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.

Philips and Medtronic extend 30 year patient monitoring partnership
The two companies will continue combining components to make patient monitoring systems, under the new terms of the expanded deal that includes a "pledge program" to improve quality.
FDA announces recall of Baxter infusion pumps with mismatched software
Spectrum V8 and V6 infusion pumps may have accidentally had their software switched, which could result in underinfusion or a fluid overload. While no injuries have been reported, for safety the affected pumps need to be removed from where they are used and sold.
FDA alerts public to Medtronic device recall after 33 injuries
An urgent device recall has been issued on Bravo CF, a line of pH capsules that are placed in the esophagus to aid in understanding the effects of acid reflux. Due to a dangerous manufacturing error, certain lots of the devices must be quarantined immediately.
FDA issues Class I recall on GE Carestations due to ventilation issue
The issue stems from a mode on the ventilation systems malfunctioning. Although no devices need to be removed from care settings, some will require repair.
FDA issues emergency recall on resuscitation systems due to failure code
A specific model of AutoPulse resuscitation system manufactured by Zoll is prone to a failure code that could result in inadequate chest compressions being administered to patients. The affected kits must be removed from the supply chain immediately.

CVS Health announces $10.6B acquisition of Oak Street Health

CVS, Kroger among bidders for Rite Aid stores and prescription data

According to a report, Walgreens also expressed interest in an unknown number of pharmacies as Rite Aid seeks to liquidate all its assets.

AvaMed CEO warns Senate that tariffs threaten medtech innovation

Scott Whitaker, the CEO of the industry lobby AvaMed, told the Senate Finance Committee that he fears tariffs will only raise the cost of care and put patients at risk if companies are unable to overcome supply chain disruptions.

artificial intelligence pharmaceutical industry

Rite Aid closing distribution center and 68 stores

A week after filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the liquidation of Rite Aid's remaining assets has begun.

Trump issues sweeping executive order to reduce drug prices

The “most favored nation” policy would reduce the cost of domestic pharmaceuticals to the levels paid in Europe. The executive order also has a sister bill proposed for Congress that would solidify the rule into law.

Rite Aid seeking buyout as it files for bankruptcy—again

For the second time in less than two years, the struggling retail pharmacy chain has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking buyers as it prepares for store closures.

Michigan sues PBMs, alleging unlawful collusion created ‘pharmacy deserts'

State Attorney General Dana Nessel is suing Express Scripts and Prime Therapeutics, accusing the two PBMs of manipulating rebate pricing, "crippling small, independent pharmacies and restricting access to lifesaving medications in the process."

Trump’s pharma tariffs could raise prices by 12.9%, report shows

A leaked report from Ernst & Young says President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on drugs would stifle domestic manufacturing and force the industry to take on an additional $51 billion in annual costs.

UPS Healthcare acquires Canadian supply chain company for $1.6B

Ontario-based Andlauer Healthcare Group ships sensitive temperature-controlled products necessary for healthcare manufacturing and research. It has agreed to be acquired by the world’s largest courier, with the all-cash deal expected to close later this year.

Supply Chain

Philips and Medtronic extend 30 year patient monitoring partnership

FDA announces recall of Baxter infusion pumps with mismatched software

FDA alerts public to Medtronic device recall after 33 injuries

FDA issues Class I recall on GE Carestations due to ventilation issue

FDA issues emergency recall on resuscitation systems due to failure code