In brief: Sunrise acquisition, sleep apnea survey, standing letter, IV shortage

FRESNO, Calif. – Sunrise Medical has acquired Nuprodx, a California-based manufacturer of bathroom mobility products, including a patented shower tub slider system for mobility impaired users.  

The acquisition strengthens Sunrise Medical’s portfolio by adding Nuprodx’s bathroom mobility solutions to its existing broad range of assistive mobility solutions.  

“Nuprodx’s innovative bathroom mobility products perfectly align with our mission to improve the lives of individuals with mobility challenges and will complement our current product portfolio offering,” said Thomas Babacan, president and CEO of Sunrise Medical. “By combining Nuprodx’s proven product expertise with Sunrise’s distribution network and global infrastructure, we aim to provide even greater value to our customers worldwide and help more people to live more independently.”  

As part of Sunrise Medical, Nuprodx will benefit from an enhanced distribution network across North America and globally, allowing it to meet growing demand both domestically and internationally.  

“We are incredibly excited to join the Sunrise Medical family and continue to accelerate growth,” said David Gaskell, Nuprodx’s president and CEO, who will continue to lead the team within Sunrise Medical. “Joining Sunrise Medical is a tremendous opportunity to expand the reach and accelerate further development of our solutions. With Sunrise Medical’s global network and shared commitment to innovation and quality, I’m confident that together we will bring our life enhancing products to a wider global audience and help millions of people with disabilities and seniors live more independent and fulfilling lives.” 

• Sunrise Medical was acquired earlier this year by Platinum Equity. 

Survey shows ‘devastating’ impact of sleep apnea 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Two-thirds of respondents said exhaustion from obstructive sleep apnea affects their ability to be present with loved ones, according to a new survey from Apnimed. 

The company’s Sleep Health Inquiries on Needs and Emotions (SHINE), which surveyed 1,500 people living with OSA, found: 

• 74% reported feeling worn out or exhausted from fatigue 

• 67% reported fearing long-term health consequences 

• 34% reported fearing dying 

"The SHINE survey has powerfully captured the voices and challenges faced by individuals living with OSA, a chronic illness that has failed to receive the public attention it deserves," said Monica P. Mallampalli, PhD, executive director, Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners. "The real-life experiences of living with OSA spotlighted in the results emphasize the need for greater awareness, both for the public and for health care providers, to improve recognition and management of this often-overlooked condition." 

The Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners, American Sleep Apnea Association and Project Sleep were part of a group of advocacy organizations that collaborated with Apnimed on the survey.  

Key findings include: 

• 92% of respondents stated that OSA affects their work and 86% stated it affects their ability to do other daily activities (e.g., childcare, chores, exercise, etc.) 

• Younger people with OSA (aged 18-34) who do not match the common stereotype of OSA affecting older individuals reported struggling with low self-esteem (42%) and anxiety (54%) and said OSA makes them feel misunderstood or isolated (56%) 

• 57% of respondents shared that living with OSA negatively impacts their relationships with family and friends 

• 67% reported feeling depressed or hopeless 

Full survey results and methodology can be viewed on OSASurvey.com. 

Representatives urge CMS to cover standing systems 

WASHINGTON – Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., have sent a letter signed by 22 representatives to CMS urging the agency to open a national coverage analysis for standing systems in power wheelchairs, the ITEM Coalition announced on Oct. 8. The ITEM Coalition made the request for reconsideration of the national coverage determination for mobility assistive equipment to include coverage of standing systems more than four years ago. “The ITEM Coalition remains seriously concerned that Medicare beneficiaries are not able to access devices that allow them to stand when power wheelchairs are their only means of mobility,” the organization stated. “The clinical literature clearly demonstrates the medical and functional benefits of standing, especially for individuals who use power wheelchairs. CMS’s consideration of the evidence base for coverage of power standing systems is now long overdue.” Members of Congress who signed on in support of the Dingell/Fitzpatrick letter include U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragán; Julia Brownley; Sean Casten; Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick; Steve Cohen; Donald Davis; Suzan DelBene; Mark DeSaulnier; Dwight Evans; Maxwell Frost; Dan Goldman; Raul Grijalva; Hank Johnson; Daniel Meuser; Eleanor Norton; Mark Pocan; Eric Swalwell; Glenn Thompson; Dina Titus; and Nikema Williams. 

