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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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. 

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. 

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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. 

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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.

The Texas State Capital building in Austin where 140 scope creep bills were defeated in 2024 by the Texas medical Association.

Texas sues PBMs and drug manufacturers for insulin price collusion

Two weeks ago, the FTC launched a similar antitrust suit. The pharmacy benefit managers and pharmaceutical companies are accused of artificially raising drug costs through rebates and kickbacks.

money court scale of justice ruling legal settlement

BD settles majority of 38,000 lawsuits over dangerous surgical mesh

Becton Dickinson & Co does not admit to wrongdoing and said the undisclosed settlement will not significantly impact its bottom line.

Helene damage to bridge Baxter North Cove facility in North Carolina.

Baxter closes largest IV solution factory, sparking fears of a shortage

Flood damage forced Baxter to close a facility that makes 60% of IV solutions in the U.S., a loss of 1.5 million bags per day. 

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