SmartTRAK Life Sciences News and Analysis Blog

10 min read

MedTech Innovation in the Time of COVID

By Thomas Wallick on 8/11/20 8:00 AM

Despite the unprecedented challenges of the ongoing pandemic, and the collateral economic hit taken due to the massive decline in elective procedures in Q220, MedTech companies continue to innovate and introduce new products to the global life sciences industry.

The following is just a small sampling of the new products updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

Alphatec *

In Q220, Alphatec commenced upgrades of its cervical portfolio with 510(k) clearance of the Insignia Anterior Cervical Plate System and InVictus CT Spinal Fixation System, which expands InVictus across cervical, thoracic and lumbar procedures.

Globus*

GMED has launched 6 new products in 2020 w/ strong uptake of HEDRON 3D printed IBD spacers as well as SABLE expandable MIS TLIF device. Globus is doubling its 3D manufacturing capacity which should come online in Q4. GMED Q220 Earnings Transcript on Seeking Alpha

COHERE Thoracolumbar - NuVasive *

Alpha launches for COHERE TLIF O and TLIF A are slated for 2020, expanding the Company’s proprietary porous PEEK platform. NUVA Q220 Earnings Transcript on Seeking Alpha

Topics: COVID-19

8 min read

International MedTech News Updates: The Week in Review

By Thomas Wallick on 8/4/20 8:40 AM

The unprecedented challenges from the current resurgence of COVID-19 cases worldwide continues to concern the MedTech industry as it strives to develop ways to deal with a post-pandemic world. Despite the struggling global economy, demand for innovative medical devices and advanced technologies will continue to drive long term growth.

The following is just a small sampling of the updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

June in Russia

In the pharmacies in Russia, commercial drug June sales increased by 0.1% in value vs May 2020. Compared to June 2019, sales increased by 2.1%. The increase in the first 6 mos in 2020 was 13.9% vs the same period in 2019.

Teleconsultation in France

During the lockdown in April, 27% of all consultations were teleconsultations in France. Of doctors carrying out teleconsultations, 50% were under 50 yrs old, though that age group represents only 37% of all GPs.

MedTech World in Germany

MedTech companies in Germany expect sales to decline an avg of 8% in 2020 due to the pandemic, including 12% in int’l business according to a survey. Almost 60% of companies expect a double-digit drop.

Topics: SmartTRAK News COVID-19

8 min read

Recovery Predictions, Elective Surgery and Future Outbreaks: COVID-19 Updates

By Thomas Wallick on 7/20/20 1:40 PM

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses and continues to affect everyday life around the world, the path that lies ahead for the MedTech industry and the search for effective therapeutics and vaccines remains hard to predict.

The following is a small sampling of the updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

SVBLeerink Expects Q2 Recovery to Exceed Expectations
Based on prelim Q220 MedTech Company results, SVB Leerink expects May/June COVID recovery to exceed expectations noting elective procedure shutdowns are regionalized and halts are not expected to be as bad or prolonged as in March/April. SVBLeerink Medical Supplies and Devices

Positive COVID-19 Vaccine Data Could Fuel Medtech Sectors

With 4 of the leading vaccine candidates expected to enter Phase 3 studies in July (Sinovac, Moderna, BioNTech/PFE, CanSino), Phase 2 data could be reported in summer/fall 2020. If +, WFS says it could be a catalyst for some medtech sectors in recovery of elective procedures.

Public Perception of Resuming Elective Surgery

A survey assessing public perceptions towards resuming elective surg found out of 722 people 61% were concerned w/ contracting COVID-19 during surg. Overall, 57% would have surgery at a hospital vs outpatient and 27% would undergo surg in the first mo of reopening. J Arthroplasty

Preparation for Future Outbreaks

The European Commission published a document about the preparedness of health systems in Europe for future COVID-19 outbreaks. Topics comprise testing, contact tracing, surveillance, accessibility of medical devices and capacity measures.

Topics: SmartTRAK News COVID-19

5 min read

International Medtech News Roundup: Updates from Around the Globe

By Thomas Wallick on 6/29/20 9:18 AM

As the international response to COVID-19 shifts to preparing for a potential second wave, the Medtech industry pushes forward with the development and approval of new devices. The following is just a small sampling of the past week's international updates that were curated, compiled, reviewed and posted throughout the day by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK. They sift through the noise to discover the latest international news, industry trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

Pandemic Reserve in Germany

In Germany, as a result of the past months, BVMed proposed to the Minister of Health to build stock for masks and protective equipment for 6 months to be used in pandemics.

