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.

Federal judge sides with FTC, case against PBMs to move forward
A federal court dismissed a counterclaim from CVS, UnitedHealth and Cigna that sought to halt the case on constitutional grounds.
Baxter’s Asheville site now fully operational after damage from Helene
Hurricane Helene devastated the North Carolina manufacturing site, causing a nationwide shortage of IV solutions.
FDA announces recall of dangerous arterial catheters
While there have been no reported injuries, a manufacturing error involving debris contamination could potentially kill a patient.
FDA announces emergency recall of oxygen concentrators after spontaneous fires
There have been no injuries. However, due to the serious risk of death, the devices manufactured by Jiangsu Jumao X-Care Medical Equipment must be removed from the market immediately.
FDA issues Class I recall of brain fluid drain kits after 15 injuries
Two lines of Medtronic Neurosurgery EDMS kits are at risk of developing cracks that could expose patients to pathogens or cause cerebrospinal fluid to leak.

Federal judge sides with FTC, case against PBMs to move forward

A federal court dismissed a counterclaim from CVS, UnitedHealth and Cigna that sought to halt the case on constitutional grounds.

The flooded Baxter North Cove IV bag plant in North Carolina with its flags at half mast for the more than 250 people killed by Hurricane Helene, including at least one Baxter employee. Baxter photo

Baxter’s Asheville site now fully operational after damage from Helene

Hurricane Helene devastated the North Carolina manufacturing site, causing a nationwide shortage of IV solutions.

FDA announces recall of dangerous arterial catheters

While there have been no reported injuries, a manufacturing error involving debris contamination could potentially kill a patient.

FDA announces emergency recall of oxygen concentrators after spontaneous fires

There have been no injuries. However, due to the serious risk of death, the devices manufactured by Jiangsu Jumao X-Care Medical Equipment must be removed from the market immediately.

FDA issues Class I recall of brain fluid drain kits after 15 injuries

Two lines of Medtronic Neurosurgery EDMS kits are at risk of developing cracks that could expose patients to pathogens or cause cerebrospinal fluid to leak.

FDA greenlights first non-opioid treatment for severe pain in 20 years

Journavax was shown in clinical trials to be safe and effective, with no addictive potential.

DOJ settles $17M kickback case with catheter supplier

Liberator Medical Supply was accused of offering doctors kickbacks, such as discounted and free supplies, in exchange for filling prescriptions with its products.

FDA warns of risk of death associated with multiple sclerosis drugs

The agency found 82 cases of anaphylaxis associated with glatiramer acetate, sold under the brand names Copaxone and Glatopa, including 19 that emerged after patients had been taking these drugs for more than a year.