Supply Chain

Managing supplies is a crucial part of moving medical products from the manufacturer to patient’s bedside. Efficient supply chains can reduce healthcare costs and make medical devices more affordable for patients and health systems. This news page includes content on supply shortages, inventory management, and procurement practices.

Lawsuit alleges AFP imported unsafe HIV drugs from Turkey through gray market supply chains
Numerous “alternative funding programs” are named as defendants in what is a larger challenge of the right of these third-party organizations to import drugs from overseas, bypassing FDA regulations.
Large nonprofit health system sues PBMs, drug companies over insulin prices
Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health has accused the three biggest PBMs—Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx—of a de facto collusion scheme involving the primary makers of insulin, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi. The lawsuit alleges rebates offered by the manufacturers unfairly burden self-insured and public health plans, like the one the health system uses for its employees.
FDA issues Class I recall on B. Braun microbore extensions due to risk of death
The extensions are used to supply patients with fluids and drugs through an IV line. Despite being labeled as having them, the devices do not contain an air-eliminating vent. Because there is a serious risk of air embolism associated with the error, the FDA has given this recall its most serious designation.
FDA recalls surgical packs due to risk of microbial contamination
Multiple lots of ophthalmic surgery packs manufactured by Alcon will need to be disposed of, due to an incomplete seal that could cause the sterile bandages and syringes inside to be compromised. Because of the serious health risk posed to patients, this recall has been designated Class I.
Grand jury indicts telehealth provider in alleged $100M Adderall distribution scheme
The U.S. Department of Justice has formally accused Done Global of unlawfully distributing ADHD medications without medical need, using a subscription program and targeted advertising to find patients searching for drugs. The company is also accused of filing false medical claims to Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance. Done's founder and CEO was convicted last month on related charges and awaits sentencing.

Lawsuit alleges AFP imported unsafe HIV drugs from Turkey through gray market supply chains

Numerous “alternative funding programs” are named as defendants in what is a larger challenge of the right of these third-party organizations to import drugs from overseas, bypassing FDA regulations.

Large nonprofit health system sues PBMs, drug companies over insulin prices

Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health has accused the three biggest PBMs—Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx—of a de facto collusion scheme involving the primary makers of insulin, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi. The lawsuit alleges rebates offered by the manufacturers unfairly burden self-insured and public health plans, like the one the health system uses for its employees.

FDA issues Class I recall on B. Braun microbore extensions due to risk of death

The extensions are used to supply patients with fluids and drugs through an IV line. Despite being labeled as having them, the devices do not contain an air-eliminating vent. Because there is a serious risk of air embolism associated with the error, the FDA has given this recall its most serious designation.

FDA recalls surgical packs due to risk of microbial contamination

Multiple lots of ophthalmic surgery packs manufactured by Alcon will need to be disposed of, due to an incomplete seal that could cause the sterile bandages and syringes inside to be compromised. Because of the serious health risk posed to patients, this recall has been designated Class I.

Grand jury indicts telehealth provider in alleged $100M Adderall distribution scheme

The U.S. Department of Justice has formally accused Done Global of unlawfully distributing ADHD medications without medical need, using a subscription program and targeted advertising to find patients searching for drugs. The company is also accused of filing false medical claims to Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance. Done's founder and CEO was convicted last month on related charges and awaits sentencing.

‘President of common sense’: Trump reschedules marijuana, improving patient access

By signing an executive order, President Donald Trump has shifted marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, opening the door for medical and research uses nationwide.

Hospitals providing organs to wealthy international patients, leaving Americans waiting

A new report from the New York Times reveals a system of de facto quid pro quo where wealthy patients from oil-rich nations are sometimes moved to the top of organ transplant lists.

Cencora to buy nationwide oncology network in $5B deal

The Pennsylvania-based drug distributor announced it would be buying OneOncology, a physician-led specialty service group in which it already owned a minority stake. The company said the acquisition will complement its "pharmaceutical-centric strategy."