disclosure, and will subsequently report to the China Securities Regulatory Commission for the registration process as required. The number of shares to be issued in this offering will not exceed 672 million shares, representing no more than 30% of the total share capital before the issuance.
Congestive Heart Failure Market to Grow at 8% CAGR Through 2036, Reaching USD 9 Billion in 2025
The congestive heart failure market across the seven major markets was valued at USD 9 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8% during the 2026 to 2036 forecast period, according to a new report from DelveInsight. The United States accounted for the largest share of the 7MM market in 2025, with nearly 7.4 million diagnosed prevalent cases out of approximately 21.1 million total diagnosed prevalent cases across the seven major markets. Growth is expected to be driven by the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, an aging population, and the anticipated launch of emerging therapies such as Omecamtiv Mecarbil from Cytokinetics, Ziltivekimab from Novo Nordisk, CardiALLO Cell Therapy from BioCardia, and Umiposgene Parvec from Bayer. The report also highlights a robust clinical pipeline that includes candidates from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Mesoblast, and AskBio, among others.
Dongguan Digital Human Body and Smart Sleep Innovation Consortium Officially Established
The Dongguan Digital Human Body and Smart Sleep Innovation Consortium was inaugurated at the headquarters of De Rucci, marking a new phase for this leading healthy sleep company as it advances its AI transformation strategy into technological breakthroughs, medical validation, and industrial implementation. The consortium is guided by the Dongguan Science and Technology Bureau and the People's Government of Houjie Town, and jointly hosted by De Rucci and the Guangdong Huazhong University of Science and Technology Industrial Technology Research Institute. Academician Yin Zhouping of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has been appointed as chief scientist, De Rucci Group CTO Chen Wenze serves as executive director, and several top-tier hospitals including Peking University Third Hospital have been authorized to establish AI smart research wards. De Rucci Vice Chairman Yao Jiqing stated that the company, leveraging its national-level CNAS laboratory, millions of ergonomic data models, and billions of sleep behavior data points, is driving the industrial application of non-invasive physiological monitoring and AI personalized sleep interventions. The consortium will tackle the theoretical mechanisms of sleep medicine and sleep ergonomics, and break through key common technologies such as sleep human body modeling and non-invasive monitoring. The consortium's self-developed sleep vertical large model has completed the construction of its foundational knowledge base and local deployment model, and has been implemented in De Rucci's T12 series products, enabling functions such as sleep report generation, personalized improvement plan recommendations, and intelligent Q&A. It has also outlined seven core sub-projects covering sleep medicine theory, sleep ergonomics, sleep monitoring, sleep analysis, sleep intervention, sleep large models, and clinical evaluation and demonstration promotion systems.
U.S. Robotics Stocks Gain as Physical AI, Surgical Competition, and Defense Autonomy Accelerate
The American robotics industry has entered a decisive acceleration phase in 2026, with June and July emerging as a landmark period across physical AI, surgical systems, defense autonomy, and elder care. In June, BMW Group announced plans to deploy Figure AI's third-generation Figure 03 humanoid at its Spartanburg plant, while NEURA Robotics closed a Series C worth up to $1.4 billion, and humanoid startups have raised $8.6 billion in 2026, 1.8 times the full-year 2025 total. On July 22, the FDA granted de novo authorization to Johnson & Johnson's Ottava system for ten general surgery procedures, breaking a long era of single-platform dominance, and Medtronic unveiled its AI-native Touch Surgery Aide platform. Defense robotics drew fresh capital with Mach Industries raising $300 million and Shifters securing $10.2 million, while the global elder care assistive robot market is projected at $3.9 billion in 2026, reaching $9.8 billion by 2033. Synopsys raised its fiscal 2026 revenue guidance to $9.665 billion at midpoint, AMD unveiled its Ryzen AI Embedded X100 Series for robotics, Manhattan Associates reaffirmed full-year guidance of $1.15 billion in revenues, and UiPath targets fiscal 2027 ARR of approximately $2.06 billion.
Europe Dermatology Devices Market to Reach USD 383.6 Million by 2033
The Europe dermatology devices market is projected to grow from USD 208.9 million in 2026 to USD 383.6 million by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 9.1 percent, according to a new report added to ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market was valued at USD 192.7 million in 2025. Growth is driven by rising prevalence of skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema, increasing demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, and technological advances in CO₂ lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, Er:YAG lasers, and radiofrequency-based systems. An aging European population and higher melanoma incidence among older adults are also expected to sustain demand for dermatology diagnostic and treatment devices. Key companies profiled include Candela Medical, Asclepion Laser Technologies, Lumenis Be Ltd., Cynosure LLC, Lynton Lasers, El.En. S.p.A., Cutera, Termosalud, Sisram Medical (Alma Lasers), and Fotona.
