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.

Bipartisan bills in Congress would force insurance companies, PBMs to sell pharmacies
The Patients Before Monopolies Act, introduced in both the House and Senate, gives parent companies of PBMs three years to divest from pharmacies or face penalties.
FDA recalls 233K bottles of antidepressants due to cancer risk
Bottles of duloxetine manufactured by Rising Pharmaceuticals are being recalled due to higher-than-normal levels of nitrosamine contaminants. The recall is classified as Class II, the second most serious type.
FDA issues Class I recall on insulin syringes due to risk of death
A line of syringes manufactured by Cardinal Health may fail to properly inject insulin when used with needleless IV connectors.
Anesthesiologist gets 190 years for injecting drugs into IV bags
The IV bags caused multiple patients to experience severe cardiac distress. The judge who sentenced former doctor Raynaldo Rivera Ortiz Jr. said his actions were “tantamount to attempted murder."
FDA issues Class I recall on insertion tubes after manufacturing error
Specific FHC-branded insertion tubes used in brain surgery are 20mm longer than expected and could pose a serious risk to patients.

Why is the US still dependent on foreign medical isotope production?

The U.S currently does not have any large-scale commercial production of the isotope Mo-99 used for nuclear imaging. It is critical to more 40,000 nuclear imaging exams each day, representing about 80% of all diagnostic molecular imaging procedures.

November 1, 2024

Helene damage to bridge Baxter North Cove facility in North Carolina.

Baxter producing IV solutions ahead of schedule at Asheville-area site

The company said its largest production line at its North Carolina plant is operational, accounting for 25% of total output. The site was damaged by flood waters from Hurricane Helene.

October 31, 2024

Some nuc med departments are already feeling the strain of the isotope shortage

"This can't drag on. Patients needing cancer treatment can’t wait two months for an accurate diagnosis.”

October 28, 2024

FDA issues Class I update on robotic arms due to risk of fire

A protective coating on Jaco Assistive Robotic Arms from Kinova could become damaged, leading to exposed metal causing an electrical fire when it comes into contact with a powered wheelchair.

October 25, 2024

Smith Medical FDA issues BLU tracheostomy tubes FDA recall

FDA issues Class I recall on tracheostomy tubes after 12 injuries

The Smiths Medical BLUSelect and related products have a manufacturing defect and must be removed from stocks immediately.

October 25, 2024

FDA approves first RSV vaccine for adults

Pfizer's Abrysvo vaccine can now be prescribed to all adults 18 and older at high risk for severe RSV complications, including pregnant women.

October 23, 2024

Wartime powers enacted to address nationwide IV fluid shortage

The Biden Administration has invoked parts of the Defense Production Act to address shortages that stem from Hurricane Helene damaging a Baxter production facility in North Carolina.

October 18, 2024

New details emerge on looming medical isotope shortage

The supply of Mo-99 and Tc-99m—the most commonly utilized medical isotopes in the world—could be cut by as much as 40% until the reactor in the Netherlands is up and running again.

October 18, 2024

Supply Chain

Bipartisan bills in Congress would force insurance companies, PBMs to sell pharmacies

FDA recalls 233K bottles of antidepressants due to cancer risk

FDA issues Class I recall on insulin syringes due to risk of death

Anesthesiologist gets 190 years for injecting drugs into IV bags

FDA issues Class I recall on insertion tubes after manufacturing error