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 approves first therapy for very rare lipid storage disorder

Ctexli (chenodiol) can now be prescribed to patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, a condition caused by a genetic mutation that leads to cholesterol buildup around vital organs. 

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Federal judge sides with FTC; case against PBMs to move forward

A federal court dismissed a counterclaim from CVS, UnitedHealth and Cigna that sought to halt the case on constitutional grounds.

The flooded Baxter North Cove IV bag plant in North Carolina with its flags at half mast for the more than 250 people killed by Hurricane Helene, including at least one Baxter employee. Baxter photo

Baxter’s Asheville site now fully operational after damage from Helene

Hurricane Helene devastated the North Carolina manufacturing site, causing a nationwide shortage of IV solutions. 

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FDA announces recall of dangerous arterial catheters

While there have been no reported injuries, a manufacturing error involving debris contamination could potentially kill a patient.

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FDA announces emergency recall of oxygen concentrators after spontaneous fires

There have been no injuries. However, due to the serious risk of death, the devices manufactured by Jiangsu Jumao X-Care Medical Equipment must be removed from the market immediately. 

the words "FDA recall" on a board

FDA issues Class I recall of brain fluid drain kits after 15 injuries

Two lines of Medtronic Neurosurgery EDMS kits are at risk of developing cracks that could expose patients to pathogens or cause cerebrospinal fluid to leak. 

FDA greenlights first non-opioid treatment for severe pain in 20 years

Journavax was shown in clinical trials to be safe and effective, with no addictive potential. 

Department of Justice DOJ

DOJ settles $17M kickback case with catheter supplier

Liberator Medical Supply was accused of offering doctors kickbacks, such as discounted and free supplies, in exchange for filling prescriptions with its products.

Around the web

“Now more than ever, we must recognize that our country’s leadership in groundbreaking medical research spurs scientific innovation, improves public health and creates new innovations that save and improve lives nationwide,” Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD, explained in a statement. 

The technology used to diagnose, treat and manage cardiovascular disease is always evolving, keeping FDA officials quite busy. But have the agency's standards been slipping in recent years? A cardiologist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explored that very question.

No devices need to be returned at this time. However, the FDA warned, using these heart pumps without reviewing the updated instructions could result in "serious injury or death.”