Irish Medtech call for EU regulatory reform as leaders gather in Galway
Irish Medtech, the Ibec group that represents the medtech sector, is bringing together international leaders for the Global Access 2024 conference 23-24 October, in the Galmont, Galway. This is the largest medtech conference of its kind in Ireland, providing unique insights into the global regulatory landscape with 250 people attending including senior business leaders, policymakers, and regulators.
Irish Medtech Director Eoghan Ó Faoláin said: “Ireland is a global medtech leader, that delivers over €16 billion in exports to more than 100 countries demonstrating our extensive international reach. Industry must keep track of evolving international regulatory landscapes as well as seeking greater harmonisation and reliance among global regulatory systems. That is why we are hosting Global Access to ensure that Ireland remains competitive and innovative, by offering industry insights into the latest trends such as, international harmonization, sustainability, and clinical investigations.”
Irish Medtech Senior Executive Dr Emer Sherry said: “The European medtech sector is renowned for its constant innovation with over 15,985 patent applications filed with the Europe Patent Office in 2023. However, the costs, the complexity and lack of predictability of the EU regulations are hindering patient access to both current and new technologies. That is why we are calling for EU regulatory reform of the system to ensure it is efficient, innovation-friendly, and optimised for performance. We also believe now is the time for the introduction of ‘bridging measures’ which will support device availability through accelerated pathways for breakthrough innovations, greater use of electronic instructions for use and adapt certification to follow a life-cycle approach. These measures would benefit European patients, healthcare professionals, and would support the dynamic medtech industry which committed to improving lives.”
We would like to thank our sponsors, PLATINUM: Stryker; GOLD SPONSORS: Arthur Cox LLP, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), Trinzo; SILVER SPONSORS: BSI, Connected Health Skillnet, Comply Guru, Irish Medtech Skillnet, Lachman Consultants, Merit Medical Systems Inc, NSF, RQM+, Teleflex, TÜV SÜD.
