European Medical Device Manufacturers Face New Regulations Starting In 2016, According To Top Compliance Consulting Executive

- Maetrics' European Managing Director Outlines The Demands And Costs Of Implementation, At Med-Tech Innovation Expo.

COVENTRY, England, April 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- "Although there is a great deal of debate still occurring throughout Europe's political and medical device communities, it is virtually certain that comprehensive new medical device regulations will soon be adopted for implementation in 2016," according to Peter Rose, Managing Director of Maetrics Ltd, the European operations of global life sciences consulting firm, Maetrics. According to Rose, "Manufacturers need to start planning now to be ready to comply by the end of 2016."

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140407/PH99648

Rose outlined a number of the key areas covered in these new regulations, during a leading European medical device conference, Med-Tech Innovation Expo, recently held in Coventry, UK:

• Reclassification of certain devices
• Single use devices and reprocessing
• Invasive/implantable devices without a medical purpose
• Qualified Person
• Unique Device Identifier (UDI) and traceability
• Vigilance System

Said Rose, "A common thread will be the standardization of regulations and the centralization of information through the EUDAMED database, even though many of those details are still being finalized." He feels that it has always been a goal of the European Union to update the Directives to take into account new technology (nanotechnology, IVD tests) and streamline the "messy" patchwork of regulations. However, now that these changes are at hand, Mr. Rose says that many European medical device manufacturers have underestimated the planning and expertise needed to modify policies and procedures. Complying with the new regulations will involve cross-department and multi-function planning, including collaborating with suppliers and distributors. "To successfully implement and comply with the new regulations, it requires an experienced team with global reach to manage time, money and resources. Failure to comply risks notifications, fines, recalls and other sanctions from regulators," said Rose.

Now in its thirtieth year, Maetrics is a leading global consulting firm specializing in compliance strategy and solutions - prevention, performance improvement, and resolution - information technology, and organization management insight - for top-tier medical device, pharmaceutical, biotech, and nutritional companies. With headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, Maetrics supports its global client base through worldwide offices.

www.maetrics.com

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