UK Updates

UK’s 2025 Roadmap to Phase Out Animal Testing

UK Government Announces New Medical Device Regulations

On December 15, 2025, the UK government announced a plan to gradually introduce new regulations for medical devices. This aims to improve patient safety, encourage innovation, and prevent supply issues, ensuring that the UK remains a top choice for med-tech companies.

Key Areas of the Reform

1. Patient Safety

2. Encouraging Innovation

3. Reducing Supply Issues

Updated MHRA Guidance

The MHRA has issued new guidelines to help the industry transition:

Impact on the Industry

Conclusion

The UK is creating a balanced regulatory framework to ensure safety, foster innovation, and maintain supply stability. By simplifying assessments, updating UKCA marking, and introducing new pathways, the UK aims to stay appealing to med-tech innovators while keeping patients safe.

Manufacturers must align documentation with MHRA guidance, and position the portfolio for recognition pathways to stay ahead of the phased UK MDR reform.

To read more visit www.gov.uk

European Updates

EU Releases Manufacturer’s Trend Report Form (MTR) – Version 1.0

European Commission Proposal COM (2025)1023 – Transforming MedTech Regulation

On December 16, 2025, the European Commission published its proposal COM (2025)1023 final, updating the Medical Device Regulation (MDR, EU 2017/745) and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR, EU 2017/746). This change reform addresses long-lasting concerns about regulatory complexity, excessive administrative burdens, and certification blockages that have seriously impacted small businesses and innovation in the €170 billion European med-tech sector.

Key Highlights

Impact

The Commission’s proposal COM (2025) focuses on simplifying regulations and supporting innovation across the med tech ecosystem. The reforms aim to simplify compliance, support SMEs, accelerate innovation, and maintain patient safety. This positions Europe as a global leader in med tech regulation, ensuring safe and innovative devices reach patients faster.

To read the full blog visit Sushvin: https://lnkd.in/gMJBBPrj

EUDAMED User Guide: UDI Devices Update 3.022

The European Commission has released a new update for the EUDAMED User Guide focused on UDI Devices (Release 3.022, December 12, 2025). This update is available for testing in the Playground environment, offering a preview of changes that will soon be implemented in the live Production environment.

What's New in Release 3.022

Importance

Preparing for Compliance

Conclusion

Release 3.022 is not just a technical update but a preparation step for the full EUDAMED rollout. Early engagement will ensure smooth transition and improved patient safety.

To read more visit https://lnkd.in/egDVR_s

EU Health Technology Assessment Regulation – December 2025 Update

The EU Health Technology Assessment Regulation (HTAR) officially entered into force in January 2022. In December 2025, the European Commission released an updated rolling implementation plan.

Key Highlights

Governance – HTA Coordination Group

Implementing Acts

Guidance Documents

Stakeholder Engagement

IT Infrastructure

Awareness & Outreach

Conclusion

The December 2025 update signals the shift from preparation to full implementation. By 2030, HTAR will cover all new medicines and selected devices.

To learn more visit https://lnkd.in/e9Tewt7V

TÜV SÜD’s White Paper for MedTech Start-Ups

MedTech start-ups are known for their creativity and speed entry to the market. However, between creating a prototype and reaching patients, there is a complex regulatory process that can delay market entry and upset investors if not handled well. TÜV SÜD has published a new white paper, “What MedTech Start-Ups Need to Know”, to guide founders in integrating regulatory knowledge early in their process.

Key highlights

Regulator Success Factor

Seven Topics for a Regulatory Roadmap

The white paper outlines seven critical areas for MedTech start-ups:

Importance

Conclusion

TÜV SÜD’s white paper is more than a compliance guide it’s a strategic plan for MedTech start-ups. By focusing on regulatory, founders can enter the market faster, build investor confidence, and ensure patient safety.

For guidance visit Sushvin: https://lnkd.in/ghhvbEec

Download the white paper: https://lnkd.in/gDVE_Rhz

EMA December 2025 Q&A – Integral Drug–Device Combinations

On December 1, 2025, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) published Revision 6 of its Questions & Answers guidance for applicants, marketing authorisation holders (MAHs), and notified bodies. This update explains how the Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR) apply when medicinal products and medical devices are combined.

