A Medical Device Daily

Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA; Washington) this week hailed the Senate Joint Committee on Public Health in Connecticut for passing Senate Bill 1033 (SB 1033). This bill will give grants and other incentives to state hospitals to encourage the use of CT scanning protocol for people at high risk for lung cancer.

"This is a great day for Connecticut citizens," said Laurie Fenton, Lung Cancer Alliance president. "For the first time ever, we have seen a strong endorsement from the state legislature to help those impacted by and at risk for lung cancer."

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death both nationally and in Connecticut, according to LCA. In 2007, an estimated 1,860 Connecticut citizens will die from lung cancer, more than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. The organization also noted that 70% of all lung cancer cases are diagnosed at late stage. The five-year-survival-rate for Stage IV lung cancer is less than 5%.

"This bill will provide the funding to institute innovative lung cancer screening programs throughout the state," said Judith Levi, Lung Cancer Alliance-Connecticut chair. "In addition, SB 1033 ensures that these programs are available to as many Connecticut residents as possible."

The bill states that at least 25% of those scanned must be minorities and at least 50% must be low income. SB 1033 was filed with the Connecticut legislative commissioners' office and will be voted on next by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"This is the first step of many before this bill becomes law, but we are encouraged by the actions of the Senate Joint Committee on Public Health," Levi said. "LCA-CT will continue to work with legislatures to ensure the success of SB 1033."

LCA is a national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer.

In contracts news: CardioDynamics (San Diego) reported entering a three-year contract with Premier Purchasing Partners (also San Diego) for electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes, cables and leadwires.

The contract is for Premier members participating in Premier's Rational Choice Med/Surg program. The contract began March 1 and will expire in February 2010. Premier's Rational Choice Med/Surg program is an arrangement whereby Premier participating members agree to purchase 90% of their annual spend in a particular category with the contract winner, Premier said. CardioDynamics' contract will be serviced through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vermed.

Michael Perry, CEO of CardioDynamics, said the company estimates the award will generate about $3 million of additional revenue over the next three years. He said the contract is the third award that the company has received from Premier in the last two years.

"Presently, about 50% of CardioDynamic's total revenue comes from our recurring sensor and accessory business. This agreement will help facilitate additional recurring revenue sales, thereby allowing greater diversification and consistency of our company's revenue," Perry added.

CardioDynamics develops noninvasive diagnostic and monitoring technologies and electrodes.

Premier serves 1,700 hospitals and 44,000 other healthcare sites.