Say hello to MassDevice +5, a bite-sized view of the top five medtech stories of the day. This feature of MassDevice.com’s coverage highlights our 5 biggest and most influential stories from the day’s news to make sure you’re up to date on the headlines that continue to shape the medical device industry.
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5. These fabric-based sensors move with the body
Researchers have designed a new silicone-fabric sensor that can move with the human body and be used in wearables and robotics, according to research from Harvard University’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).
Typical sensors that are used on wearables like heart rate sensors are made of hard, inflexible materials that are restrictive. Because it restricts a user’s natural movements, the data that it is transmitting could be inaccurate. Read more
4. Medical device labeling: You need to design it, too
When designing and developing a medical device, companies often consider labeling down the road, but they shouldn’t, says Michael Drues, a regulatory consultant based outside Boston.
Labeling can involve a variety of ways a medtech company markets a product. What Drues calls high-level labeling – indications for use, intended use and label claims – drives to the heart of a company’s regulatory strategy. Read more
3. DOJ subpoenas Mallinckrodt over opioids
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals said yesterday that it received a subpoena from the U.S. Dept. of Justice requesting information related to its marketing practices and sales of opioids.
The company, which manufactures only generic and non-promoted branded opioids, said that it has worked to prevent misuse and diversion of its products, pointing to efforts like its testimonies on behalf of the prosecution in drug diversion cases. Read more
2. Hologic shares drop on Q3 sales miss
Shares in Hologic fell today after the medical device maker missed sales expectations on Wall Street with its 3rd quarter earnings results.
The Marlborough, Mass.-based company posted profits of $59.5 million, or 21¢ per share, on sales of $806.1 million for the 3 months ended June 25, seeing its bottom line shrink 29.8% while sales grew 12.4% compared to the same period last yea Read more
1. BD shares fall on Q3 sales miss
Shares in Becton Dickinson & Co. have fallen today after the medical device maker narrowly topped earnings per share expectations but missed sales consensus on Wall Street with its 3rd quarter results.
The Franklin Lakes, N.J.-based company posted losses of $165 million, or 75¢ per share, on sales of $3 billion for the 3 months ended June 30, for negative bottom-line growth of 142.3% while sales shrunk 5.1% compared with the same period last year. Read more