Policy & Regulation
Approvals
The US FDA has announced classifications for five device types, including four diagnostics as well as a hand cream to protect healthcare workers exposed to radiation. Two of the products are newborn screening tests.
Flow Neuroscience's neuromodulation headset for the treatment of depression is approved and marketed in the EU. However, two years on, the company is still waiting for US FDA approval despite being assigned breakthrough device designation.
Medtronic is teaming up with IRCAD North America to build high-tech training and education experiences for surgeons and medical professionals in cardiovascular, neuroscience, and minimally invasive surgical specialties. The move could also further position Medtronic to seize on the growing robotics
Clairity’s "first-in-class" mammography-based AI screening tool, Clairity Breast, provides "equitable risk assessments," expanding access to lifesaving early detection for breast cancer, said company founder Connie Lehman.
Compliance
Former HHS-OIG attorney Rob DeConti emphasized the significance of data analytics and compliance in combating healthcare fraud, urging medical tech companies to adopt robust measures to prevent potential risks.
Dexcom’s CEO Kevin Sayer discusses this fall’s planned launch of the 15-day G7 CGM, downplays Abbott’s dual-sensor while focusing on development of multi-analyte G8, making OTC Stelo app more “consumerish” for Europeans, and more.
The FDA has released draft guidance clarifying UDI rules for drug- and device-led combination products. The document specifies labeling requirements and makes recommendations to reduce confusion between UDIs and NDCs. Comments are being accepted until Sept. 24.
The DOJ has launched nearly 70 enforcement actions in 2025, targeting diagnostics, durable medical equipment, and telehealth fraud. Key cases involve significant fraudulent claims against Medicare, with individuals facing severe penalties.
Recalls
Two recent recalls from the US FDA involve three deaths linked to an issue with an Abiomed heart pump — as well as three serious injuries related to angiographic catheters from Cook Medical.
The US FDA has issued an early alert to notify consumers about serious risks associated with a recall from Medtronic and its subsidiary Given Imaging. The alert concerns delivery capsules for diagnosing GERD.
After two serious injuries and one death linked to some of its ventilators, Medtronic has recalled the devices and asked customers to stop using them and find alternative means. The action comes more than a year after the company left the market.
The US FDA’s device center sent warning letters to three domestic device manufacturers and one German firm for failing to adhere to protocol on several issues.
Regulation
MedTech Europe is ready to become involved and shape Europe’s Life Sciences Strategy and help drive regulatory simplification from the top to make the EU “the world’s most attractive place for life sciences by 2030.”
The US FDA has issued an updated final guidance document on cybersecurity considerations for medical device manufacturers that replaces a previous final guidance the agency issued in 2023.
Amendment brings new benefits for device accessories and aesthetic devices used by healthcare professionals.
From June 30, new European Commission rules will attempt to redress an imbalance in medtech trade between the EU and the People’s Republic of China.
Legal & IP
Former HHS-OIG attorney Rob DeConti emphasized the significance of data analytics and compliance in combating healthcare fraud, urging medical tech companies to adopt robust measures to prevent potential risks.
The DOJ has launched nearly 70 enforcement actions in 2025, targeting diagnostics, durable medical equipment, and telehealth fraud. Key cases involve significant fraudulent claims against Medicare, with individuals facing severe penalties.
Legal experts warn, however, that new Mexican procurement rules are discriminatory and could be challenged in the courts.
Innovative Healthcare is asking for a permanent injunction against Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Biosense Webster after winning a $442 million antitrust verdict. The injunction aims to prevent continued anticompetitive practices in the electrophysiology catheter market.
Legislation
The US FDA has given up on its effort to regulate lab-developed tests as medical devices, at least for now. The agency will not appeal a decision from the Eastern District of Texas that tossed out the FDA’s final rule, leaving the agency with few cards.
During MD&M East in Manhattan last week, a panel of experts discussed how the Trump administration’s trade policy is affecting manufacturing and offered some ideas on what manufacturers can do to help mitigate the chaos.
A battle may be forming over the 2027 FDA user fee reauthorizations. At a conference Friday, Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss supports them for their effectiveness, while Deputy FDA Commissioner Grace Graham echoed criticisms from HHS Sec. Kennedy, among others, in calling for reform to ensure public trust.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized administrative cost reductions and defended budget decisions during a Senate hearing on HHS funding. Some senators, however, expressed concerns over the impacts spending cuts had on essential health programs.