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.

We are pleased to announce that Joe Mish has joined the team at SmartTRAK as Director of Sales. Joe has 10+ years experience in medical device sales, with concentration on Joint Replacement and Spine & Robotic Technologies. Prior to joining SmartTRAK, Joe sold and implemented analytic software to manage value-based care and bundled payment, working with Stryker, LDR/ZimmerBiomet and Stryker Performance Solutions.

Meet Joe Mish:

What is your role with SmartTRAK? I will be joining the commercial team as Director of Sales.

What do you like about SmartTRAK? I’ll give you two perspectives here. First, with regards to the technology, I love the value proposition to our current and prospective customers. With the world being so volatile and business being severely disrupted (especially for surgery and device companies) being able to offer a solution to reduce risk, improve profitability and productivity makes this a fantastic time to partner with organization’s and build strong, long-lasting relationships. This was truly a deciding factor in making a career/company change. Second, with regards to the company, I love the people. Coming from multiple large Fortune 500 companies with very specific cultures, individuals and team comradery is often and easily overlooked. I have been so impressed with the professionalism, transparency and family vibe from every person I have engaged with and I have only been on board for a week! This feels like a very special group of incredibly talented people and I am honored to be a part of it.

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:

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:

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:

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

Mesoblast announced 83% survival in ventilator-dependent COVID-19 pts w/ moderate/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) treated w/ two IV infusions of remestemcel-L (allogenic MSCs) w/in the first five days.

Impact of COVID-19 on CAS in the US
SmartTRAK took a preliminary look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on procedure volumes & capital equipment placement of orthopedic and spine enabling technologies, with projected recovery into 2021. Impact of COVID-19 on US Orthopedic and Spine Computer-Assisted Surgery

Impact of COVID-19 on Advanced Wound Care
SmartTRAK assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the NPWT Market. Single-use volumes are expected to drop during the first three quarters of 2020 due primarily to the drop in elective surgical procedures but will rebound in Q420. Impact of COVID-19 on US Advanced Wound Care

As the Covid-19 epidemic continues, the medical community world-wide struggles to cope with its impact. 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:

New CMS Guidelines for Providing Non-COVID-19 Care
CMS issued guidance on providing a gradual process for restarting non-COVID-19 care in areas w/ low incidence of the disease including coordination w/ local and state public health officials and readiness assessment in terms of staff, supply and testing capabilities. CMS.gov

AHA & Others Develop Joint Guidelines for Resuming Elective Procedures
AHA, ACS, ASA and AORN have developed joint guidelines to help providers determine their readiness to resume elective procedures including a sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases in their geographic area for at least 14 days and having the appropriate resources. AHA.org

Switzerland Easing Restrictions While Others Extend Theirs
Switzerland announced a 3-step plan for easing restrictions due to COVID-19 including allowing hospitals to perform elective procedures. The UK, however, extended its lockdown for 3 more weeks similar to extensions in Italy, Spain, and France. CIDRAP

The Biologic Association kicked off its very 1st Summit (Feb 5-7, 2020 in Carlsbad, CA) with what turned out to be a big crowd-pleaser. Initially set up as a “by invitation only” attendance, the Summit’s opening program, “Biologic Association Think Tank” raised such a high level of interest that everyone in attendance was ultimately let into the session.

The format for the Think Tank was quite similar to the hugely popular television show “Shark Tank.” Only in this session, the “school of fish” (contestants/presenters) included a lineup of industry and/or academic researchers in the field of Orthobiologics who gave presentations on their respective lead product candidates.

As Covid-19 tightens its grip on the global community, the impact on the world economy grows. 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 Could Travel in Air Up to 13 Feet
New research published by the CDC showed COVID-19 was detected in air up to 4 m (~13 feet) from pts in a study that tested surface and air samples from a hospital w/ COVID-19 pts in Wuhan, China. The virus was detected on floors, computer mice, doorknobs, bed rails & trash cans.

A report by former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD and colleagues at the American Enterprise Institute provides a roadmap for navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic in the US and outlines steps needed to start reopening America for businesses and families. AEI

DSM Launches Site to Support COVID-19 Efforts
With COVID-19 disrupting supply chains and causing shortages, DSM has launched a web page that brings together designs and resources for people looking to help alleviate the supply issues using 3D printing technology.