A PYMNTS Company

Medical-Gear Makers Sharing Production Info Get Antitrust Protection

By  |  January 17, 2021

Medical-gear makers are sharing production information and receiving protection from antitrust scrutiny, the companies and federal officials stated, as part of government efforts to better coordinate the distribution of N95 masks and other supplies, reported The Wall Street Journal.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that it convened major N95 producers, distributors, and buyers last week for a first meeting to discuss the mask supply chain. That group is a subset of nearly 60 companies and trade groups that will share information on production, distribution, and pricing for in-demand medical products, FEMA stated.

    The agreement is part of the federal government’s efforts to better coordinate the production and distribution of medical-grade face masks, which have become critical equipment for people treating COVID-19 patients. The effort includes big manufacturers, such as 3MCo. and Honeywell International , both of which have ramped up production of N95s and other protective gear this year. Masks and other gear remain in short supply as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations hover near peak levels across much of the country.

    The project is operating under a provision of the Defense Production Act that allows the federal government to consult with businesses for emergency preparedness and response. President Trump invoked that part of the law by executive order in March.

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.