Vantive to Invest $23 Million in New U.S. Headquarters in IL
Today, Gov. JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Vantive announced that Vantive will invest $23 million and locate its new U.S. headquarters in Deerfield. Vantive, formerly the Kidney Care segment of Baxter International, is a global vital organ therapy company with a 70-year legacy. As a standalone company, Vantive is dedicated to elevating the standards of kidney and vital organ therapies with a vision to enable longer, fuller lives for patients around the world, according to a news release. 
  
With the support of State incentives, Vantive will establish their new U.S. headquarters in Deerfield, following its separation from Baxter in early 2025. This new headquarters will enable the company to expand their office facilities and pharmacy operations, creating at least 50 new full-time jobs. The new U.S. headquarters will give Vantive a significant presence in Illinois, allowing the company to remain well-positioned in their mission to extend lives and expand possibilities on behalf of patients and healthcare providers worldwide, the announcement said.

As part of the state’s comprehensive incentive package, Vantive received an EDGE tax credit, and has committed to making a $23 million investment and creating 50 new full-time jobs while retaining their current workforce of more than 200 employees. A link to the full agreement can be found here. In calendar year 2024, companies in the EDGE program committed more than $650 million in investments in communities across Illinois.
 
FDA Issues Recall for Aspiration System by Q’Apel Medical
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified a Class I recall of Q’Apel Medical 072 Aspiration System after the company submitted three device event reports that included a tip detachment, a vessel rupture and a vasospasm.
Q’Apel Medical, Inc. voluntarily recalled 1,617 units of its 072 Aspiration System (also known under the product name “Hippo,” which includes “Cheetah;” collectively, the “product”).

On Feb. 26, 2025, the company initiated a discontinuation and recall of 1,617 units of its 072 Aspiration System product. The recall was initiated because the company received a Warning Letter from FDA that raised questions about whether the features and characteristics of the distal tip of the Hippo aspiration catheter were within the scope of its 510(k) clearance. Rather than pursue a new regulatory pathway, the company chose to voluntarily remove all affected product lots and discontinue the 072 Aspiration System line as part of its strategic shift toward newer technologies. According to the FDA, the company has proactively notified all customers and distributors and will continue to monitor the situation closely. 
For questions or assistance with product return, contact Q’Apel Medical Inc. at 510-738-6255 or orders@qapelmedical.com. 

Gov. Pritzker Highlights Progress Reducing Gun Violence in Chicago
Last week, Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) officials, legislators and community leaders convened to recognize progress made to reduce gun violence in Chicago and Illinois due in part to the Peacekeeper Program. The State of Illinois adopted this model in 2023 as a strategy of the OFVP. A recent Northwestern University evaluation report found a 41% reduction of gun violence rates in Chicago and Cook County suburban hotspots targeted by the program.

According to a report from the Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research and Science at Northwestern University, the 27 city and eight suburban communities served by the Peacekeepers Program experienced a 31% decline in gun violence in 2023 and 2024 compared to the previous two years. The hotspot locations saw a 41% decline in shootings.
 
OFVP was established as part of the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA), which Gov. Pritzker signed into law in 2021. The Act created called for a comprehensive public health approach to reduce firearm violence through community investments that address root causes and provide those most at-risk with access to evidence-based and trauma-informed services.
 
The Peacekeepers Program, based on the FLIP (Flat Lining Violence Inspires Peace) initiative, effectively enhances safety in Chicago's most impacted blocks during afternoons, evenings and weekends, according to a news release.

In 2021, Gov. Pritzker declared gun violence a public health crisis and announced state investment to implement the Reimagine Public Safety plan, a data-driven and community-based violence prevention initiative resulting from passage of the RPSA. State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and State Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) were key sponsors of the legislation.