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. Senators introduce bi-partisan medical device bill
A quartet Senators yesterday introduced the bi-partisan Ensuring Safe Medical Devices for Patients Act, in the latest legislative effort to beef up the FDA’s oversight of medical devices.
6. FDA clears new silicon implant despite consumer protests
Despite continued protests at home and abroad, the FDA cleared silicon breast implants made by Sientra, making it the 3rd company with regulatory clearance to sell the controversial products in the U.S.
5. U.K. researchers: Ban metal-on-metal hips altogether
A team of U.K. researchers is calling for an all-out ban on metal-on-metal hip implants, citing studies demonstrating that the devices fail more often than other artificial hip systems, especially in women.
4. MDUFMA: White House clears user fee proposal
The White House Office of Management & Budget signed off on the medical device user fee proposal hashed out by the FDA and the med-tech industry last month.
3. Jobs, R&D likely sacrifices in the face of tax burden, survey shows
Massachusetts medical device executives forecast job losses and budget-cutting for research & development efforts, as the industry nears the launch date of a 2.3% medical device excise tax.
2. Judge doubles down on $20M jury award to Boston Scientific in Cordis spat
Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) is slated for a $41.5 million payment from Cordis Corp., Johnson & Johnson’s stent-making arm, after a Delaware federal judge more than doubled a jury award.
1. Zoll soars on news of $2.2B Asahi Kasei acquisition
Zoll Medical (NSDQ:ZOLL) is winning a lot of Wall Street love this morning on the news of a $2.21 billion cash offer from Asahi Kasei Corp. (TYO:3407).
