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.

Team-NB has released a report on technical documentation training in the context of MDR 2017/745, which is essential for medical device manufacturers. The data shows that only 50% of SMEs have submitted a technical dossier, while 54% of large companies have already updated at least half of their documentation. The report highlights the need for continued support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Anvisa has opened Public Consultation No. 1,313/2025 to receive suggestions on the Normative Instruction that regulates the transmission and management of the UDI Brasil database, as provided for in RDC No. 591/2021. The regulation will detail the technical and operational criteria for data transmission, making it essential for companies in the sector to be prepared for the future obligation.

MDCG has published Revision 4 of MDCG 2020-16, updating the classification of in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) in accordance with IVDR Regulation (EU) 2017/746. Among the main changes is the reclassification of SARS-CoV-2 tests. In addition, adjustments have been made to the classification of blood, tissue and organ screening tests, as well as clarifications for complementary diagnostics and self-tests.

ISO has published new standards and updates for medical devices, health technologies and pharmaceuticals. Among the main standards are requirements for respiratory equipment, risk management in heart valves, cybersecurity in telehealth and digital integration in health. These updates aim to improve the safety, efficacy and regulatory compliance of medical products globally.

The FDA has released a new document on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the life cycle of medical products, reinforcing the need for transparency, safety and regulatory compliance. The FDA has identified four priority areas: global collaboration to protect public health, support for regulatory innovation, development of standards and best practices, and continuous monitoring of AI performance. The guidelines address everything from algorithm evaluation and bias mitigation to the resilience and cybersecurity of AI-based medical products. This initiative reinforces the FDA's commitment to responsible innovation, ensuring that AI applied to health contributes to medical advances without compromising patient safety.

The MHRA has released an update on the registration of medical devices in the UK, specifying the requirements for domestic and international manufacturers. The MHRA reinforces the need for compliance with the new surveillance and registration requirements, ensuring that medical devices and IVDs meet UK regulatory requirements before they are placed on the market.

Team-NB, the European association of Notified Bodies, has reinforced the importance of issuing certificates with conditions under the European Medical Devices Regulation (MDR 2017/745) and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR 2017/746). This approach allows innovative or orphan medical devices to obtain certification under specific conditions, such as more frequent post-market assessments, restriction of use to certain population groups or marketing limited to specialized medical institutions. Team-NB encourages Notified Bodies to apply this strategy to balance innovation and patient safety, ensuring faster access to new medical technologies.

Regulation (EU) 2025/327 creates the European Health Data Space (EHDS), enabling the secure sharing of medical data and promoting digital interoperability in the European Union. The introduction of the MyHealth@EU platform will ensure the connection between national healthcare systems, making it easier for patients to access their Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and for healthcare professionals in different Member States to use them. In addition, manufacturers of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs) will have to comply with new security, traceability and interoperability requirements, while digital wellness applications will need a declaration of conformity with European specifications. The first obligations will come into force from March 2027, making it essential for companies in the sector to start preparing to ensure regulatory compliance and access to the European market.

Regulation (EU) 2025/327 establishes the European Health Data Space (EHDS), an innovative system that will enable the secure sharing of health data and cross-border access to Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This initiative strengthens digital interoperability in the European Union, ensuring that citizens can access their medical data in any Member State. For manufacturers of medical devices and digital health applications, the regulation imposes new rules on security, interoperability and data traceability, requiring products claiming compatibility with EHRs to comply with specific standards and, in some cases, to be registered with EUDAMED. The first obligations will come into force from March 2027, making it essential for companies in the sector to start preparing now to ensure regulatory compliance and access to the European market.

The IMDRF has released the 2025 update of the terminology for Reporting Adverse Events in Medical Devices, which includes new terms, modifications and removals in various annexes of the document. This revision aims to standardize and improve the reporting of adverse events, so that a globally harmonized classification is used to report and investigate incidents related to medical devices.

Health Canada has announced new guidance for Risk Management Plans (RMPs), reinforcing the need for pharmacovigilance and risk minimization throughout the life cycle of medicines. As of April 2027, the submission of RMPs will be mandatory in certain circumstances, such as for new drugs, biosimilars and cases of emerging risks. This update harmonizes Canadian regulations with international standards, ensuring greater safety for patients and transparency in the regulatory process. Manufacturers wishing to market products on the Canadian market must adapt to these new requirements.

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.

The coordinated assessment pilot project for clinical investigations and performance studies aims to harmonize the regulatory process for medical devices in the European Union. Based on Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) and Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR), this pilot promotes transparency and efficiency, reducing the administrative burden and speeding up regulatory approval.

The FDA and OHRP have updated the guidelines for IRB Written Procedures, aligning them with the requirements of the 21st Century Cures Act. The update aims to harmonize regulatory compliance and ensure the protection of the rights of human subjects in clinical research. It includes a Written Procedures Checklist that assists institutions and IRBs in creating comprehensive policies, promoting transparency and consistency.

Revision 5 of MDCG 2019-6 presents important updates on the requirements for Notified Bodies under the MDR and IVDR, reinforcing regulatory compliance and promoting harmonisation within the European Union. It includes clarifications on impartiality and independence, as well as specifications on consultancy, training and experience of personnel involved in conformity assessment.

The FDA has issued new recommendations to reduce the risk of sepsis transmission through human cells, tissues, and tissue-derived products (HCT/Ps). The guidelines include rigorous donor screening, evaluation of clinical and physical evidence, and diagnostic testing to identify pathogens. The goal is to ensure the safety of tissue donation and protect public health.

The MDCG scientific opinion on SARS-CoV-2 assesses the impact on the classification of IVD devices in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/746. The reassessment considers the evolution of the pandemic and the current epidemiological scenario, analysing transmissibility and life risk in the general population and in risk groups. This opinion is crucial for the medical device industry, especially to ensure regulatory compliance.

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.