Abbott (NYSE:ABT) shares crept up today on first-quarter results that topped the consensus forecast. The Abbott Park, Ill.–based company posted profits of $564 million, or 31¢ per share, on sales of $7.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, for a 16.1% bottom-line slide on sales growth of 2.5%. Adjusted to exclude one-time items, earnings […]
coronavirus
Here at MassDevice — medtech's online business journal — we're covering news about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic daily. Here is the latest about coronavirus and the medical device industry, regulatory changes related to the pandemic, new tests for the virus, vaccine development, and much more.
6 medtech execs join White House economic recovery group
Several medtech executives have been named to the White House task force designated by President Donald Trump to provide recommendations on how best to safely reopen the U.S. economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The Great American Economic Revival healthcare industry group has 27 members, including: Mike Kauffman, CEO of Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH). Brian […]
NIH research backs decontamination methods for N95 masks
National Institutes of Health scientists have determined that N95 respirators can be decontaminated effectively and maintain functional integrity for up to three uses — getting mask supplies to last longer amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement released today, NIH announced the validation of four decontamination methods after a study of the decontamination of small […]
BREAKING: FDA authorizes U of Minnesota, Boston Scientific’s low-cost ventilator
The FDA today issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for a low-cost ventilator developed by the University of Minnesota and produced by Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX). Minnesota’s Coventor device made waves last month after researchers touted the design made from various parts totaling just $150. It’s now the first ventilator of its kind authorized for use under the […]
Unique Software Development launches 3D printing initiative to beat coronavirus
Unique Software Development announced today that it launched the “MakerCause” initiative to centralize 3D printing efforts for necessary equipment in the fight against COVID-19. MakerCause sets out to offer a way to produce 3D printed respirator masks, face shields and nasopharyngeal swabs to support healthcare workers, first responders and those with suppressed immune systems amid […]
U.S. Defense Department using Defense Production Act to boost N95 masks supply
The U.S. Defense Department is using the Korean War-era Defense Production Act to boost the nation’s supply of N95 respirator masks by 39 million over the next 90 days. Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper made the announcement yesterday, saying the $133 million contract would “ensure our government has the industrial capacity to meet the nation’s […]
Abbott offering millions of lab-based COVID-19 antibody tests
Abbott (NYSE:ABT) said today that it has launched its third test for COVID-19 — and this time it’s an antibody test. Antibody tests for coronavirus are an important weapon in the fight against the pandemic because they can also tell whether someone has had the virus in the past. Such information is crucial to evaluate how […]
Synapse Biomedical wins emergency nod for ventilator-weaning device
The FDA has granted emergency use authorization to Synapse Biomedical (Oberlin, Ohio) for its TransAeris diaphragmatic pacing stimulator to help wean COVID-19 patients off of ventilators. TransAeris is the first system authorized by the FDA to perform such a task. The 30-day authorization is aimed at patients considered at high risk of weaning failure. It […]
3M sues Florida company for alleged mask price-gouging
3M (NYSE:MMM) has sued a Florida company for allegedly trying to sell tens of millions of the company’s N95 respirators to the federal government at inflated prices. The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida alleges that Orlando-based Geftico LLC twice attempted to fraudulently sell the “likely nonexistent” respirators at […]
Coala Heart Monitor receives EUA to provide remote heart and lung exams
Coala Life announced today that it received FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) for an expanded indication for its Coala Heart Monitor. The expanded indication for the heart monitor enables physicians to remotely monitor heart and lung sounds in real-time, which can be used in COVID-19 respiratory diagnostic exams. Coala, a Swedish company with a location […]
General Motors kicks off mass production of ventilators
General Motors today began mass production of the Ventec Life Systems V+Pro critical care ventilator at the automaker’s Kokomo, Ind. plant. GM and Ventec have a $489.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to deliver 6,132 ventilators to the Strategic National Stockpile by the end of June, with 30,000 shipped […]