PANEL targets 400 million baht revenue in 2028, pushes into data centers and medical business
Panel Solutions Public Company Limited, or PANEL, has announced its plan for the second half of 2026 to drive a new round of growth after its new factory began full commercial operations in April. The company expects short-term production capacity to increase by about two to three times, with potential to rise up to four times within the next three years. The company has set a total revenue target of 220 million baht for 2026 and expects a significant recovery in performance from the third quarter onward. Under a three-year business plan developed with the JUMP+ project of the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the CMDF, PANEL targets revenue of 300 million baht in 2027 and 400 million baht in 2028, while pushing net profit margin to 15 percent. The key strategy is to extend from the core business into luxury furniture and hospital furniture, reducing the proportion of general interior decoration work and shifting focus to specialized medical work, which has limited competition and maintains good margins. The company also plans to expand regionally by opening a showroom in Phuket to target high-end residential and hotel clients. In addition, the company is preparing to enter the data center and electronics industries by leveraging its clean room expertise to develop products for data centers and cloud server rooms, such as temperature and humidity control walls and automatic doors that prevent contamination. These products are currently being pushed into manufacturer lists and the company is preparing to bid on large-scale projects. Management assesses that this business will be a new revenue source with high growth potential in the future.
BH unveils second-half plan to upgrade Sports Medicine and Joint Center, embracing the Active Lifestyle trend
Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited, or BH, has revealed its second-half plan to upgrade the Sports Medicine and Joint Center under the concept of "Move Better, Play Stronger, Live Fuller" to capture the rapidly growing Active Lifestyle trend in the Asia-Pacific region. Dr. Artirat Charukitpipat, Chief Executive Officer, stated that key highlights include the launch of Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket under the Hub-and-Spoke Model, the opening of a Specialized Hospital on Sukhumvit Soi 1, and the enhancement of the Horizon Cancer Center to provide comprehensive cancer care. The company will also continue investing in digital transformation and AI, adhering to the principle that technology is a tool to empower personnel, not to replace them. Bumrungrad's vision is to shift its role from a hospital that waits to treat illness to a Lifetime Health Partner focused on proactive healthcare, spanning prevention, advanced treatment, and holistic wellness for a long, quality life. The Sports Medicine and Joint Center has recently been upgraded to provide holistic care for exercise enthusiasts, from readiness assessment and prevention to targeted treatment, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. Statistics show that over 3.5 million sports injuries occur annually in the United States, while the Asia-Pacific region sees an increasing incidence of up to 18% per year. Bumrungrad Hospital has also been recognized by Newsweek magazine as the best specialized hospital in Asia-Pacific for orthopedics for the fourth consecutive year, ranking 31st out of 75 in the region and first in Thailand. It was also named a leading private hospital and clinic in Asia for knee surgery and knee replacement, hip surgery and hip replacement, and shoulder surgery for the second consecutive year, ranking first out of 100 in the Asia region.
Global Radiotherapy Market to Reach $15.72 Billion by 2032
The global radiotherapy market is projected to reach USD 10.01 billion in 2026 and grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.73% to USD 15.72 billion by 2032, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The report highlights how artificial intelligence, adaptive radiotherapy, and treatment automation are transforming cancer care, with AI influencing imaging, auto-contouring, dose optimization, and quality assurance. Persistent equipment shortages and workforce gaps continue to limit access in low- and middle-income countries, while North America leads in advanced techniques such as stereotactic radiotherapy and proton therapy. Key growth drivers include population aging, improved screening, and a rising global cancer burden, with approximately 20 million new cases and 9.7 million cancer deaths recorded worldwide in 2022. The analysis covers regional dynamics across Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as economic groups including G7, BRICS, and ASEAN, and profiles major companies such as Siemens Healthineers, Elekta, and Accuray.
Vietnam Elevator and Escalator Market Forecast to Exceed 51,000 Units by 2031
Vietnam's elevator and escalator market is forecast to grow from an estimated 41,717 units in 2025 to 51,013 units by 2031, a compound annual growth rate of 3.4 percent. Public investment reached VND 902 trillion, or 34 billion dollars, in 2025, driving demand through major transport projects and urban developments. An ageing population and stricter building regulations are further boosting the need for modern vertical transport systems. AI integration by companies like KONE, OTIS, and Schindler is creating new opportunities, while high installation costs exceeding 50,000 dollars per unit and geopolitical tensions remain key restraints.
