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.

FDA issues Class I safety alert on malfunctioning infusion pumps
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is calling this a recall, an updated set of use instructions of Smiths Medical, the manufacturer of the pumps, will allow for their safe, continued use.
Cigna, CVS sue to block Arkansas' PBM regulation
The newly signed law, known as Act 264, bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies in the state. It's scheduled to go into effect beginning in 2026.
FDA issues Class I alert on emergency use esophagogastric tubes
A serious issue with esophagogastric balloon tamponade tubes manufactured by BD could cause the devices to break, potentially delaying care for bleeding patients. Clinicians are advised to review and follow updated use instructions.
Rite Aid sells over 1,000 pharmacies to competitors, including CVS and Walgreens
The deals account for most of Rite Aid’s remaining stores, as the bankrupt chain nears its final days.
Small pharmacies stockpile drugs as tariff fears grow
KFF Health News interviewed multiple independent pharmacies for a new report, detailing their basements full of generic and specialty drugs as a hedge against supply shocks.

FDA announces recall of Medtronic brain surgery support systems

Medtronic has issued a recall affecting several versions of its StealthStation S8 due to a software error that puts patients at risk of serious injury or death.

FDA announces recall of Optum infusion pumps over risk of serious malfunctions

The Nimbus II Plus infusion pumps are being recalled due to multiple malfunctions that could put patients at risk.

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

Ecolab selling its surgical solutions business for $950M

Medline has entered into a “definitive agreement” to buy the surgical division, giving the company access to a variety of surgical supplies and equipment used by clinicians and patients.

FDA announces recall of SonarMed airway monitors after injury

Medtronic brand SonarMed airway monitors and acoustic sensors are being recalled due to a risk of breathing obstruction and lung tissue damage.

FDA announces recall of infusion pumps after thousands of complaints, 1 death

InfuTronix has received 3,698 complaints related to device failures of its Halo Ambulatory Infusion system and other Nimbus pumps.

FDA announces recall of more than 2 million catheter parts, citing serious health risks

Fresenius Medical Care is issuing a recall on 2,192,535 catheter extensions and adapters used in patients with acute and chronic kidney disease.

Joint replacements recalled after FDA safety warning

The FDA initially made the complaint in January. Exactech has agreed to recall products at risk of chemical oxidation as a result of faulty packaging.

Space company to extract medical imaging isotopes from the moon

Interlune has received $15M in funding to develop a scalable supply of Helium-3 from the lunar surface.

Supply Chain

FDA issues Class I safety alert on malfunctioning infusion pumps

Cigna, CVS sue to block Arkansas' PBM regulation

FDA issues Class I alert on emergency use esophagogastric tubes

Rite Aid sells over 1,000 pharmacies to competitors, including CVS and Walgreens

Small pharmacies stockpile drugs as tariff fears grow