MEDICAL DEVICES INDUSTRY REPORTS

Safety Reporting in Clinical Investigations: a Gap Analysis of Guidance Documents 

Safety reporting in clinical investigations of medical devices shall be performed in line with Article 80(2) of the EU MDR. On May 2020, it was published the MDCG 2020-10/1, outlining the procedures for safety reporting in clinical investigations of medical devices under the EU MDR. However, on October 2022 the Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG) published an updated version of the MDCG 2020-10/1, the MDCG 2020-10/1 Rev 1. This article highlights the updates included in the new revision, analysing the gaps between both documents.

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Roles and Responsibilities of an Authorised Representative under EU MDR and IVDR 

If a medical device manufacturer is not established in a Member State, the devices can only be placed on the Union market if the manufacturer designates an authorised representative. The authorised representative plays a pivotal role in ensuring the compliance of the devices with EU regulation, serving as point of contact. The obligations and responsibilities of authorised representative are outlined on Article 11 of both MDR and IVDR, but clarification of relevant requirements is described in MDCG 2022-16 of October 2022.

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Understanding the ISO Standards Lifecycle

ISO Standards cover a huge range of activities, representing the distilled wisdom of people with expertise in their subject matter and providing the regulators with a sound basis to develop better legislation. ISO Standards are diverse, addressing from the shoe size we wear to the quality of air we breathe. The medical device sector is no exception. ISO has many International Standards and guidance documents aimed at helping the sector ensure safe and effective medical devices while meeting the multitude of national, regional and international regulatory requirements. But how exactly is a Standard developed, reviewed and withdraw?

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COSMETIC INDUSTRY REPORTS

United Kingdom Restricts the Use of BHT in Cosmetic Products

The United Kingdom has taken a significant step in regulating the use of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) in cosmetic products. This move is crucial for distributors, manufacturers, and importers to ensure compliance and maintain the safety of their products in the UK market.

Great Britain Mandatory Classification List (MCL): cosmetic ingredients added.

On March 12, 2024, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) updated the GB Mandatory Classification List (MCL) by adding 25 new chemical substances, as mandated by Article 37 of the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. This update impacts substances identified as cosmetic ingredients with proposed Carcinogen, Mutagen, or Reprotoxic (CMR) classifications under Article 15 of the UK Cosmetics Regulation (UKCR). Notably, 2-ethylhexanoic acid and its zinc salt, along with Dimethyltolylamine, are among those facing potential bans and additions to the UK Cosmetics Regulation’s Annex II. These changes will come into effect on September 2, 2025.

New coating for TiO2 (nano) – is it safe?

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published the Preliminary Opinion on new coating for Titanium Dioxide (nano). It declared the data was not enough to draw conclusions regarding the safety of this alternative coating, as more evidence of similarity to other nanomaterials is necessary.

New EU cosmetic restrictions on Cyclic Volatile Methyl Siloxanes (cVMS)

Cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (cVMS) have raised environmental concerns because of their persistence and bioaccumulative properties. In light of these concerns, the European Union has extended restrictions on substances like D4, D5, and D6 in cosmetic products. New regulations will further limit the concentration of these compounds in both rinse-off and leave-on products, with compliance deadlines set for 2026 and 2027.

Citral under review: SCCS Preliminary Opinion

The SCCS was tasked by the European Commission to evaluate if the safety levels for Citral, determined through QRA2 based on skin sensitization induction, are sufficient to safeguard consumers. A preliminary opinion was released.

Are sunscreens with Benzophenone-4 safe?

Benzophenone-4 is commonly known as a UV-filter in cosmetic products. Learn what the final opinion of SCCS states about Benzophenone’s safety profile as a UV-filter in cosmetic products.

PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTS

FDA updates on hand sanitizers safety for use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it is providing a new laboratory testing method to assess the quality of finished hand sanitizers. Moreover, the FDA has issued a new press release on August 27th 2020, where it warns consumers about hand sanitizers packaged in food and drink containers. Earlier this month, the FDA expanded hand sanitizer warnings to include 1-propanol contamination.

Hand sanitizers contaminated with methanol

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has led to an increasing demand of hand sanitizers. Nevertheless, not all hand sanitizers made available in the market are safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public warning to consumers and health care providers for possible contamination of hand sanitizers with methanol. The FDA advises the public not to use such hand sanitizers, because methanol is a dangerous and toxic substance.

Airborne transmission is the dominant route for the spread of COVID-19

Transmission pathways of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were studied by analyzing the trend and mitigation measures in the three epicenters. Results show that the airborne transmission route is highly virulent and dominant for the spread of COVID-19. The difference with and without mandated face covering represents the determinant in shaping the trends of the pandemic. Mitigation measures, such as social distancing implemented in the United States, are insufficient by themselves in protecting the public.

Illegal and Ineffective Disinfectants in the EU Market

20 EU countries have reported to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the European Commission (EC) that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased number of non-compliant hand disinfectants on their markets since March 2020.

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