This week, Abbott announced its plans to acquire Bigfoot Biomedical — a startup selling a “smart” insulin pen cap, which collects data from a user’s CGM to help them calculate the right dose. Most analysts were unsurprised to hear of the acquisition given that the two companies have been collaborating for more than six years, but they said the deal reinforces the steady pace of digital innovation in the diabetes care space.

As Amazon starts to roll out its telehealth and pharmacy offerings, most big health systems and insurers don’t yet view it as a threat. But pharmacy benefit managers and vertically integrated payers will be keeping a watchful eye on the company as it starts to encroach on a slice of their business. 

States are starting to loosen restrictions on elective surgeries for hospitals. But health systems won’t necessarily open the floodgates, as they still have to consider how offices will source PPE.

The first FDA approval for a NASH drug, data on “off-the-shelf” CAR-T cells and a potential approval of a controversial drug for Alzheimer’s disease are some of things in store for 2020.