1. Medtech Insight
  2. >>Geography
  3. >>Asia

COVID-19: How Rapid Diagnostic Development Helped South Korea ‘Flatten The Curve’

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

A new US FDA report found that South Korea's diagnostic development strategy, as well as contract tracing, helped the country limit the spread of COVID-19.

Korean flag printed on disposable paper face mask against a dark background.
• Source: Alamy

South Korea’s ability to quickly manufacture and distribute diagnostics has been an important factor in controlling the spread of COVID-19 within the country, the US Food and Drug Administration says in a new report.

The 25 May document explains that the agency began looking into the South Korean approach in April 2020 after...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Asia

HistoSonics Sells Majority Stake To Investor Syndicate In Deal Valued At $2.25Bn

 
• By Marion Webb

HistoSonics’ CEO Michael Blue describes the deal as a win-win for all stakeholders and plans to use the money to expand clinical indications, as well as the global reach, for its Edison system.

FDA Greenlights Expanded Use Of Boston Scientific’s Pulse Field Ablation System

 
• By Brian Bossetta

A recent approval from the US FDA allowing Boston Scientific to broaden its labeling for its pulse field ablation system means more patients with one type of AFib will have access to a promising new treatment.

South Korean Health Ministry Sees Benefits Of Pre-Regulatory Review

 
• By Jung Won Shin

A system of pre-regulatory review consultations for innovative drugs and devices in South Korea has contributed to the accelerated development of such products.

FDA Blocks Some Olympus Endoscopes From Entering US

 
• By Brian Bossetta

After multiple warning letters and safety communications, the US FDA has decided to block the import of certain endoscopes from Olympus. In total, the agency’s action pertains to 58 device models manufactured by the Japanese firm used in urinary, respiratory, abdominal and pelvic procedures.

More from Geography

Warning Letters - July 2025

The US FDA posted three warning letters in July, covering medical supply kits, wearables and orthopedics.

Brazil’s Medtechs Look To Solutions After 50% US Tariff Hit Amid ‘Scenario Of Uncertainty’

 
• By Bernard Murphy

Hopes that last-minute negotiations might exempt Brazil’s $300m medtech exports from the latest round of US tariffs have been dashed, leaving the industry braced for further market instability that countermeasures could trigger.

Survey Reveals Gaps In Medtech Compliance Processes

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

Medical device firms often have serious compliance gaps, a recent Veeva MedTech survey found. Only 50% of the companies surveyed are confident in their global registration data, with 70% reporting inconsistencies during audits. The report recommends automation and better data governance.