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. St. Jude’s Riata recall evidence of nationwide issue, doc says
The problems with St. Jude Medical’s (NYSE:STJ) recalled Riata defibrillator leads should have been caught sooner, according to a prominent heart doctor.
6. BoSci acquires maker of world’s only lead-less ICD in a deal worth up to $1.35B
Boston Scientific Corp. (NYSE:BSX) exercised its option to acquire Cameron Health Inc, maker of the world’s only commercially available subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator which boasts the tag-line "Protection…without touching the heart."
5. Medical device tax repeal efforts in Senate lacking momentum
Opponents of the 2.3% medical device tax may have found some momentum in the GOP-led U.S. House of Representatives, but efforts in the U.S. Senate are moving much slower.
4. Moody’s estimates med-tech tax impact
The 2.3% tax on revenues slated to go into effect next year for medical device makers could top $650 million for the med-tech companies covered by Moody’s Investor Services, according to a report by the ratings agency.
3. Med-tech trends: The most talked about device companies in February
MassDevice.com looked at some of the most talked-about medical device companies, based on trends in U.S. Google searches for the last 30 days. Over the last month, Stryker Corp. (NYSE:SYK) topped the charts for most internet chatter, with a clutch of stories about former CEO Stephen MacMillan’s sudden resignation and the mystery surrounding it.
2. The hack-able body: Are device makers doing enough to shield patients from hackers?
The threat that the fusion of humans and medical machines may leave patients vulnerable to the hackers and bugs of the digital world is beginning to resonate with device makers.
1. Zimmer axes jobs to cut costs ahead of med-tech tax
Zimmer Holdings (NYSE:ZMH) announced layoffs at its Warsaw, Ind., headquarters, pointing to the expected burden of the medical device tax as partly responsible for some of the losses.
