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.

FDA and Medtronic issue recall on endotracheal tubes due to risk of death

All Medtronic EMG Reinforced Endotracheal Tubes are being recalled due to a risk of collapse that could lead to serious injury or death.

July 10, 2024

In a national survey, 89% of cancer centers report drug shortages

Respondents said supply chain issues are running afoul of prior authorization requirements, leading to delays in patient care.

June 26, 2024

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.

June 12, 2024

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.

June 11, 2024

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.

June 5, 2024

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.

May 30, 2024

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.

May 1, 2024

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.

April 29, 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