Medical Device and Wound Care News and Analysis Blog

COVID-19: The MedDevice Industry Navigates Uncharted Waters

Written by Thomas Wallick | 5/4/20 10:12 PM

The world-wide medical community continues to search for ways to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus and deal with its impact. Progress is being made on vaccines and treatments as new surgery guidelines are developed. The following is a small sampling of the COVID-19 updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time by our SmartTRAK analysts, who are constantly monitoring the situation and sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to our subscribers:

AAHKS Survey Shows COVID-19's Effect on MedDevice Industry
Results from a survey of AAHKS Industry Partners indicates an increasing shift to web-based prof ed through 2021, and for H220, a significant emphasis on outpt care, COVID-19 safety measures, and the need for increased availability of instruments and implants. J of Arthroplasty

More Signs COVID-19 Vaccines Coming

There are add’l signs a COVID-19 vaccine could be available in late 2020/early 2021. JNJ and Catalent are preparing for 24/7 manufacturing of JNJ’s investigational vaccine candidate. Also, Pfizer believes it may have a vaccine for emergency use by late Q3/early Q4. Seeking Alpha

FDA Allows Emergency Use of Potential COVID-19 Treatment

The FDA issued emergency use authorization for Remdesivir, an investigation ant-viral drug, for the treatment of suspected or lab-confirmed COVID-19 in adults and children hospitalized for severe conditions. FDA.gov

Guidelines for Spine Surgery in the COVID-19 Era

Rothman Institute has issued Guidelines for Spine Surgery in the COVID-19 Era, noting that surgeons should expect delayed surgeries to potentially occur in 3–4 months. Pt quality of life and neurological status should be closely monitored. Clin Spine Surg.

COVID-19: Investigational Drug Shows Promising Results

Gilead, a biopharmaceutical company, announced results from Phase 3 Trial of investigational antiviral Remdesivir demonstrated pts w/ severe COVID-19 could be treated w/ a shorter 5-day regimen which could expand the no. of pts to be treated. The drug is not yet approved.

Effect of COVID-19 on AIS in France

A 300-pt, observational study in France is evaluating the effect of COVID-19 on the management of stroke patients to determine why the number of pts treated for AIS appears to have suddenly declined since the beginning of the pandemic. clinicaltrials.gov

Q1 M&A Transactions Up/ Values Plunge Due to COVD-19

In Q120, M&A transactions in North America increased YoY but the value of those deals plunged > 25%, a trend that is expected to continue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PitchBook

Guidelines for Spine Surgery in the COVID-19 Era

Rothman Institute has issued Guidelines for Spine Surgery in the COVID-19 Era, noting that surgeons should expect delayed surgeries to potentially occur in 3–4 months. Pt quality of life and neurological status should be closely monitored. Clin Spine Surg.

Proposed Act Could Halt US M&A Activity During Pandemic

Sen Elizabeth Warren and Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are working on a “Pandemic Anti-Monopoly Act” to halt M&A for large companies during the COVID-19 pandemic until the FTC determines small businesses, workers & consumers are no longer under severe financial distress. NBC News

Chronic Wounds in Germany

In the present COVID-19 situation, BVMed advocates an updated prescription system in Germany also covering wound dressings. Notably, for new pts w/ chronic wounds are difficult to receive the needed prescription for their tx. The number of pts w/ chronic wound is around 900,000.

Impact of COVID-19 on US Vasc Access Adjunct Products 

SmartTRAK shares findings and provides a look ahead regarding how COVID-19 is impacting the intravenous catheter market and the subsequent utilization of US Vascular Adjunct Products in 2020 and beyond. Impact of COVID-19 on Vasc Access Adjunct Products.

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