1. Medtech Insight
  2. >>Policy & Regulation
  3. >>Regulation

BD, State Of Georgia Agree To Allow EtO Sterilization Plant To Keep Operating, Averting Potential Device Shortage

The state’s environmental regulators agreed on 28 October to allow Becton Dickinson to continue sterilizing medical devices using ethylene oxide (EtO) as long as the company continues to make modifications to their sterilization plants in the state, and limit the number of devices they sterilize. The agreement may have averted a serious medical device shortage across the US.

Room for sterilizing instruments in a modern clinic. Surgery, operating room. - Image

A 28 October agreement between Becton Dickinson & Co. and the state of Georgia that allows the company to continue sterilizing medical devices with ethylene oxide (EtO) at its Covington, GA, plant may have averted a serious medical device shortage across the US. The company has agreed to a slew of measures that would make modifications to the plant while restricting production of sterilized products.

The New Jersey-based company will continue to operate its Covington facility that uses EtO to clean products but will need...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Regulation

MHRA’s Tallon Hails PMS Regulation As Start Of UK Device Framework Transformation

 
• By Ashley Yeo

16 June marked the first major new regulatory instrument in the UK’s post-Brexit transition to a standalone device regulatory system for Great Britain.

Increasing Safety Concerns Spur Scrutiny of Device Plastics Use

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

With new regulations limiting the use of plastics popping up worldwide, the medtech industry sees arguments on both sides. Some argue hasty bans of PFAS ("forever chemicals") would harm patients, while others say phthalates should be phased out to protect the public.

UK Healthtech Center Of Excellence Given Key MHRA Digital Regulation Role

 
• By Ashley Yeo

Ahead of the 11 June UK spending review and its anticipated funding uplift for healthcare and life sciences, the MHRA announced an expansion of its digital expertise by creating a dedicated hub in Leeds, a renowned center of medtech excellence.

Where Do Questions Surrounding The EU’s AI Act Leave The Medtech Industry?

 
• By Amanda Maxwell

The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which entered into force on 1 August 2024, is already facing turbulence.

More from Policy & Regulation

US FDA Unveils Plans To Consolidate Support Services

 
• By Derrick Gingery and Sue Sutter

Commissioner Martin Makary told staff that plans are being developed to centralize HR, IT, travel and other functions, which were heavily impacted by the 1 April reduction-in-force.

A Year After Exiting The Ventilator Market, Medtronic Recalls Thousands Of Newport Devices

 
• By Brian Bossetta

After two serious injuries and one death linked to some of its ventilators, Medtronic has recalled the devices and asked customers to stop using them and find alternative means. The action comes more than a year after the company left the market.

MDUFA VI Launches With Public Meeting, Call For Comments

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

Preparations for the reauthorization of the Medical Device User Fee Amendments for 2028-2032 are underway, with the US FDA announcing a public meeting for 4 August. After negotiations with industry and other stakeholders, a draft agreement is due to Congress by 15 January 2025.