Supply Chain

Biosimilars, or highly similar but not exact alternatives to biologic drugs, are creating new cost-saving opportunities for health system pharmacies.

Johnson & Johnson is defending its products and practices after a Reuters investigation found the company knew small amounts of cancer-causing asbestos lurked in its baby powder for decades, but hid that information from regulators and the public, Reuters reports.

Southern Colorado hospitals have been closing their blood donation centers, but the blood transfusion company Vitalant is now taking care of patients with blood needs, according to KKTV 11.

Healthcare supply chains are moving towards more patient-focused operations in response to several trends.

Walmart signed a three-year contract extension with pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, which will allow Express Scripts' covered members to access Walmart's prescription services.

A recent article by Premier Inc. reviews survey results focused on health systems' interest in value-based contracting. 

Despite efforts by its manufacturer to ramp up deliveries and production, the national shortage of Shingrix, a new vaccine to protect against shingles, is worsening, according to The Washington Post.

Two dozen Amazon warehouse workers in New Jersey were hospitalized after a robot accidentally broke open a can of bear repellent spray, according to ABC News.

Several trends, including declining reimbursements and population health imperatives, are forcing care into cheaper settings — a shift that will place additional pressure on health system margins.

Medtronic will pay $50.9 million to resolve three U.S. Justice Department probes. The payments settle allegations that companies it now owns conducted improper medical device marketing, paid illegal kickbacks to hospitals and participated in other physician-engagement practices.