QMSR: The Future of FDA's Quality Management System Regulation for Medical Devices

Global Medical Device Podcast · 16 Mar 2022 · 48m · Episode 250

What this episode covers

Mike Drues of Vascular Sciences and George Zack of Two Harbors Consulting discuss the FDA's proposed Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) to align 21 CFR Part 820 with ISO 13485:2016. The panel argues that the transition is a small leap for compliant companies, focusing on paperwork rather than engineering changes, and questions the value of constant regulatory updates. They highlight the tension between compliance and actual product quality, noting that while harmonization is a step toward global standards, true global regulatory harmonization remains unlikely due to differing national protections.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Let's Combinate · 42m

    125 - Unpacking the Quality Management System Regulation(QMSR) Final Rule with Subhi Saadeh

    Subhi Saadeh, host of the Combinate Podcast and Quality Professional, conducts an active reading of the FDA's Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) Final Rule to unpack changes to 21 CFR 820 and 21 CFR 4. He details the harmonization of the Quality System Regulation (QSR) with ISO 13485, highlighting new sections like 820.10 and 820.45, and the reclassification of previous QSR subparts as 'reserved.' Saadeh also analyzes FDA comments regarding combination products, component manufacturers, and the practical implications of aligning US regulations with global standards to reduce industry inefficiency.

  • Let's Combinate · 10m

    198 - QMSR Explained, ISO 13485 Compared, and 5 Key Things You Might’ve Missed

    Subhi Saadeh, host of Let's Combinate and Quality Professional, breaks down five critical aspects of the FDA's new Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR). He explains that while QMSR harmonizes with ISO 13485, it retains 21 CFR 820 with FDA-specific overlays like UDI and complaint handling, and removes previous exemptions for certain manufacturers. Saadeh emphasizes that risk management remains mandatory despite not being explicitly named in the text, and warns that companies must complete gap assessments and training before the February 2, 2026 compliance deadline.

  • Let's Combinate · 32m

    130 - QMSR Changes to Traceability/Reporting, Independent Reviewer & Risk Management, Learning New Regulations and MDSAP with Aaron Snyder

    Aaron Snyder, VP of Quality Assurance at Allotex and AAMI Faculty member, explains the FDA's Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) and its incorporation of ISO 13485. He details specific changes to traceability, including the requirement to meet 21 CFR Part 821 (Medical Device Tracking) and Part 830 (UDI) in addition to ISO requirements, and new FDA-specific controls for records, packaging, and labeling. Snyder contrasts FDA inspection techniques, which focus on finding non-compliance through deep dives into complaint and service records, with ISO surveillance audits that verify conformity. He also discusses the impact of QMSR on MDSAP companies, noting that while harmonization simplifies compliance for large firms, smaller US-only companies face more work to adopt the process approach and explicit risk management.

  • Let's Combinate · 52m

    128 - Former FDA Inspector and Managing Consultant, Vin Cafiso: Cadavers/Autopsies, Tales from FDA Inspections, Understanding the QMSR, and Quality Culture

    Vin Cafiso, former FDA Consumer Safety Officer and Managing Consultant at Practical Compliance Results, discusses the transition from the Quality System Regulation (QSR) to the Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) and its impact on small medical device companies. He explains how FDA inspection methodologies are shifting from issue-focused 483s to process-based QSET audits, emphasizing the importance of understanding quality culture through simple engagement rather than rigid metrics. Cafiso shares insights from his career at companies like BD and Smith & Nephew, highlighting how starting as an investigator builds a strong foundation for industry roles by providing a broad view of quality systems across diverse products and company sizes.

  • Let's Combinate · 9m

    256 - The New FDA Inspection Playbook: Where to Start with QMSR

    Subhi Saadeh, founder of Let’s Combinate, introduces a four-part series on FDA inspection readiness under the new Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR), explaining how the retired QSIT framework has been replaced by Compliance Program 7382.850. He highlights advice from former FDA investigator Eric Pittman, who advises industry to focus exclusively on Section III of compliance programs as the primary roadmap for inspections. The episode details the shift from QSIT’s four major subsystems to six QMS areas, emphasizing a risk-based approach where investigators evaluate product risks and control effectiveness.

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