FDA Halts Foreign Inspections

In a rare action that is sure to impact medical device application reviews, FDA suspended inspections outside the United States through April in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was based on government travel advisories, access restrictions imposed on foreign visitors by certain countries, and the importance of the health and safety of agency employees.

Diagnostics Companies Leap into Action 

Becton Dickinson and Company (BD), CerTest Biotech, Qiagen, Quest Diagnostics, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, and  Co-Diagnostics are among the companies that are working to address coronavirus diagnostic needs.

Coronavirus Throws a Wrench into Industry Conference Plans

The list of industry-related event closures continues to grow. The joint meeting of the American College of Cardiology’s and World Congress of Cardiology (ACC.20/WCC), South by Southwest, and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) meetings are among the medical conferences that have been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns. However, the crisis has opened up opportunities for healthcare media companies such as Evermed to help with digital and virtual alternatives.