The IMDRF has published a Playbook for the evaluation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) medical devices, addressing safety, efficacy and regulatory requirements. Global harmonization of these medical devices is essential to ensure transparency, reliability and compliance.

The MHRA has confirmed that four key EU regulations for the regulation of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) will be retained in the UK after May 26, 2025. The decision covers rules on common technical specifications, electronic instructions for medical devices, the use of tissues of animal origin and the supervision of approved bodies. In addition, the MHRA plans to update the legislation, replacing the reference to Regulation (EU) 207/2012 with the more recent Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2226. Meanwhile, further changes are expected with the upcoming "Pre-Market" legislation, which could impact the requirements for high-risk IVDs and remove temporary approvals for COVID-19 testing. Manufacturers and companies in the sector should follow these updates to ensure regulatory compliance in the UK market.

The proposed revision of IEC 62304 brings important changes for the development of software for medical devices and other healthcare applications. The new version expands the concept of Health Software to include solutions that assist in health management and monitoring, even without being classified as medical devices. Among the main changes are the simplification of the classification of software rigor, the removal of specific Quality System requirements and the revision of Risk Management, which no longer requires ISO 14971. In addition, the approach to legacy software will be reformulated, with guidelines transferred to an informative annex. As this update is still in the proposal stage, manufacturers should keep an eye on the changes and prepare for future adaptations.

MDCG 2025-1 introduces an ad hoc procedure form to facilitate the updating of the European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN). This document is crucial for manufacturers, national competent authorities (NCAs) and notified bodies (NBs) that need to register devices in the UDI-DI module of EUDAMED. The new approach allows proposals for new codes to be submitted when existing ones are insufficient, promoting the registration of innovative technologies and regulatory compliance. This initiative by the Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG) contributes to standardisation and clarity in the medical device sector in the European Union.

MDCG 2024-2 Rev.1 ushers in a new era for the European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN), establishing dynamic procedures that ensure innovation, safety, and efficiency in the medical device sector. This revision, aligned with the MDR and IVDR regulations, introduces annual updates and ad-hoc requests to meet rapid technological changes and growing market demands. With a focus on collaboration between stakeholders, the update reinforces trust between manufacturers, healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring that device classification is accurate, relevant and safe.