Senator calls on HHS to fix IV solutions shortage 

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., is urging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and administration officials to use all appropriate authorities to resolve the national shortage of intravenous (IV) solutions caused by the halt in production at the Baxter International plant in Marion, N.C. “Flooding from Hurricane Helene compromised the safe operations, inventory, raw materials and roadway access at Baxter International’s intravenous (IV) solution plant in Marion, North Carolina,” said Klobuchar. “The plant - the largest manufacturing facility of IV solutions in the country - has been forced to cease production. To address the potentially life-threatening shortage of IV solutions, I urge the Department of Health and Human Services to use all of its available authority to mitigate this devastating situation which threatens patient care, the work of medical and provider staff, and our emergency response readiness.” Klobuchar is also warning that another plant, B. Braun in Daytona Beach, Fla., manufacturing IV solutions could also become compromised by Hurricane Milton, exacerbating the existing shortage. HHS did publish a press release on Oct. 9 that said it is coordinating a USG-wide response to address supply chain disruptions and that it is also working with public and private partners to support the supply chain while the Baxter facility is brought back to full operational capacity. Additionally, “FDA will continue working with Baxter to identify both potential products already in their system and alternative manufacturing sites, including for potential temporary imports,” HHS stated. “As alternatives are identified, FDA is expediting assessments of those options. FDA will also expedite consideration of any shelf-life extension requests manufacturers submit for short-dated product. FDA will continue to work with Baxter as they bring their plant back online and with other suppliers to increase supply.” 

• Go here for the full text of Klobuchar’s letter to Becerra. 

Children’s book addresses CPAP therapy 

NEW YORK – Sherry Bari has published her most recent book, “My Grandpa Wears a Mask at Night,” a story that follows Liam and Lydia as they come to learn what their grandpa’s CPAP mask is. “Liam and Lydia were scared when they first saw their grandpa with a CPAP mask on,” said Bari, a grandmother of five. “This book, very generally and in a kid-friendly manner, introduces the CPAP machine (a.k.a. snorkel) to a child. If you have sleep apnea, wear a CPAP mask while sleeping, and have kids around, it’s a must read. It is short, to the point and humorous.” Published by Fulton Books, Bari’s book is a helpful tool for families dealing with sleep apnea that features colorful artwork and a straightforward approach, turning an unfamiliar object into a source of comfort and normalcy. The book is available at bookstores and online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. 

Inogen launches Rove 4 

GOLETA, Calif. – Inogen has launched its Inogen Rove 4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator, a lightweight, user-friendly device with an additional fourth flow setting delivering up to 840ml/min of oxygen. “We are pleased to announce the launch of Rove 4, a meaningful step forward in our intent to serve patients in need of oxygen therapy while allowing them to remain ambulatory,” said Kevin Smith, president and CEO. “This is an important milestone, and we are excited to work with patients and prescribers to deliver the positive impact of Rove 4 technology.” The Rove 4 weighs just under three pounds and uses Inogen’s patented pulse-dose Intelligent Delivery Technology, which provides triggering sensitivity to quickly detect a breath and deliver oxygen within the first 250 milliseconds of the inspiration, where oxygen has the most effect on lung gas exchange. 

Walgreens taps Optum exec as SVP 

DEERFIELD, Ill. – Walgreens has named Jason Stenta as senior vice president and chief commercial officer. In this new role, Stenta will lead the company’s commercial growth strategy, driving development and commercialization of B2B health care services built on the company’s core assets, and enhancing partnerships with payers, health system providers and life sciences companies. “This is an exciting time at Walgreens, and I’m thrilled to have this unique opportunity to contribute,” said Stenta. “As we look to expand services, and provide partners with health care solutions they really need, I believe Walgreens core strengths and services in retail pharmacy will be key in how we’re able to do this.” Stenta brings nearly 20 years of health care experience, successfully leading large organizations and cross-functional teams through growth and change. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of payer sales for Optum, and prior to that, he held leadership roles at CVS Health for 10 years.