US FDA has reportedly selected three cities that will be home to new agency divisions dedicated to coordinating inspections of device manufacturers under its “program alignment” inspection initiative. This development is just one of many that will touch quality and regulatory professionals this year, longtime industry insider Steve Niedelman says in this Medtech Insight podcast. Other topics to watch: FDA’s recent string of new guidances; the 21st Century Cures Act.
Boston, Florida and Los Angeles will likely be home to new FDA divisions dedicated to coordinating inspections of device manufacturers under the agency’s in-the-works “program
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The UK has issued clearer guidance to help drug and medical device sponsors demonstrate how they intend to include a diverse and relevant range of participants in their clinical trials.
The US FDA recently announced plans to carry out more unannounced inspections of foreign facilities. But those inspections will primarily target drug producers, with less attention and resources allocated to those making devices.
States and international regulatory bodies may increase their US enforcement role following federal staff cuts, Hyman Phelps & McNamara attorneys said in a recent webinar. The attorneys also expect False Claims Act enforcement and public health to remain key areas of focus at the federal level.
Manufacturers of medical products would be foolish to think that recent upheavals at the US FDA will result in a lack of inspections in the coming years. A panel of experts discussed the current state of inspections during a webinar hosted by the Food and Drug Law Institute.
A battle may be forming over the 2027 FDA user fee reauthorizations. At a conference Friday, Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss supports them for their effectiveness, while Deputy FDA Commissioner Grace Graham echoed criticisms from HHS Sec. Kennedy, among others, in calling for reform to ensure public trust.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized administrative cost reductions and defended budget decisions during a Senate hearing on HHS funding. Some senators, however, expressed concerns over the impacts spending cuts had on essential health programs.
During his testimony before US senators on the impact of tariffs on critical supply chains, AdvaMed’s Scott Whitaker said the Trump tariffs could jeopardize America’s preeminence in medtech. Other industry experts echoed similar concerns.