Surgical Robots Market to Reach USD 27.14 Billion by 2030, Growing at 14.7% CAGR
The global surgical robots market is projected to grow from USD 13.69 billion in 2025 to USD 27.14 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 14.7%, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Growth is driven by increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, rising surgical volumes linked to chronic diseases and an aging population, and advances in robotic platforms, 3D visualization, AI-assisted navigation, and surgical instrumentation. Instruments and accessories represent the largest offering segment, general surgery is the largest application segment, and hospitals and clinics are the largest end-user segment. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market, with key players including Intuitive Surgical, Stryker Corporation, Medtronic, Smith+Nephew, and Zimmer Biomet.
Global Blood Glucose Monitoring System Market to Reach USD 39.4 Billion by 2035
The global blood glucose monitoring system market is projected to grow from USD 16.8 billion in 2025 to USD 39.4 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%. The market is expected to reach USD 18.3 billion in 2026. Growth is driven by the introduction of AI-enabled monitoring systems, such as Roche's Accu-Chek SmartGuide continuous glucose monitoring solution launched in the Middle East in November 2025, and the rising prevalence of home healthcare. North America held the highest market share in 2025, while Asia Pacific is expected to capture a significant revenue share due to an aging population and increasing product launches. Key players include Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic, and Dexcom.
High-Cost Medical Expense System to Raise Monthly Cap and Introduce Annual Cap from August
From August 2026, the high-cost medical expense system will be revised, raising the monthly out-of-pocket cap while introducing an annual cap for long-term patients. For those aged 70 and over with an annual income of roughly 2.6 million to 3.7 million yen, the standard cap will rise from the current 57,600 yen to 61,500 yen, and the outpatient exception will increase from 18,000 yen to 22,000 yen. The annual cap will apply for the one-year period from August each year to July of the following year, set at 530,000 yen for this income bracket. The reduction measure for frequent occurrences, which applies when a patient has been eligible for high-cost medical expenses for three or more months in the most recent 12 months, will be maintained.
Healthcare Automation Emerges as Next Growth Driver for Robotics ETFs
Healthcare robotics has reached mainstream scale, driven by an aging population, clinician shortages, and demand for minimally invasive procedures. Intuitive Surgical grew its da Vinci installed base 12% to 11,395 systems as of March 31, 2026, with procedures up about 16% year over year in the first quarter. Illumina and Stryker also exemplify the trend through lab automation and the Mako orthopedic system, respectively. The global healthcare robotics market is projected to rise from approximately $14.9 billion in 2023 to $57.0 billion by 2032, according to Johns Hopkins University. Among robotics ETFs, the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF holds Intuitive Surgical as its fifth position at 6.72% weight, the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF holds Intuitive Surgical fourth at 1.77% and Illumina sixth at 1.69%, and the First Trust NASDAQ Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF holds Illumina fourth at 1.75%.
Cerezen Device First to Improve Alzheimer’s in Trial
Cerezen, a non-invasive medical device, has become the first treatment to significantly improve memory, cognition, and independent functioning in Alzheimer’s patients, according to newly published clinical trial results. In an FDA-approved study, 78% of patients with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s improved over their personal baseline after six months of treatment, gaining an average of five points on standard cognitive scales, which is roughly equivalent to regaining one to two years of lost function. The device, which increases blood flow to the brain, is already approved in the U.S. for angina and received European certification in October 2025 for treating mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease or mild Alzheimer’s disease. A separate study by the University of California San Diego found Cerezen to be cost-effective to highly cost-effective compared to pharmaceutical therapies that were rated not cost-effective. Despite receiving Breakthrough Device Designation and other recognitions from the FDA, Cerezen has not yet been cleared for use in the United States.
Pfizer and Medtronic Are High-Yield Dividend Stocks Worth Holding for a Decade
The Motley Fool highlights Pfizer and Medtronic as two high-yield dividend stocks to buy and hold for a decade. Pfizer offers a forward dividend yield of 6.8% and is developing new products, including the anti-obesity medicine MET-097i and the cancer drug PF'4404, to overcome upcoming patent cliffs such as the loss of exclusivity for Eliquis. Medtronic provides a forward yield of 3.63% and has increased its payouts for 48 consecutive years, with growth drivers like the Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system and an aging population. Both healthcare leaders could deliver competitive long-term returns despite near-term challenges.