1. FAST STATS NfWSWIRE
Price of key materials used in population, according to the Centers for
23% healthcare products expected
to rise as credit crisis eases
To help its 2,300 not-for-profit hospital
Disease Control and Prevention. The reas-
sessment is the latest signal that the Obama
administration is willing to reevaluate the
was how much lower the rate of hospital admis-
sions for heart attack was in 2007 compared to members better estimate supply cost in- possible health impacts of chemicals that
2002, according to an analysis of Medicare data flation during their budget processes, the have been in widespread use.
published in the March 23 issue of the journal Premier healthcare alliance has released the The FDA updated its website, www.fda.
Circulation. March edition of its semiannual Economic gov, with information about triclosan, a
Outlook analysis. According to insights common ingredient added to many con-
from raw materials experts cited in the sumer products to reduce or prevent bacte-
24.4% analysis, in the next 12 months cotton,
plastic and oil - three key materials used in
rial contamination.
In January, Rep. Edward J. Markey, chair-
was the decrease in heart attack hospitaliza- many healthcare products - will experience man of the House Energy and Commerce
tions for white men from 2002 to 2007, whereas price increases as the international economy Subcommittee on Energy and the Environ-
biack men experienced a smaller decline (18%). rebounds, the value of the dollar increases ! ment, sent a letter to the FDA requesting in-
Black women had a smalier deciine in heart at- and demand exceeds supply.
tack hospitaiization rate compared with white
formation about the stahis of FDA's ongoing
women (18.4% versus 23.3%, respectiveiy). As a result, annual market inflation review of triclosan in consumer products.
rates will increase on average between 1.6 In responding to the Chairman's letter,
percent and 4.6 percent across categories FDA explained that, in light of animal
228,170
fee-for-service Medicare patients were admitted
such as cardiovascular services, facilities,
imaging and nursing. Premier's existing
contracts, excluding foodservice and phar-
studies raising questions about triclosan's
safety, the agency is engaged in an ongoing
scientific review to incorporate the most
to the hospital for heart attack in 2007 com-
macy, are expected to increase by about 1 up-to-date data and information into the
pared with 297,653 in 2002. percent on average in the next year, lower regulations that govern consumer products
than overall market increases which are containing triclosan. The FDA does not have
predicted to be an average of 3 percent sufficient safety evidence to recommend
87,000
fewer heart-attack admissions occurred in 2007
during this time frame.
The Economic Outlook projects rates
of inflation for the ensuing 12 months.
changing consumer use of products that
contain triclosan at this time.
For some consumer products, there is clear
than would have been expected had the rate Premier produces a new analysis every six evidence that triclosan provides a benefit.
remained constant. months to ensure projections are reflective For other consumer products, FDA has not
of changing market trends. The analysis received evidence that the triclosan provides
helps alert Premier alliance hospital mem- an extra benefit to health. At this time, the
300,000
fewer heart attack admissions in all occurred
bers to market forces that could drive price
changes in the coming months and years.
It compares Premier's contractual price
agency does not have evidence that triclosan
in antibacterial soaps and body washes pro-
vides any benefit over washing with regular
over the six-year period covered in the study, protection against supplier price inflation soap and water. For more information visit
than if the rate had remained steady at the estimates to deliver a detailed estimate of ¡ www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/
2002 level. projected supply costs. PressAnnouncements/ ucm207833.htm
The analysis includes accurate predictors !
of price inflation through an Inflation Cal- I FDA requires device manufacturers
5. 0.
0
per year was the relative average annual de-
culator in Premier's Supply Chain Advisor.
The online calculator allows members to
to include information on
pédiatrie populations
estimate their facility's total inflation impact The FDA announced that they will begin
cline in heart attack admissions between 2002
and 2007, after adjusting for factors such as age
by taking into account individual utilization implementing a requirement that device
and gender. patterns and the price protection offered by ' manufacturers provide readily available
Premier's contracts. Visit www.premierinc. I information in certain premarket applica-
com for more information. tions on pédiatrie patients who suffer from
1964
was the year the U.S. Surgeon General issued a
FDA says studies on triclosan,
used in sanitizers and soaps,
the disease or condition that the device is
intended to treat, diagnose, or cure, even if
the device is intended for adult use.
report which linked cigarette smoking to signifi- raise concerns Very few devices are developed or as-
cantly higher death rates for cancer, cardiovas- The Food and Drug Administration said re- sessed specifically for use in pédiatrie
cular disease and other ailments. Since then, a cent research raises "valid concerns" about patients, those 21 or younger at the time
gradual decline in the percentage of Americans the possible health effects of triclosan, an I of treatment or diagnosis. This effort will
who smoke has been accompanied by a steady antibacterial chemical found in a growing I provide a better understanding of which
reduction in the death rate from heart disease, number of liquid soaps, hand sanitizers, ! devices developed for use in adults should
reported The Waii Street Journai. dishwashing liquids, shaving gels and even ; be assessed or modified for use in pédiatrie
socks, workout clothes and toys. ! populations. The requirements, contained
The FDA and the Environmental Protec- in the Food and Drug Administration
Source: "Recent Declines in Hospitalizations for Acute Myocardial
Infarction for Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries", Circulation, tion Agency say they are taking a new Amendments Act of 2007, will also improve
March 23, 2010; 121: 1322 - 1328. http://circahaiournals,org/ look at triclosan, which is so common that the agency's ability to track the number
cgi/content/abstract/121/11/1322
it is found in the urine of 75 percent of the of approved devices for which there is a
See NEWSWIRE on page 8
6 May 2010 • HtAlIUCARt PURCHASING N£WS • www.hpnonline.com

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