United States

FDA ‘Regulatory Accelerator’ Aims To Speed Digital Health Development

 
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The US FDA has launched the Regulatory Accelerator to expedite digital health product development. This includes resources like a Resource Index for Innovators, a Medical Device Software Guidance Navigator, and best practices for early meetings.

From ‘Work Harder’ to ‘Phenomenal People’: Makary’s FDA About-Face

 

In his first 100 days as FDA commissioner, Martin Makary has gone from vocal critic to vocal supporter of the agency’s staff, calling them “phenomenal” and praising their dedication—even as morale remains shaken by recent layoffs and restructuring.

Medtech M&A Resurges: How To Define Startup Exit Strategy

 

The medtech M&A landscape is experiencing a resurgence fueled by significant capital from private equity and venture firms, says Alex Wakefield, CRO of AcuityMD. Building strong relationships with physicians remains crucial in medtech, and defining an exit strategy early is imperative.

HHS Suggests Drastic Reductions To Skin Substitute Payments

 
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The US Department of Health and Human Services has proposed cutting Medicare reimbursement for skin substitutes used in chronic wound care by up to 90%. The change aims to address rising costs but could harm patient access and treatment quality, prompting concerns from industry stakeholders.


Injuries And Deaths Linked To Baxter Infusion Pump

 

The US FDA says Baxter has notified customers about an issue with its Novum IQ Syringe Pump that is linked to two deaths and multiple injuries.

FDA Document Request Denied As Case Against SurModics Merger Intensifies

 
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A federal court in Illinois ruled against SurModics and BC Holdings' request for FDA documents to support a proposed merger. The FTC has challenged the merger, claiming it threatens competition in hydrophilic device coatings. The ruling may indicate the FTC is likely to succeed.

Abbott Lowers Outlook But Headwinds Are Temporary

 

Despite headwinds, executives remain optimistic about growth in Abbott’s medical devices and diabetes divisions and plan several product rollouts, including the Volt PFA catheter for electrophysiology and the dual glucose-ketone sensor CGM.

Device Sterilization Plants Get Extra 2 Years To Comply On EtO Phase-Out

 
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The exemption, which President Donald Trump announced on July 17, is intended to cut the risk of critical device shortages. Stakeholders say the technology needed to cut emissions to required levels is not yet widely available.


Numerous Injuries Prompt Class I Recall Of Dexcom CGM Receivers

 

Dexcom has recalled several models of its glucose monitoring receivers due to a speaker glitch that may suppress vital blood sugar alerts. The FDA designated the recall, which affects thousands of devices, as class I.

Experts Call For Database Of Medical Device Labels

 
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A recent JAMA column called for the US FDA to create an online database of medical device labeling, arguing that the move would increase transparency and help researchers, among other benefits. Medtech Insight discussed the idea with the paper’s lead author.

Whoops! FDA Says Company Marketed Unauthorized Device. The Company Says The FDA Is Wrong

 

A recent FDA warning letter claims a Boston firm that specializes in wearable technology marketed a blood pressure device without agency approval. The company rejects the assertion and says the agency is out of step with federal law.

With CMS Coverage Established, Medtronic Looks To Next Steps For Renal Denervation

 
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US Medicare has proposed national coverage of renal denervation for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The treatment is seeing other advances as well, with Medtronic piloting a longer catheter and a multi-organ approach and a blood test to identify the best candidates fresh on the


House Bill Calls For ‘Non-Flushable’ Label On Personal Wipes

 

The US House of Representatives passes legislation requiring manufacturers of non-flushable wet wipes to label products as ‘non-flushable," a move endorsed by the Personal Care Products Council.

PFA Market Surges As UK NICE Opens Doors And US FDA Approves Boston, J&J Incremental Innovations

 

The pulsed-field ablation market is surging, with the UK NHS opening doors and FDA updates for major players. Medtech Insight spoke with Steven Mickelsen, founder of Farapulse (the first clinically approved PFA system), about the sector's growth and his new venture, Field Medical.

Medicare Tricuspid Regurgitation Coverage Decision Big Win For Abbott

 

Medicare beneficiaries with tricuspid regurgitation will now have access to an innovative treatment from Abbott that offers a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery.

European MedTech Keeps Calm Despite US Threats Of 30% Tariffs

 

MedTech Europe wants the EU to continue its commitment to reach a negotiated tariff solution with the US and measured restraint amid escalating trade tensions.


Ochsner Surgeon In ‘The Big Easy’ Eases Patient’s Pain With Skill And Virtual Reality

 

A surgeon at Ochsner Health in New Orleans was able to successfully remove a rare and dangerous tumor from a patient’s spine using cutting-edge technology that would have otherwise made the procedure too risky.

FDA Commissioner’s Voucher Program Should Include Devices, Transplant Technology Firm Says

 
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The FDA's new Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program aims to expedite drug approvals significantly. Device firms like XVIVO advocate for a similar initiative for devices, emphasizing the potential for faster reviews and improved patient access to lifesaving technologies.

FDA Greenlights Expanded Use Of Boston Scientific’s Pulse Field Ablation System

 

A recent approval from the US FDA allowing Boston Scientific to broaden its labeling for its pulse field ablation system means more patients with one type of AFib will have access to a promising new treatment.

Dermal Fillers For Décolletage May Gain FDA Approval

 
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An upcoming US FDA advisory panel meeting will discuss adding a new indication to allow dermal fillers to be used in the upper chest, or décolletage. Plastic surgeons expect this could drive interest in the procedure, which is already performed off-label.