Say hello to MassDevice +7, a bite-sized view of the top seven med-tech stories of the week. This latest feature of MassDevice.com’s coverage highlights our seven biggest and most influential stories from the week’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 this weekend, make sure you’re still in the know with MassDevice +7.
7. Major shareholders dump Bard stock in Q3
Five major shareholders dumped more than 300,000 shares of C.R. Bard Inc. (NYSE:BCR) during the med-tech maker’s third quarter.
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6. Chinese hackers hit Boston Scientific
Med-tech titan Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) was one of 760 companies hit by Chinese cyber attacks that also targeted U.S. government agencies, research universities and Internet providers.
5. Weight loss: FDA warns Lap-Band advertisers
Advertisers that omit the risks and exaggerate the benefits of Lap-Band surgery could find themselves in a federal beef, according to an FDA warning to surgical centers and marketing firms.
4. MDT to pay $23.5M to settle kickback claims
Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) agreed to cough up $23.5 million but admits no wrongdoing in settling U.S. Justice Dept. allegations that it paid doctors illegal kickbacks to use its cardiac implants.
3. Ortho players slide after CMS aims at "unnecessary" procedures
Share prices fizzled for a few orthopedic device makers in the days following news of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ pre-reimbursement review project.
2. Layoffs: Smith & Nephew cuts include 24 in Mass.
Recent layoffs at Smith & Nephew (NYSE:SNN) included 24 cuts in Massachusetts, company spokesperson Joe Metzger told MassDevice.
1. Symmetry Medical bags J&J surgical instruments arm for $165M
Orthopedic company Symmetry Medical (NYSE:SMA) signed a definitive agreement to acquire the surgical instrument business of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) subsidiary Codman & Shurtleff for $165 million cash.