Supply Chain

New Brunswick, N.J.-based Johnson & Johnson and Minneapolis-based Medtronic are partnering with four hospitals on a collaborative pilot program using an experimental implant ordering software system developed by Louisville, Colo.-based Global Health Exchange, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

A group of pediatric specialists at Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania are exploring the potential of 3-D printing to develop customized medical devices for children, according to a MedCity News report.

Kalamazoo, Mich.-based Stryker has signed an agreement to acquire Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Pivot Medical in an all-cash transaction for an undisclosed amount.

The global market for clinical decision support systems is expected to reach $558 million by 2018, growing at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 10 percent, according to a Markets and Markets report.

Brentwood, Tenn.-based HealthTrust has signed an agreement with Holt, Mich.-based Block Imaging to provide HealthTrust's members with refurbished medical imaging equipment, parts and service support, according to a news release.

Parsippany, N.J.-based Pacira Pharmaceuticals has joined the National Patient Safety Foundation Patient Safety Coalition as an associate member, according to a news release.

A new, expanded distribution agreement between McKesson and Rite-Aid will include both brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals and help establish both organizations as leaders in their field.

The Massachusetts Hospital Association and Illinois Hospital Association have become supporting organizations of the Healthier Hospital Initiative.

Memphis, Tenn.-based Wright Medical Group has acquired Solana Surgical, also based in Memphis, an orthopedic device company focused on foot, ankle and hand products, according to a news release.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa.-based ECRI Institute has awarded 12 healthcare organizations with the Healthcare Supply Chain Achievement Award, according to a news release.