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.

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Outdated infrastructure and a lack of young people entering the field are both impacting the security of critical isotopes such as molybdenum-99.

Amazon Pharmacy is now delivering medications by done

Amazon Pharmacy now delivering medications by drone, promising orders in 1 hour or less

The new service is now live in College Station, Texas. The drones use a series of sensors and cameras to remain stable and navigate around obstacles as needed.

Updated branding gives J&J 2 segments sharing 1 name

A healthcare logo familiar to Americans since the 1800s has gotten a makeover.

‘Gray market’ vendors hike up prices during drug shortages, leaving hospitals in a bind

Hospital executives find themselves in a challenging position—pay big bucks for hard-to-find medications or risk letting their patients down.

FDA warning letter details quality concerns, violations at Integra facility

The facility in question is responsible for producing collagen-based medical devices primarily used in wound care, soft tissue repair and complex reconstruction surgeries.

Pfizer facility on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, after damage from severe weather. TRAVIS LONG/THE NEWS & OBSERVER VIA AP

Pfizer plant takes heavy tornado damage, loses approximately 50,000 pallets of sterile injectables

The Rocky Mount, North Carolina-based facility is said to be responsible for producing 25% of Pfizer’s sterile injectables used by hospitals in the U.S.

COVID-19 vaccine vaccination myocarditis heart damage inflammation RSNA imaging radiology cardiology

Moderna's updated COVID vaccine now awaits FDA authorization

"We have been working diligently for months to build ample supply, with doses ready to ship in time for the fall vaccination season in the Northern Hemisphere,” Moderna's CEO said in the announcement.

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