How To Build Wound Care Knowledge

The Odense University Hospital in Denmark built up a blended learning concept in wound care for nurses to support them in gaining confidence when carrying out wound care. E-learning modules, study visits and workshops are mixed to address the needs.

Medical Device Promotion in France

In France, The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) published a guideline on how advertising visas should be handled for medical devices during the state of emergency (until July 10, 2020) and through the year.

Restricted China Export Boost Local Market

Freight costs have increased dramatically during the COVID-19 outbreak. Chinese medical dressing export are mainly low cost, less advanced dressings. Manufacturers are now looking more to grow sales on their local China market, to replace imported more advanced dressings.

Topics: SmartTRAK News COVID-19

6 min read

The Week in Wound Care: New Studies, Products and COVID-19 Impacts

By Thomas Wallick on 6/8/20 7:37 PM

As the world begins to reopen from COVID-19, the wound care industry is making progress on new medical devices and studies. The following is a small sampling of Wound Care segment updates from the past week that were 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.

Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders - CMS COVID-19

The Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders requested that CMS allow HOPDs and MDs to bill for furnishing dNPWT during the COVID-19 pandemic when providing wound assessment and instruction to patients in their home on the application of dNPWT via telehealth.
The Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders submitted comments to CMS COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Interim Final Rule. The Alliance supported the Agency’s implementation of many policies while also pursuing clarification on several specific provisions.

Pressure Injury in China

A study of 1,806 nurses from 10 hospitals in China on nurses' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors for promoting PI-prevention found 41.7% had insufficient PI-prevention knowledge, 46.6% had negative PI-prevention attitudes, and 21.8% had poor PI-prevention behavior. J Clin Nurs

Improved Textured Breast Implants

Establishment Labs’ US Patent Application “TEXTURED SURFACES FOR BREAST IMPLANTS” was published, describing irregularly-textured breast implants with significantly improved cellular response over current textured implants. 20200170771

Topics: Wound Care COVID-19

4 min read

This Week in Ortho: Projecting the Market's COVID-19 Recovery

By Thomas Wallick on 6/1/20 6:53 PM

As access to healthcare continues to open up, the orthopedic industry is taking significant precautions to insure the health, safety and piece of mind of patients and caregivers and balance that with its attempt to ramp up services and procedures. The following is a small sampling of the orthopedic 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:

Updated Survey Data Points to Recovery by Q420

WFS’ new survey of 623 US-based physicians (15 specialties) shows that in orthopedic, the % of procedures expected to be postponed due to COVID-19 for both TKR and THR declined from 94% (Wave 1) to 85% (Wave 2). WFS MedTec: Updated Survey Data Points to Recovery by Q420

Impact of COVID-19 on the Spine Market

Of deferred spinal fusion procedures, surveyed surgeons now expect 74% of cases to be performed at a later date w/ 26% cancelling. Reasons for cancellation include pt seeking treatment w/ a different surgeon (26%) and underlying condition improving (23%). WFS MedTech Survey

Robotic Procedures Affected by COVID-19

Based on its survey of 623 US-based physicians across 15 specialties between April 27 and May 8, WFS notes that in general the % of robotic & laparoscopic procedures across all specialties declined compared to pre-COVID 19 levels, while the % of open procedures increased.

Topics: Orthopedics Orthobiologics COVID-19

7 min read

COVID-19: Vaccines, Testing and the Future for MedTech

By Thomas Wallick on 5/26/20 8:00 AM

With social distancing and travel restrictions easing worldwide, and WHO warning of a possible second peak of the pandemic, the work continues on potential vaccines to prevent COVID-19 and treatments for those already affected by the virus. 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:

Remdesivir Shortens Recovery Times in COVID-19

Preliminary results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of IV remdesivier in adults hospitalized w/ COVID-19 and lower respiratory tract infection showed remdesivir was superior to placebo in shortening recovery times (11 days vs 15 days; p=0.001). NEJM

Orthopedic Surgery During COVID-19

This JBJS article discusses medically necessary orthopaedic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommends safe surgical practices and a classification to guide tx. JBJS

