7 must-reads for supply chain leaders this week

1. Survey: 5 attributes providers want when purchasing medical devices
The No. 1 attribute providers ranked as important when purchasing a medical device is consistent outcomes.

2. The problem with eye drops — and why drug companies won’t fix it
Drug companies produce eye drops at a size much larger than the human eye can hold.

3. Amneal Pharma, Impax will merge into US’ 5th-largest generics maker
Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Impax Laboratories will combine to form the fifth-largest generics business in the country, based on revenue.

4. Philips to suspend some defibrillator manufacturing in US: 5 things to know
Philips North America will suspend manufacturing and distribution of external defibrillators at facilities in Andover, Mass., and Bothell, Wash., with exceptions related to select automated external defibrillator models.

5. FDA approves record number of generics in FY 17
The FDA approved a record-breaking number of generic drugs in fiscal year 2017.

6. Baxter expects temporary shortage of small saline IV bags
Baxter International anticipates a temporary shortage of small saline IV bags in the U.S. due to manufacturing issues in hurricane-damaged Puerto Rico.

7. This biohacker is creating a recipe book of medicines patients can make at home
Michael Laufer, PhD, a college professor and leader in the growing biohacker movement, wants to teach patients how to make their own medications to subvert the drug industry’s high prices, according to STAT.