International

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.

New AI Tool Spots ‘Invisible’ Epilepsy Brain Lesions Missed By Radiologists

 

MELD Graph could help speed up the diagnosis and treatment of people with epilepsy by spotting "invisible" brain lesions often missed by radiologists. The new open-source AI tool developed by UK researchers could save the NHS up to $70,000 per patient, said researchers.


Global Medtech Guidance Tracker: January 2025

 
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Stay current on regulatory guidelines from around the world with Medtech Insight's Guidance Tracker. Over 80 documents have been posted on the tracker since its last update.

US FDA’s Absence Raises Concerns In International Standards Development

 
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The FDA's recent communication freeze has blocked participation in international standards development groups. The agency's absence could impact the alignment of US and international standards, potentially affecting medical device manufacturers' ability to sell products globally.

Could A Wider Trade War Be Brewing? Beijing Retaliates With Own Tariffs While AdvaMed Asks Administration For Exemption

 

Concerns President Trump’s tariffs could create a full-blown trade war with China jumped dramatically as Beijing responded with its own set of tariffs targeting various US goods. On the medtech front, AdvaMed wants Trump to create a carve-out for Chinese medical devices as he did in his first term.

Global Medtech Guidance Tracker: December 2024

 

Stay current on regulatory guidelines from around the world with Medtech Insight's Guidance Tracker. 65 documents have been posted on the tracker since its last update.


Digital Health Roundup: 2025 Will See More AI/GenAI Adoption In Medtech, FDA’s Digital Health Push, UK Pilots

In this week’s Digital Health Roundup, Medtech Insight’s Marion Webb brings highlights from Deloitte’s 2025 Life Sciences Outlook Report with medtech leaders’ forecasting significant investments in AI/GenAI. Brian Bossetta talks about the US FDA’s newly formed Digital Health Advisory Committee. Elizabeth Orr highlights the pros and cons of penetration testing for cybersecurity and talks about the US FDA’s final guidance on pre-determined change control plans. Natasha Barrow highlights UK MHRA's AI Airlock Pilot program and MANIFEST.

Device Firms Should Prepare For New Recall Policies, Australia’s TGA Says

 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration is advising companies to get up to speed with its new recall procedure, which is designed to improve the timeliness of recalls, alerts and corrections, and reduce regulatory burden for sponsors.

Companies Will Face Increased Regulatory Challenges In 2025, Pair Of Reports Say

 

Medical device manufacturers are among the companies that will face more regulatory challenges in the coming year. Two new reports look at the growing complexity of the regulatory landscape organizations will have to navigate.