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COVID-19: US Auto Giant General Motors Wants To Make Ventilators, Trump Says; Ford And Tesla Also Express Interest

 
• By Shawn M. Schmitt

President Trump said on 20 March that GM wants to manufacture ventilators, a medical device that’s in high demand as the US health care system prepares for an onslaught of patients infected by the novel coronavirus. Fellow auto manufacturers Ford Motor Co. and Tesla Inc. also say they’re willing to make the complex products.

Trucks come off the assembly line at GM's Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup truck plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S., July 25, 2018. Picture taken on July 25, 2018.
Trucks roll off an assembly line at GM's Fort Wayne, IN, manufacturing plant

[Editor's note:Mere hours after this story published, GM officially announced that it partnered with Ventec Life Systems to manufacture ventilators. See the sidebar story below to learn more.]

Donald Trump fancies himself as a “wartime president” as his government battles the COVID-19 pandemic, and every war requires a few good generals. But in this case, it could...

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More from Legislation

Industry Execs Talk Tariff Turbulence During MD&M East

 
• By Brian Bossetta

During MD&M East in Manhattan last week, a panel of experts discussed how the Trump administration’s trade policy is affecting manufacturing and offered some ideas on what manufacturers can do to help mitigate the chaos.

Debate On FDA User Fee Reauthorization Begins To Take Shape

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

A battle may be forming over the 2027 FDA user fee reauthorizations. At a conference Friday, Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss supports them for their effectiveness, while Deputy FDA Commissioner Grace Graham echoed criticisms from HHS Sec. Kennedy, among others, in calling for reform to ensure public trust.

Health Secretary Defends Spending Cuts During Senate Hearing On HHS Budget

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized administrative cost reductions and defended budget decisions during a Senate hearing on HHS funding. Some senators, however, expressed concerns over the impacts spending cuts had on essential health programs.

Tariffs Threaten Medtech Innovation And US Position As World Leader, Whitaker Tells Lawmakers

 
• By Brian Bossetta

During his testimony before US senators on the impact of tariffs on critical supply chains, AdvaMed’s Scott Whitaker said the Trump tariffs could jeopardize America’s preeminence in medtech. Other industry experts echoed similar concerns.

More from Policy & Regulation

Swiss Medtechs Advised To Work On US Tariff Mitigation Strategies

 
• By Ashley Yeo

The US’ 90-day suspension of higher “reciprocal tariffs” will expire on 9 July, raising fears that the 31% tariff rate on Swiss medtech and other goods exported to the US might make a comeback. While the tariff situation changes on an almost daily basis, medtechs should forearm for any eventually, say local business organizations.

FDLI: Clinical Labs Face Uncertainty After Texas Court’s LDT Ruling

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

A Texas court's decision against US FDA regulation of lab-developed tests (LDTs) has introduced new uncertainties for clinical labs. Industry stakeholders are now worried about potential future regulations while also managing existing compliance requirements. Recent conference discussions underscored the complexities of FDA oversight.

Inclusive By Design: UK Invites Sponsors To Submit Trial Diversity Plans

 
• By Vibha Sharma

The UK has issued clearer guidance to help drug and medical device sponsors demonstrate how they intend to include a diverse and relevant range of participants in their clinical trials.