Highlights of the important and interesting in the world of healthcare:
Few hospitals make huge profits. The average American hospital barely breaks even, according to Forbes’ first survey of America’s most profitable hospitals. But the most profitable hospital in the country — 235-bed Flowers Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama — recorded a 53 percent operating margin and belongs to the for-profit Community Health Systems (NYSE: CYH) chain in Brentwood, Tennessee (which is in the process of buying bankrupt Forum Health in Youngstown, Ohio).
FDA to Baxter: Stop lying. Baxter Healthcare was dinged by the Food and Drug Administration for circulating a brochure for its Aralast NP emphysema treatment that contains misleading efficacy claims, according to the Pharmalot blog. Seems the FDA is tired of Baxter lying to sell its products. “We are very concerned by your continued violative promotion of your products,” the agency wrote in its warning letter.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Stethoscope or iPhone? The stethoscope — medical icon, lifesaver and doctor’s best friend — is disappearing from hospitals across the world as physicians increasingly use their smartphones to monitor patients’ heartbeats, reports The Guardian.
Whither stem cell investors? Even if the the recent federal court decision to block federal funding for embryonic stem cell research has no near-term effects on venture capital-funded companies, it will foster uncertainty among investors, likely leading to a decline in the number of university spin-outs in the stem cell area, writes Claremont Creek Ventures Partner Brad Webb in Xconomy.
Shortage of lethal injection drug. States are in short supply of a drug used in lethal injections, according to WBTV.com. The drug, thiopental-sodium, is the first drug in the “cocktail” used in lethal injections and puts inmates to sleep. Only one company in America can produce it: Illinois based Hospira. But Hospira has not made the drug since May, and it may be 2011 before the company resolves its manufacturing problems.
