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 issues Class I safety alert on malfunctioning infusion pumps
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is calling this a recall, an updated set of use instructions of Smiths Medical, the manufacturer of the pumps, will allow for their safe, continued use.
Cigna, CVS sue to block Arkansas' PBM regulation
The newly signed law, known as Act 264, bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies in the state. It's scheduled to go into effect beginning in 2026.
FDA issues Class I alert on emergency use esophagogastric tubes
A serious issue with esophagogastric balloon tamponade tubes manufactured by BD could cause the devices to break, potentially delaying care for bleeding patients. Clinicians are advised to review and follow updated use instructions.
Rite Aid sells over 1,000 pharmacies to competitors, including CVS and Walgreens
The deals account for most of Rite Aid’s remaining stores, as the bankrupt chain nears its final days.
Small pharmacies stockpile drugs as tariff fears grow
KFF Health News interviewed multiple independent pharmacies for a new report, detailing their basements full of generic and specialty drugs as a hedge against supply shocks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Employee parking lot is a sea of mud and storm debris at the the Baxter North Cove facility. Photo by Aerial Lens.

Baxter begins importing IV supplies as 86% of providers report shortages

Hurricane Helene severely damaged Baxter's plant near Asheville, North Carolina, leading to a nationwide shortage of IV fluid bags.

Teva settles with DOJ for $450M to resolve latest price fixing allegations

The world's largest generic drug manufacturer allegedly paid charities kickbacks to cover patient co-pays in an effort to inflate the price tag of its multiple sclerosis treatment.

The temporary rock bridge is now allowing access to the Baxter North Cove IV bag plant in North Carolina, which has enabled cleanup crews to begin work on the flooded plant that supplies 60% of U.S. IV bags.

Baxter works to get North Carolina IV plants back online as national shortages loom

Baxter's IV plant in North Carolina was flooded by Hurricane Helene. That plant provides 60% of the U.S. supply of IV bags.

Private equity firm buys controlling stake in Surescripts

TPG will not own a majority of the e-prescriber, with CVS Health and Express Scripts maintaining a minority stake.

Supply Chain

FDA issues Class I safety alert on malfunctioning infusion pumps

Cigna, CVS sue to block Arkansas' PBM regulation

FDA issues Class I alert on emergency use esophagogastric tubes

Rite Aid sells over 1,000 pharmacies to competitors, including CVS and Walgreens

Small pharmacies stockpile drugs as tariff fears grow