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.

Two years after the contrast shortage, how have supply preservation tactics fared?

During an initial three-month intervention period, one health system estimates that its saved nearly 750,000 mL of contrast. Now, experts from the organization are sharing whether those changes stuck after the shortage ended.

Baxter sells kidney care division to private equity firm for $3.8B

Carlyle Group will be the new owner of Vantive, once the sale finalizes in early 2025.

Contrast protocols based on lean body weight save supplies, reduce patient risk

Adjusting contrast dose based on a patient’s lean body weight provides the same image quality as other administration methods, new data show.

FDA recall on ventilators ranked ‘most serious’ after patient injury

Baxter is recalling its Life2000 Ventilator system due to a faulty battery charging dongle that could cause the systems to shut off during use.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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