GE Healthcare image illustrating contrast media uses

GE Healthcare says its contrast media products are used in more than 100 million procedures globally every year. [Image courtesy of GE Healthcare]

GE Healthcare (NYSE:GE) announced today that it is on the way toward restabilizing its global supply of iodinated contrast media — a vital imaging agent.

The company said its Shanghai facility, previously closed amid COVID-19 restrictions in China, will be close to 100% production capacity by next week. Said GE: “We will continue to work with impacted customers to help them plan several weeks ahead as supply progressively recovers.”

According to a recent New York Times report, thousands of Americans have had to wait for exams because of the shortage. As related by NYT, FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf described the situation as “just unbelievable” while testifying to a U.S. Senate committee. “Someone with a stroke or heart attack wouldn’t be able to get an angiogram.”

The closure of the Shanghai manufacturing facility had GE Healthcare utilizing other global plants wherever possible.

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