US Plans Massive COVID-19 Testing Effort to Deliver Vaccine by YE20

The US plans a massive testing effort involving more than 100K volunteers and ~6 of the most promising vaccine candidates in an effort to deliver a safe and effective one by YE20, compressing what is typically 10 yrs of vaccine development/testing into a matter of months. Reuters

COVID-19: Vaccine Shows Promise in Early Trial

Moderna reports preliminary data suggests its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and appears to be eliciting an immune response in test subjects. The FDA has given the Company approval to begin a Phase II study w/ ~600 volunteers. A Phase III study may begin by July. NPR

Topics: SmartTRAK News Top Story COVID-19

7 min read

COVID-19: Restrictions Ease as Vaccine Development Ramps Up

By Thomas Wallick on 5/18/20 3:29 PM

As restrictions begin to ease around the world, the Life Sciences industry prepares to deal with the impending ramifications. While progress is being made on vaccines and treatments as new surgery guidelines are developed, the potential long term consequences of the pandemic must be addressed. 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:

COVID-19: WFS Call on Reopening America

During a Wells Fargo call, Dr. Ashish Jah, Dir of Harvard Global Health Institute, projected the US economy will ramp up to 80% open by fall w/ an increase of elective procedures in the summer to 100% or higher. He doesn’t anticipate a fall return of COVID halting procedures.

Impact of COVID-19 on Spine Procedures

Based on conversations with healthcare and industry professionals, SmartTRAK expects deferred spine procedures to reschedule more quickly than many other procedures due to the non-elective nature of spine cases – particularly those w/ neurological deficit or progressive pain.

Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine in Human Trials

Pfizer working alongside German drugmaker BioNTech injected its potential COVID-19 vaccine in first human participants last week and hopes to test up to 360 people in its clinical trial. If the vaccine is found safe and efficacious it could be available starting in Oct. CNBC.com

Topics: SmartTRAK News COVID-19

3 min read

Weathering the COVID-19 Storm in Orthobiologics: An Interview with Steven Sampson, DO

By Freddy Buntoum on 5/11/20 9:00 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant effect on physician practices in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, including the number of elective procedures being postponed, when normal operations might resume, the adoption of telemedicine, delivery of physician education and interactions with industry. To find out more, SmartTRAK Analyst Freddy Buntoum interviewed Steven Sampson, DO, founder of The Orthobiologic Institute (TOBI) and an internationally-recognized expert in the field of non-surgical orthopedics and the science of sports medicine. To hear Dr. Sampson’s take on how things might evolve throughout the rest of 2020, and how his practice and organization are supporting patients and other stakeholders, click on the following video to listen to the interview recorded via Uberconference (25:20 minutes). A transcript of the interview can be downloaded below.

Topics: Top Story Orthobiologics COVID-19

6 min read

COVID-19 Updates: MedTech Fights Back

By Thomas Wallick on 5/11/20 8:57 PM

While some countries are slowly emerging from their lockdowns, the MedTech industry continues to face unprecedented challenges as it adapts to the changing landscape. SmartTRAK's analysts are constantly monitoring the effect COVID-19 is having on the Life Sciences industry, sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to its subscribers. Our analysts continue to publish real-time updates throughout the day, detailing what you need to know about the impact the international healthcare crisis is having on the industry at large.

Following is a selection of the COVID-19 updates from the past week as compiled by the analysts at SmartTRAK:

COVID-19: Advamed Issues New Code of Ethics Guidance

Advamed announced the availability of its new “Code of Ethics Compliance Guidance Related to the COVID-19 Response” to help its members and other MedTech companies develop and implement processes supporting rapid decision making and mitigate any related compliance risks.

MedTech Europe

MedTech Europe, the European trade association representing the medical technology industries, issued a statement around COVID-19 calling attention to the supply situation of medical devices. They also highlighted that some contracts need to be revised and analyzed.

COVID-19: FDA Removes Respirators Manufactured in China

In a letter to healthcare providers, the FDA announced it removed a number of EAU disposable filtering facepiece respirators manufactured in China. The products pulled failed to demonstrate a minimum particulate filtration efficiency of 95% in testing conducted at NIOSH. fda.gov

Topics: SmartTRAK News COVID-19