New US FDA draft guidance on 510(k)s for peripheral vascular atherectomy devices asks sponsors to submit clinical trial data due to lack of a good animal model.

A former sales manager said the vascular device company first cut his compensation and then fired him after he reported a promotional scheme implemented by his supervisor that violated anti-kickback law and could pose a risk to patient safety.

2016 was a year of surprise and change in political circles, but that's nothing new for the medtech industry, which over a number of years has become accustomed to health care systems demanding different and ever-higher levels of service. Smart medtechs have been ahead of the curve, but the whole industry now factors in clients' wider needs in a holistic approach to patient care. Many companies' current M&A policies are already reflecting the changes to come.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life-sciences deals, this new bimonthly Pacts In Medtech column pulls up notable technology alliances, R&D partnerships and commercial collaborations. This month we highlight deals announced in November and December 2016.