International

Get Ready For International Harmonization Before Approaching QMSR Deadline, Says Regulatory Expert

 

During MD&M East last week, regulatory consultant Darren Reeves reminded device manufacturers that the time to get ready to comply with the new Quality Management System Regulation is now.

Health Literacy Issues Cost Major Economies $303B Per Year, Recent Study Shows

 
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By addressing disparities in health literacy, particularly in the areas of oral care, bone health, nutrition and air pollution, the consumer health industry can “save lives and billions in healthcare costs, boosting productivity and increasing GDP,” says a new report from Haleon and Economist Impact.

Pathogen Sharing System Part Of Global Pandemic Agreement

 

Now that the landmark Pandemic Agreement has finally been adopted, work will start on drafting a pathogen access and benefit sharing system that will be voluntary for use by drug companies.

Disparities — Including Financial Shortcomings — Remain In Women’s Health, Execs Say

 

FemTech leaders discussed some of the barriers that remain in unlocking the full potential of the women’s health market during SiS New York last week. They also offered solutions.


Bringing Israeli Medical Device Candidates To The Right Partners In The US

 
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Despite regional unrest, it is business as usual for medtech innovators and investors in Israel as evidenced by continued high-value M&A of locally developed technologies. Irit Yaniv, co-chair of the medtech session at the upcoming BioMed Israel 2025, explained the unique dynamics of Israeli medtech innovation.

Tariffs Threaten Medtech Innovation And US Position As World Leader, Whitaker Tells Lawmakers

 

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.

What’s A Diagnostic? WHO Wants To Know

 
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The World Health Organization is seeking input from stakeholders to create an official definition of the term ‘diagnostics.’ This initiative follows a 2023 resolution aimed at enhancing global diagnostics capacity; the definition, it is hoped, will help drive the creation of effective health policies. Comments will be accepted until 23 May.

Consumer Healthtech Investment Totaled $4.5BN In 2024, But Bar Is High Amid Economic Uncertainty

 
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Global investment in consumer healthtech increased by 9% year-over-year in 2024, totaling $4.5bn, with significant interest in mental health solutions, according to Galen Growth. While the first quarter of 2025 saw raised confidence and investments, the Trump administration’s new tariffs and sweeping changes to healthcare have introduced new uncertainties.


Global Medtech Guidance Tracker: April 2025

 
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Stay current on regulatory guidelines from around the world with Medtech Insight's Guidance Tracker. 25 documents have been posted on the tracker since its last update.

Keep An Eye On Landmark Global Pandemic Treaty, Experts Advise

 

Mechanisms in the draft treaty that the more than 190 member states of the World Health Organization have finally agreed to are expected to “materially affect companies,” particularly those that develop, manufacture or distribute pandemic-related health care products.

Diagnostics Are Essential, But How Can Companies Ensure A Fair Price?

 

Biotech and pharma are increasingly clear about one thing: They need diagnostics. But with prices suppressed, how have diagnostics companies proven their utility without going under?

Medtech Looks For Relief As Trump Hits Pause On Most Tariffs

 
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The medtech industry hopes to use a 90-day pause on tariffs to negotiate a “zero for zero” exemption. However, recent public comments from President Donald Trump suggest the health care sector may still be at risk.


IMDRF Offers Granular Playbook On ‘Regulatory Reliance’ Program Development And Implementation

 
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International device regulatory group IMDRF has issued a new playbook on “regulatory reliance,” which allows regulators to make use of assessments performed by trusted regulatory partners. The document is the first to offer a detailed guide on developing and implementing these agreements.

Medtech Industry Faces Tariffs Despite Pleas for Exemption

 
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Medical devices, diagnostics, and equipment face tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, despite industry pleas for exemption. The tariffs, ranging from 10%-49%, impact most countries trading with the US, potentially hindering innovation and increasing costs in the medtech sector.

Global Medtech Guidance Tracker: March 2025

 
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Stay current on regulatory guidelines from around the world with Medtech Insight's Guidance Tracker. Over 40 documents have been posted on the tracker since its last update.

US FDA Teleconferences In As IMDRF Gathers In Tokyo

 
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The International Medical Device Regulators Forum discussed AI regulation, the development of a reliance playbook, and post-market regulation at the group's annual meeting in Tokyo last week. While the US FDA was not on-site, the agency was able to participate virtually.


Analysis: Competition Increases Amid China Medtech Market Growth

 
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China's medical equipment industry is growing rapidly, driven by limited domestic presence in high-cost segments and increasing adoption of local products in areas like monitoring equipment, defibrillators, and ventilators. International giants dominate the high-end market, but domestic companies such as Neusoft Medical Systems and Mindray Medical are making significant strides.

Medtech M&A Is Thriving, Reports McKinsey

 

Only one year in the last decade involved more medtech acquisitions worth over $1bn than 2024, said McKinsey. A new report from the consulting firm found that despite an overall fall in activity for the life science sector, the economic and regulatory environment may support a strong rebound in dealmaking.

Global Medtech Guidance Tracker: February 2025

 
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Stay current on regulatory guidelines from around the world with Medtech Insight's Guidance Tracker. Over 30 documents have been posted on the tracker since its last update.

Non-EU Medtech Firms May Face Suits Under New Product Liability Directive

 

The EU’s new Product Liability Directive will make it easier for European consumers to seek compensation relating to defective products even if manufacturers are based outside the bloc. Legal experts caution that this could have substantial implications for pharmaceutical companies.