Medical Technology Regulation


The Advertising Code 2018 vs. ISO 15223-1

Do you need to comply with the Advertising Code 2018 if you already comply with ISO 15223-1? The answer is yes! Selling medical devices on global markets requires that labelling must comply with local region labelling and advertising requirements. Each country will have specific requirements, so how are they addressed to satisfy Australian Market requirements? First thing to consider for your device, does the labelling requirements meet the Essential Principle 13.1, schedule 1, Part 2. This information can be depicted with the use of symbols defined in ISO15223-1 Medical Devices – Symbols......

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Unique device identifiers (UDI)

What is it? This is a system by which medical devices are identified through their distribution and use. UDI information must be placed on the label and/or package of the device and will be both human and machine-readable form. The UDI is a set of alphanumeric codes which consists of both a device identifier (this is company and product code) and production information (manufacturing information: product name, expiration date, lot/batch numbers, manufacturer details). How and when to comply: US (FDA)In 2013 the FDA released a rule which determined that there would be......

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Understanding MDSAP

MDSAP (medical device single audit program) is an international program, which allows a single regulatory audit of medical device manufacturer’s QMS’ for the following regulatory agencies: • Therapeutics goods Administration (TGA) – Australia • Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) – Brazil • Health Canada (HC) – Canada • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – US • Ministry of Health and Labour and Welfare (MHLW) – Japan The benefit of MDSAP, is one single quality system inspection that will encompass 5 markets versus having to complete 5 separate audits. One single audit......

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The Importance of Risk Management

Risk management is a key component to demonstrate regulatory compliance for medical devices, it contributes to the medical device company’s ability to meet the regulatory requirements for approval from local regulatory authorities. Effective risk management is essential for determining whether the benefits of the product outweigh any potential risk to the patient. ISO 14971 ’Medical devices – Application of risk management to medical devices’ is the international standard for the application of risk management by a manufacturer to medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics (IVD’s). ISO 14971 is accepted by the TGA......

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Why is regulatory strategy so important?

The global medical device regulatory space is becoming increasingly complex, making a well defined and researched regulatory strategy vital for medical device and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) companies. With many changes planned for the next few years, a regulatory strategy ensures that you are well informed and aware of all existing requirements as well as any new or updated ones, which may impact the marketing of your device. We define the regulatory strategy as the ‘roadmap to market’ – because this describes the regulatory requirements that need to be addressed. There are a......

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Tips for transitioning to ISO 13485:2016

Transition planning is critical As the March 2019 deadline for ISO 13485:2016 is fast approaching, now is the time to start actively planning for the transition. When planning for the transition, it is important to consider the resources and time required to update your Quality Management System (QMS) as well as regulator assessment times. In addition, companies must also define the project so that there is clear understanding of the specific processes that need the most work and the impact that this work has on any other requirements. Planning considerations We recommend......

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Meeting Medical Software Regulatory Requirements

The development of a sound regulatory strategy is an essential starting point for medical device and in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturers. Regulatory strategy planning is critical to ensure compliance with all legislation and standards, particularly because the regulatory environment can vary from country to country. When developing a strategy, there are several factors that must be considered including customer needs and the nature of a particular target market. What changes software into a medical device? The definition of a medical ‘device’ also tends to vary by country so a good starting point is......

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Important Changes in the Regulatory Framework for IVDs

In house Class 4 IVDs – new manufacturer’s evidence accepted Goods new for laboratories that manufacture Class 4 in-house IVDs. A new conformity assessment procedure has been introduced. The following options are now applicable: TGA conformity assessment; or TGA issued Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) licence (satisfying the requirements in the Australian Code of Good Manufacturing Practice for Blood and Blood Components, Human Tissues and Human Cellular Therapy Products); or NATA accreditation as a medical testing laboratory to ISO 15189 and compliance with the NPACC standard, Requirements for the development and use of......

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Red light on ANZTPA

The establishment a joint therapeutic products regulator between Australia and New Zealand will no longer continue. Recently the Australian and New Zealand governments announced their agreement to cease the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency (ANZTPA). After conducting a comprehensive review of progress and assessment of the costs, it was determined that the mutual Agency was not going to benefit either country....

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Conformity Assessment limitations to be removed for Australian manufacturers of medical devices

The following announcement was made in October by the Therapeutic Goods Administration: ‘New regulations will be introduced to allow Australian manufacturers to obtain market approval for most medical devices using conformity assessment certification from European notified bodies.’ Fiona Nash, The Assistant Minister for Health, announced that, under the Government’s Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda, new regulations will be introduced to allow Australian manufacturers to obtain market approval for most medical devices using conformity assessment certification from European notified bodies. This change will benefit Australian manufacturers by providing them with process flexibility and......

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