More work, fewer resources and broad uncertainty put pressure on notified bodies

When the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) came into force, many notified bodies decided not to pursue accreditation. Others are still waiting to get approval. That has meant far fewer notified bodies to perform assessments and more experienced medical device reviewers retiring or moving to industry. The challenge for notified bodies is compounded by the fact […]

Why navigating the MDR is creating uncertainty for many smaller manufacturers

The Medical Devices Regulation has created some turmoil for manufacturers, particularly smaller companies, as they try to navigate a host of new requirements. Devices that previously would not have had to undergo conformity assessments with the notified bodies may now be classed differently and require assessment. That adds an extra layer of cost and complexity, […]

European Parliament’s approval of MDR delay brings relief but questions remain

The European Parliament’s approval of the proposal to delay the Medical Device Regulation transition period brings some reassurance to the industry. In February 2023, the Parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to adopt the European Commission’s proposal to delay the transition. The delay extends the deadline for higher risk class III and class IIb devices […]

The Importance of QMS and Vendor Oversight for Non-EU Sponsors Under The CTR

Good clinical practice is well-entrenched in global biopharmaceutical companies, and almost every sponsor company adheres to the Declaration of Helsinki with regards to following ethical principles in their medical research. For US companies, the standards established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are very much in line with what is required in the European […]

Independent Oversight: Why It’s a Risk to Have Your CRO as Your Legal Representative

In theory, there is no reason and nothing in the Clinical Trial Regulation (CTR) that prevents a contract research organisation (CRO) being named as the EU Legal Representative by a Sponsor. However, it does beg the question as to whether there would be a conflict of interest, since what it means is the sponsor is […]

Brexit Poses Challenges for Medical Devices Companies as UK Goes Its Own Way

While it has been nearly two years since the UK withdrew from the European Union, much still remains uncertain about the direction that the Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will take with its requirements. Will change happen, and if so when? It’s a bit of a baptism by fire with the regulators only […]