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 to add ‘black box’ warning to COVID vaccines, report says
The label is the most serious warning the agency can place on pharmaceuticals, denoting substances that carry serious health risks that must be weighed against benefits. CNN was the first to report the news, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Mark Cuban, Humana CEO announce drug pricing partnership during Forbes panel
Mark Cuban's startup Cost Plus Drugs and insurer Humana are said to be working on a deal that would allow Medicare Advantage patients to buy drugs directly from manufacturers. The terms of the agreement—which Forbes reports is in its early stages—are still unknown.
FDA issues warning about Olympus ligating devices after 113 injuries
The nylon loop on some devices can fail to release while removing polyps. Because of the severe risk to patient health, the FDA has designated this recall a Class I.
CVS agrees to pay $38M to resolve insulin over-distribution allegations, DOJ says
Authorities allege the pharmacy chain gave patients more insulin than prescribed and then billed Medicare and Medicaid for the full amounts. This allegedly occurred for more than a decade.
Damaged Alaris infusion pumps linked to two serious injuries as FDA updates safety instructions
The infusion system modules can malfunction if dropped or jarred without the user noticing. Manufacturer Becton Dickinson is asking owners to inspect the devices to ensure they are safe to use.

CVS Health announces $10.6B acquisition of Oak Street Health

CVS generic drugs twice as likely to be recalled over safety concerns, investigation finds

CVS generics have been linked to more than 15 manufacturers cited for producing allegedly contaminated drugs.

FDA announces recall of Medline endotracheal tubes after three injuries

The Medline Sub-G endotracheal tubes with subglottic suction are defective and known to tear, potentially leading to serious injury or death.

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.

Supply Chain

FDA to add ‘black box’ warning to COVID vaccines, report says

Mark Cuban, Humana CEO announce drug pricing partnership during Forbes panel

FDA issues warning about Olympus ligating devices after 113 injuries

CVS agrees to pay $38M to resolve insulin over-distribution allegations, DOJ says

Damaged Alaris infusion pumps linked to two serious injuries as FDA updates safety instructions