Key Highlights

1.Regulatory Framework

2.Integral Drug–Device Combinations (iDDCs)

3. Co Packaged Devices

Co-packaged products differ from integral drug-device combinations regulated by Directive 2001/83/EC, Regulation (EC) No 726/2004, or Regulation (EU) No 2017/745. The device must comply with the Medical Device Regulation (MDR), including Annex I requirements for safety and performance details.

4. Lifecycle Management

Importance

Manufacturers must plan early to have device conformity evidence ready during MAA submission to avoid delays.

If in doubt consult Sushvin: https://lnkd.in/gye3ePan

Email: info@sushvin.com

USA Updates

FDA’s 2025 Guidance on Real World Evidence

FDA’s 2025 Guidance on Real World Evidence

On 18 December 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its final guidance on the use of Real-World Evidence (RWE) in medical devices regulatory decision-making, marking a significant regulatory milestone. This document replaces the 2017 guidance and reflects advancements in digital health and patient-centered care.

Key Highlights

Real World Evidence

FDA emphasizes that RWE can complement or replace traditional clinical studies when appropriately designed and analyzed.

Importance of the Guidance

The 2025 guidance aligns with commitments under the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act (FDORA) and MDUFA V. Key benefits of RWE include capturing broader clinical experiences, improving generalizability, allowing long-term tracking, supporting AI-enabled devices, and potentially reducing time to market for innovative devices.

Application

RWE applies across the total product life cycle (TPLC) of medical devices, including premarket submissions, investigational device exemptions, postmarket surveillance, post-approval studies, and AI/ML monitoring. While RWE usage is not mandated, FDA encourages sponsors to consider it when appropriate.

Conclusion

FDA’s 2025 guidance on RWE represents a paradigm shift in medical device regulation, opening doors to more efficient and innovative pathways for device approval. Manufacturers who embrace robust data systems and transparent methodologies will be well-positioned to accelerate innovation while ensuring patient safety.

Australian Updates


Regulatory Update – Australia (Effective 1 Jan 2026)

Regulatory Update – Australia (Effective 1 Jan 2026)

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued new guidelines on boundary and combination products to help determine whether a product is classified as a medicine, biological, medical device, or other therapeutic good (OTG).

Key Highlights:

Implications for Sponsors & Manufacturers:

Final Thought: This update provides clarity on boundary and combination products for the industry, ensuring products are regulated under the most appropriate framework. Sponsors should act early to align with the new rules and avoid compliance risks.

To read more visit the official website

Malaysia Updates

Malaysia’s Draft Guidance on Change Management for Medical Devices

Malaysia’s Draft Guidance on Change Management for Medical Devices

The Medical Device Authority (MDA) in Malaysia has released a draft guidance document for public comment from December 2-16, 2025 on Change Management for Registered Medical Devices. This guidance helps manufacturers, importers, and healthcare professionals follow the Medical Device and IVDs under Act 737. It uses a risk-based framework for system to manage changes to registered medical devices, ensuring they remain safe and effective.

Categorisation of Changes

Reporting Pathways

UDI-DI

Certain changes need a new Unique Device Identifier (UDI-DI) for tracking.

Bundling of Changes

Multiple changes can be submitted together if they apply to the same certificate

Updates Before Re-Registration

Devices must be updated before re-registration, with specific requirements for different classes.

Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) PCCP

Changes to software must be managed to ensure safety and performance through Predetermined Change Control.

Replacement Reagents & Instruments

Allows adding low/medium-risk reagents to registered instruments, relying on the manufacturer's QMS.

Importance of the Guidance

Conclusion

This draft guidance represents a move towards consistent, risk-based regulation. It ensures that changes in medical devices are safe and well-managed. Stakeholders are encouraged to review and provide feedback to help create a balanced regulatory framework.

Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Updates

Understanding SFDA’s New Labelling Templates

Understanding SFDA’s New Labelling Templates

Introduction

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has updated its templates for Labelling Information, Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), and Patient Information Leaflets (PIL) to Version 1.3. Companies selling medicinal products in Saudi Arabia must use these templates to meet regulations and get approval.

What's New in Version 1.3

The main change is in Appendix 4: Recommended Labelling Statements.

