The COVID-19 pandemic struck the medical device industry harder than most in fiscal year 2021.
Category: Supply Chain
Available but ineffective antibody treatment still in use in some states
The monoclonal antibody therapies made by Regeneron and Eli Lilly, which the omicron coronavirus variant has essentially rendered useless, are still in high use in 12 states, Kaiser Health News reported Jan. 21.
CDC approval delays are tying up N95 supplies, mask-makers say
The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health faces a backlog of applications from manufacturers seeking regulatory approval for N95s and other air-filtering masks, Roll Call reported Jan. 19.
Blood collection tubes are in short supply: FDA
All blood specimen collection tubes were added to the FDA’s device shortage list on Jan. 19 amid an increase in demand and recent supply issues.
10 systems seeking supply chain talent
Ten health systems have posted job listings for supply chain expertise in the last week:
Americans can now order free COVID-19 test kits
The federal government on Jan. 18 launched its website for Americans to request free rapid COVID-19 test kits be shipped to their homes.
New COVID-19 lockdown in China could worsen supply chain issues, experts say
Experts say many industries could face further supply chain disruptions if China imposes widespread lockdown measures to curb the spread of the omicron variant, The New York Times reported Jan. 16.
Federal COVID-19 test distribution plan further strains US supply
The Biden administration’s plan to distribute 1 billion rapid COVID-19 tests is putting pressure on manufacturers and distributors to bolster tight nationwide supplies, The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 16.
10 systems seeking supply chain talent
Ten health systems have posted job listings for supply chain expertise in the last week:
Blood shortage temporarily closes California hospital’s trauma center
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services said blood shortages forced the trauma center at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center to close for several hours on Jan. 10, The Los Angeles Times reported.
