China Medical divests ultrasound biz: China Medical Technologies divests its high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) tumor therapy business to shareholder Chengxuan International for $53.5 million in order to refocus on in vitro diagnostics. Xiaodong Wu, who is both CEO of CMT and owner of Chengxuan, did not take part in deliberations over the sale, which was approved by CMT's independent board members, CMT notes. Announced Dec. 31, the move reflects pressures on the HIFU business from the global financial crisis, stricter regulations on medical equipment by China's State FDA, and the financial burden involved in obtaining U.S. and EU regulatory approvals for HIFU equipment, CMT explains. Beijing-based CMT recently acquired a human papillomavirus genotyping assay for $345 million, which it expects will generate up to $26.5 million in sales this year; the company will use the proceeds from the HIFU sale to further develop its molecular diagnostics business (1"The Gray Sheet" Oct. 13, 2008, p. 8)

A combined final opinion on the European Chemicals Agency’s proposed microplastic restriction is expected from ECHA committees by year-end, at which point the European Commission will consider whether and when microplastic must be removed from all leave-on cosmetic products marketed in the EU.

Butterfly Network’s CEO Laurent Faracci outlines the company’s growth strategy and plans for their “ultrasound-on-a-chip” technology after its merger with blank check company Longview Acquisition Corp. See what the company’s CEO said about it here.