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Medtech Under Pressure? German Industry Urges Realistic Patient Safety And Innovation Balance

 
• By Ashley Yeo

Meaningful medtech advances that have the potential to revolutionize patient care cannot happen by eliminating risk entirely, but it’s a balance that European stakeholders are failing to achieve consistently. This is so in Germany too, says the BVMed industry association, with negative consequences for those at the sharp end of innovation – the SMEs and start-ups who originate a vast proportion of medtech advances.

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BVMed, the main German medtech industry association, is undergoing a major change this spring – a change in its executive leader. Joachim Schmitt is leaving after 34 years at the association, 29 as chief executive. Described as "the face of the German medtech branch" by many in industry, including association chairman Meinrad Lugan ( B. Braun Melsungen AG), Schmitt will leave a long legacy of successfully representing industry’s interest at national and EU level.

Succeeding him in the post on April 1 will be Dr. Marc-Pierre Möll, who is ostensibly a newcomer to the medtech business, but brings with him a range of political...

More from Germany

A Deregulated Medtech Sector Could Flourish In Merz’s Industry-Friendly Germany

 
• By Ashley Yeo

Less bureaucracy, no more national supply chain law, framework agreements and competition for direct reimbursement of medtech innovations are among the positive changes the local medtech industry might expect as Germany’s new government gets down to work. Life sciences lawyer Gunnar Sachs offers a view from the ground.

Keeping Germany’s Medtech Industry Apprised, Advised and Incentivized in Turbulent Times

 
• By Ashley Yeo

A change of government, hospital reform and a drive towards healthcare digitization are keeping German medtech manufacturers on their toes. Making the MDR more user-friendly and winning support for a medtech strategy are arguably bigger priorities. US export tariffs have also pushed their way onto the agenda. BVMed chief executive Marc-Pierre Möll puts it all into context.

Medtech Strategy Must Be Priority, German Diagnostics Firms Tell Government

 
• By Ashley Yeo

Germany’s incoming coalition government has reacted positively to industry’s calls for a dedicated medtech strategy to boost economic growth. Faster digitization, lower energy costs and “IVDR 2.0” are also on the in vitro diagnostic industry’s agenda.

Medtechs Eye German Health Minister Switch As Governing Parties Reach Coalition Agreement

 
• By Ashley Yeo

The architect of Germany’s hospital reform, Karl Lauterbach, will not be retained as health minister according to how the new CDU/CSU-SPD coalition government plans to spread the ministerial portfolios.

More from Europe

Swiss Medtechs Advised To Work On US Tariff Mitigation Strategies

 
• By Ashley Yeo

The US’ 90-day suspension of higher “reciprocal tariffs” will expire on 9 July, raising fears that the 31% tariff rate on Swiss medtech and other goods exported to the US might make a comeback. While the tariff situation changes on an almost daily basis, medtechs should forearm for any eventually, say local business organizations.

Inclusive By Design: UK Invites Sponsors To Submit Trial Diversity Plans

 
• By Vibha Sharma

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.

Plans For Specific EU Orphan And Pediatric Device Expert Panel Need To Go Further

 
• By Amanda Maxwell

Moves are at last underway for a more specific focus on orphan and pediatric devices. They are a start; but experts are calling for more to support this sector.