Say hello to MassDevice +3, a bite-sized view of the top three med-tech stories of the day. This feature of MassDevice.com’s coverage highlights our 3 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.
If you read nothing else today, make sure you’re still in the know with MassDevice +3.
3. Device makers plan to offset tax burden by raising prices
Most small medical device companies may deal with the added burden of the impending 2.3% medical device tax by passing the cost onto customers, an industry survey found.
Of 180 device industry executives surveyed, about 75% of which represent companies with fewer than 50 employees, more than half reported that they plan to increase prices for their products in order to fully or partially offset the effects of the levy.
2. Breast implant crisis colors regulatory reform efforts
European med-tech lobby Eucomed joined forces with regulators in calling for a revised framework for medical device review in light of the ongoing public health crisis surrounding substandard breast implants.
The European Commission called for immediate action to tighten controls and increase surveillance following the discovery of "fraudulent use of non medical grade silicone in breast implants" manufactured by a French device company, Poly Implant Prothese.
1. MacMillan’s abrupt resignation shocks the ortho world
Stephen MacMillan’s abrupt decision to walk away from Stryker (NYSE:SYK) for "family reasons" resonated throughout the halls of the annual confab of the orthopedic industry.
"Everyone is surprised and worried about him and his family," Robin Young, the editor and publisher of Orthopedics This Week told MassDevice. "He’s a pretty popular guy. Even competitors liked him personally, so a lot of people are just hoping it gets resolved."