MPO’s Most-Read Stories This Week—June 11

Most people don’t think twice about hypodermic needles or their fabrication. But a story explaining the way in which these devices are manufactured single-handedly drove MPO website traffic this past week.

Revolutionized Editor-in-Chief Emily Newton detailed the earliest applications and modern manufacturing methods of hypodermic needles, tracing their start from flat sheets of stainless steel through the tube drawing, beveling, gauge/length selection, and labeling processes. “The hypodermic needle is a marvelous invention, but most people don’t think much about it unless they work in the healthcare field,” Newton writes in an exclusive online posting.

BD, a company with intimate knowledge of hypodermic needle manufacturing, was the next most influential traffic driver this past week with its $1.5 billion purchase of Parata Systems, a pharmacy automation solutions firm based in Durham, N.C. Parata’s portfolio powers pharmacy networks to reduce costs, enhance patient safety, and improve experience via intelligent workflow solutions. Automation and enhanced software can help pharmacists focus more time on higher value clinical work and patient interactions. The transaction complements BD’s medication management solutions business with a new set of technologies to deploy across acute care health systems, retail pharmacies, long-term care, and home settings.

BD rivals (and fellow Top 30 companies cohorts) Philips and J&J also increased page views with their personnel and product news. Philips is replacing retiring Chief Operations Officer Sophie Bechu with Willem Appelo, who has served as interim supply chain officer and with private equity firms over the last year. Appelo will join Philips’ executive committee beginning June 18, and replace Bechu on Oct. 1. Bechu will work on project-based initiatives until she retires at the end of January. Before his stint as a supply chain officer, Appelo was vice president of supply chain strategy, innovation & deployment at Johnson & Johnson. Before J&J, he held various senior positions at Xerox Corporation. 

Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon subsidiary, meanwhile, launched its new Echelon 3000 stapler in the U.S. The digitally-enabled device provides one-handed powered articulation, with 39 percent greater jaw aperture and 27 percent greater articulation span, according to the company. Echelon 3000 also contains software as well as haptic and audible device feedback so critical adjustments can be made during procedures. 

1. How Are Hypodermic Needles Made?

2. BD to Buy Pharmacy Automation Firm Parata Systems for $1.5B

3. Philips COO to Retire; Successor Named

4. J&J’s Ethicon Releases Echelon 3000 Stapler in U.S.

5. MedTech Innovator Selects 50 Innovative Startups for 2022 Accelerator Program