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.

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FDA issues Class I recall on counterfeit infusion pump batteries

ICU Medical alerted customers to knockoff batteries being circulated by suppliers. Due to a risk of the batteries not holding a charge, the recall has been given the FDA’s most serious designation. 

FDA warning alert exclamation computer

FDA issues alert on PCNL sheath safety after patient death

Trokamed sent a letter to customers warning them to never use its Mini PCNL Sheaths for suction and irrigation, due to a risk of kidney rupture. 

CVS Health announces $10.6B acquisition of Oak Street Health

DOJ sues CVS over unlawful opioid prescriptions and reimbursement

The U.S. Department of Justice said policies at CVS Health forbade pharmacists from discussing patients and providers who may be prescribing opiates in violation of the Controlled Substance Act. 

Elizabeth Warren

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. 

the words "FDA recall" on a board

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. 

doctor in handcuffs after being arrested

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."

the words "FDA recall" on a board

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. 

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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

AI in Healthcare
From Capitol Hill to a hospital near you? 5 federal recommendations for healthcare AI policy

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Cardiovascular Business
Merck spends up to $2B to license new weight loss drug with potential heart benefits

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.