051 - "EU MDR" with Bassil Akra

Let's Combinate · 21 Sept 2022 · 44m

What this episode covers

Bassil Akra, CEO of AKRA Team and former VP at TÜV SÜD, explains the implementation challenges of the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745, focusing on the critical shortage of designated Notified Bodies and the resulting capacity constraints for manufacturers. He details the regulatory distinctions between Notified Bodies and Competent Authorities, clarifying that while Notified Bodies perform conformity assessments, Competent Authorities handle market surveillance and designate the bodies themselves. Akra specifically addresses Article 117 for drug-device combination products, explaining how manufacturers must obtain a Notified Body opinion on the device component if it lacks a CE mark, rather than a full certification, to support the medicinal product's market authorization.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 31m

    Tips to Prepare for EU MDR and IVDR as Deadlines Draw Near

    Bassil Akra, CEO and Co-Owner of QUNIQUE Group, explains the critical challenges medical device companies face in transitioning to EU MDR and IVDR, highlighting the severe bottleneck of notified body capacity and the increased burden of clinical evidence requirements. He clarifies that holding a valid MDD certificate does not buy significant time, as manufacturers must still meet MDR post-market surveillance and vigilance obligations immediately, with full certification required by mid-2023. Akra warns that the IVDR transition is particularly dangerous for the industry because 80-90% of the market will suddenly require notified body involvement, creating a resource gap that existing infrastructure cannot fill. He advises companies to read the regulations, re-evaluate notified body capacity, and manage strict implementation timelines to avoid losing market access.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 24m

    Assessing the Global Regulatory Landscape

    Adnan Ashfaq, founder of Simplimedica, discusses the rocky transition to the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and the upcoming In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) with host John Spear of Greenlight Guru. Ashfaq highlights that while MDR was delayed due to COVID-19, many companies are still ignoring the mandate, risking their business viability. He warns that IVDR poses even greater challenges due to a shortage of notified bodies and the requirement for external reference laboratories for high-risk devices.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 30m

    [LIVE] How EU MDR Changes are Impacting the Medical Device Ecosystem

    Jon Speer hosts a live discussion with Evangeline Loh, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Emergo Group, regarding the impact of the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) on the medical device ecosystem. They detail critical regulatory shifts, including the delay of the EUDAMED database to 2022, the up-classification of self-certified Class I devices under Corrigendum 2, and the severe bottleneck caused by having only 11 designated Notified Bodies. The conversation highlights the strategic advantage of securing legacy MDD certification before May 2020 to avoid MDR compliance until 2024, while also addressing the regulatory duplication and market access challenges introduced by Brexit.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 38m

    Why is IVDR Causing Widespread Panic throughout the Medical Device Industry?

    Joanne LeBrun, VP of Quality Systems at MDC Associates, discusses the widespread anxiety surrounding the EU In-vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR) deadline in May 2022. She explains that the industry faces a critical shortage of designated notified bodies, many of which are overwhelmed or choosing not to pursue IVDR designation due to the high cost and complexity compared to the EU MDR. LeBrun advises companies to immediately apply with existing notified bodies, update their technical documentation to avoid compliance failures, and understand the distinction between ISO certification and CE marking.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 36m

    How does EU MDR impact your Quality Management System?

    Monir El Azzouzi, founder and CEO of Easy Medical Device, explains how the EU MDR impacts quality management systems (QMS) for medical device manufacturers. He details the specific procedural changes required by Article 10.9, the critical differences between ISO 13485 and EU MDR, and the necessity of proactive post-market surveillance. El Azzouzi also warns against relying on unaccredited certification bodies and discusses the logistical challenges of notified body audits during the pandemic.

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