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.

Amazon brings shipping muscle to Lilly drug delivery

Amazon continues its march into healthcare as LillyDirect will begin working with Amazon Pharmacy to fill home delivery orders of certain diabetes, obesity and migraine medications.

Cardinal Health recalls some Monoject syringes

The company’s “Cardinal Health”-branded Monoject syringes, released in June 2023, were manufactured by a different contractor and differed slightly in dimensions from the “Covidien”-branded syringes, which could put patients at risk.

Manufacturers partner to develop radioisotopes used in cancer drugs, clinical trials

Eckert & Ziegler and Nucleus RadioPharma have signed an agreement to address the increasing demand for Lu-177 and Ac-225.

ITM to supply Alpha-9 radioisotopes to develop new cancer drugs

The German manufacturer and Canadian drug developer are partnering to address the supply crunch of radioisotopes.

Isotope used in cancer drug development shipped for clinical trials

Actinium-225 remains in short supply, slowing drug research.

FDA approves radiopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Indianapolis

The new facility is run by Novartis and is being called the “most advanced of its kind."

Pyrophosphate imaging agent shortage reported, could last weeks

Supply chain disruptions are blamed for the lack of production.

International Workshop on Medical Radioisotopes Supply, October 2023

Medical radioisotope supply chain faces future crisis, Nuclear Energy Agency warns

Outdated infrastructure and a lack of young people entering the field are both impacting the security of critical isotopes such as molybdenum-99.

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