Two decades after the federal government jumpstarted U.S. R&D investment in its understanding and control of nanoscale matter, funding for the efforts across the government reached about $1.4 billion in fiscal 2020, part of a total cumulative investment of about $29 billion. Though FDA-budgeted nanotech research has accounted for just a fraction of that, at a modest $133 million since 2009, substantial advances have still been made, according to a presentation on the state of nanotech progress and innovation issued this summer.

The U.S. FDA has granted emergency use authorizations (EUAs) to Baxter International Inc. for its HF20 Set and ST Set used in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two sets are intended for use with the company’s Prismaflex or Prismax CRRT monitors.

Boston Scientific Corp. has received the U.S. FDA’s nod for a high bleeding risk (HBR) indication for the Synergy drug-eluting stent system.

“There’s a difference in knowing something and realizing something. We’ve known for quite a while now that we’re too dependent on other countries for our medical supplies. But during this pandemic, I think we’ve realized it,” U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) said at a recent congressional hearing on the progress being made in developing COVID-19 vaccines.