First Mover

Originally Published MX May/June 2003

BUSINESS NEWS

FDA has approved the Cypher sirolimus-eluting coronary stent, by Cordis Corp. (Miami), a Johnson & Johnson Co., making it the first such product available in the U.S. market. Analysts estimate that the market for drug-eluting stents could reach $5 billion within the next 5 years. Competitors Boston Scientific and Guidant are said to be about 6 months behind J&J.

A white paper issued by the V.I.P.E.R. Group Inc. (Beverly Hills, CA) offers a fresh analysis of issues related to group purchasing organizations in the healthcare supply chain. A copy of the paper, entitled "The Impact of Group Purchasing on the Financial Performance of Health Systems: Changing Value Perceptions and Unintended Consequences," can be requested by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 310/858-5553.