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.

Bipartisan bills in Congress would force insurance companies, PBMs to sell pharmacies
The Patients Before Monopolies Act, introduced in both the House and Senate, gives parent companies of PBMs three years to divest from pharmacies or face penalties.
FDA recalls 233K bottles of antidepressants due to cancer risk
Bottles of duloxetine manufactured by Rising Pharmaceuticals are being recalled due to higher-than-normal levels of nitrosamine contaminants. The recall is classified as Class II, the second most serious type.
FDA issues Class I recall on insulin syringes due to risk of death
A line of syringes manufactured by Cardinal Health may fail to properly inject insulin when used with needleless IV connectors.
Anesthesiologist gets 190 years for injecting drugs into IV bags
The IV bags caused multiple patients to experience severe cardiac distress. The judge who sentenced former doctor Raynaldo Rivera Ortiz Jr. said his actions were “tantamount to attempted murder."
FDA issues Class I recall on insertion tubes after manufacturing error
Specific FHC-branded insertion tubes used in brain surgery are 20mm longer than expected and could pose a serious risk to patients.

Orano Med breaks ground on $265M thorium production site

The new 7,000-square-meter plant is located in France and will begin production of thorium-228, necessary for the development of isotopes used in cancer treatments.

November 18, 2024

Main bridge access into the facility that was heavily damaged by the flooding. Photo by Aerial Lens.

Baxter reopens second production line at North Carolina IV solutions site

The plant is now operating at 50% of its pre-Hurricane Helene levels, as Baxter aims to reach full capacity by the end of the year.

November 15, 2024

Medtronic sued by doctor for alleged patent infringement

Shirin Towfigh, MD, and her consultancy firm, Hexagon Health, claim Medtronic is selling patented surgical mesh with a novel fin-shaped design.

November 14, 2024

FDA set to ban certain over-the-counter cold medications

Oral decongestants containing phenylephrine were found not to be effective. However, nasal sprays of the same drug are not subject to the FDA’s proposed order.

November 7, 2024

Looming fear of more IV shortages as Hurricane Rafael gains strength

The IV solution supply chain is still recovering after Hurricane Helene damaged a manufacturing site in North Carolina.

November 6, 2024

Walgreens settles class-action fraud lawsuit for $100M

The pharmacy chain is accused of charging insurance more for generic drugs than uninsured customers of its Prescription Saving Club.

November 6, 2024

FDA recalls infant incubators due to risk of door falling off

A loose screw on the Giraffe OmniBed is to blame. With updated use instructions and repairs, the incubators are safe to use.

November 4, 2024

FDA announces Class I recall of ventilators after 3 patient injuries

An unexpected nickel coating on the breathing circuits of Percussionaire Phasitron 5 ventilators is being blamed for the recall. The FDA is asking providers to stop using them immediately.

November 1, 2024

Supply Chain

Bipartisan bills in Congress would force insurance companies, PBMs to sell pharmacies

FDA recalls 233K bottles of antidepressants due to cancer risk

FDA issues Class I recall on insulin syringes due to risk of death

Anesthesiologist gets 190 years for injecting drugs into IV bags

FDA issues Class I recall on insertion tubes after manufacturing error