Supply Chain

A group of bipartisan lawmakers are pushing for better surveillance of medical devices to protect patients and save costs, according to KVUE. 

Despite lobbying from the medical device industry, impeachment proceedings and a busy year-end legislative agenda seem to be stalling a repeal of the medical device tax, according to MedTech Dive. 

The FDA Dec. 10 approved a device from Chicago-based devicemaker AptarGroup that uses a nasal spray to treat seizures, according to Medical Device Network. 

North Texas is facing a critical blood shortage and needs about 1,000 donations every day for the next few weeks, according to Fox 4. 

Walgreens Boots Alliance and Kroger said Dec. 10 they are forming a new group purchasing organization called the Retail Procurement Alliance. 

Abbott is warning of two separate potential safety issues involving its HeartMate 3 implant used to treat advanced heart failure, according to MedTech Dive. 

The FDA Dec. 5 approved the marketing of a new diagnostic test for MRSA from Roche Molecular Systems that yields results hours faster than traditional tests. 

Stephen Hahn, MD, advanced by the Senate health committee this week in his bid to become the next FDA commissioner, outlined some of his plans for regulating medical devices, according to MedTech Dive. 

Edwards Lifesciences predicted its global sales will hit $5 billion next year, an increase of 12 percent, during its annual conference Dec. 5 in New York City.

The medical device excise tax would cost 21,000 full-time jobs and a $1.7 billion reduction in gross domestic product if it returns next year, according to a report released this week by the nonprofit Tax Foundation.