These changes help labels show real-world stability data, enhancing transparency for healthcare providers and patients.

Purpose

The templates are for medicinal products intended for human use. They aim to:

Key Labelling Requirements

SFDA requires certain details on both outer and immediate packaging, including:

Even small packages must have basic details to ensure traceability.

Task for Companies

Conclusion

The SFDA’s new templates for labelling, SPC, and PIL align with global best practices in pharmaceutical regulation. By standardizing information and improving patient communication, Saudi Arabia strengthens its regulatory framework.

Companies must align with Version 1.3 now for compliance, to avoid delays, and to build trust with regulators and patients.

To read more visit https://www.sfda.gov.sa/en

IMDRF Updates

IMDRF Draft on Predetermined Change Control Plans (PCCPs) for Medical Device Software

IMDRF Draft on Predetermined Change Control Plans (PCCPs) for Medical Device Software

The International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) issued a draft document detailing the Essential Principles and Content of Predetermined Change Control Plans (PCCPs) for medical device software, including Software as a Medical Device (SaMD).

What Are PCCPs?

A Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP) is a framework that allows manufacturers to propose and obtain authorization for certain planned changes to medical device software. Instead of submitting a new regulatory application for each change, PCCPs enable pre-authorized, structured updates within the device’s intended use.

A PCCP typically includes:

Essential Principles of PCCPs

The draft outlines five key principles:

Benefits of PCCPs

Challenges of PCCPs

Conclusion

The IMDRF’s draft on Predetermined Change Control Plans (PCCPs) represents a forward-looking method for regulating medical device software. By allowing structured, pre-authorized updates, PCCPs can boost innovation while protecting patients and healthcare systems.

This draft is a call to integrate PCCPs into quality and risk management systems.

For guidance visit Sushvin https://www.sushvin.com/

To read more visit https://lnkd.in/g-FUefst

Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS)

Understanding the CIOMS Report on AI in Drug Safety

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing healthcare, and drug safety monitoring. In 2025, the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) published a report about using AI in pharmacovigilance (PV). This report guides how regulators, industry, and healthcare professionals can responsibly use AI in drug safety systems.

Key Insights from the CIOMS Report

1. Applications of AI in PV

2. Challenges & Risks

3. Governance & Ethical Considerations

Importance

Conclusion

The CIOMS report sees AI as a powerful tool in drug safety, but it must be well-regulated. While AI can improve efficiency, human oversight, ethical standards, and global cooperation are crucial.

AI in PV is a valuable addition to human expertise, not a replacement. The CIOMS framework ensures AI enhances drug safety without compromising trust.

To read more visit https://lnkd.in/dK3E9_hD

ISO Updates

ISO Medical Device Standards Update – November 2025

Medical Device Standards Update

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has issued its December 2025 update.

Key Medical Device Standards in Development

New sterilization standards:

Implants & Surgical Instruments

Enhanced standards:

Digital Health & Cybersecurity

New biobanking standards:

Updated diagnostic standards:

Quality Management & Regulatory Alignment

Biological Evaluation Updates

Revised evaluation standards:

ISO/DIS 24031 – General requirements for bio-devices.

Updated information systems:

Recent important standards:

Withdrawn & Replaced Standards

ISO/TS 16843-1:2016 replaced by ISO 16843-1:2025.

Immediate Implications:

Areas to Watch in 2026

For more details visit the ISO website.

For guidance visit Sushvin https://lnkd.in/gye3ePan

Sushvin Provides UK Responsible Person (UK RP) Services

Are you a legal medical device/IVD manufacturer located outside the UK and would like to market your product in the UK, then you will require a UK responsible person who will act on behalf of the manufacturer to ensure all the responsibilities detailed within the updated UK MDR 2002 regulations are met.

As a legal manufacturer, organisations will have to register their devices prior to be placed on the UK market.

If you need UK Responsible Person (UK RP) services, please contact SUSHVIN for more information.

If you are planning to market your product in the EU and if you require PRRC (Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance), we have a team of experienced regulatory professionals who can help you assist with PRRC services and get you regulatory compliant as per MDR 2017/745 and IVDR 2017/746
If you need PRRC Services, please contact SUSHVIN for more information.