Newsletter

Japan: FAQs and Key Points on SaMD – March/April 2026

Japan: FAQs and Key Points on SaMD – March/April 2026

  • 2026-04-28 01:22:14

In alignment with the latest regulatory guidance on SaMD and cybersecurity for network-connected devices, the framework for managing ancillary network infrastructure (such as VPN gateways) has been refined. This includes an extensive definition of responsible matrices, lifecycle security maintenance, and the implementation of proactive security controls to mitigate cyber risks.

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SINGAPORE: HSA ATTAINS HIGHEST LEVEL RECOGNITION FROM WHO FOR MEDICAL DEVICE REGULATORY SYSTEM – March/April 2026

SINGAPORE: HSA ATTAINS HIGHEST LEVEL RECOGNITION FROM WHO FOR MEDICAL DEVICE REGULATORY SYSTEM – March/April 2026

  • 2026-04-23 09:11:50

Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has achieved the World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 4 for medical device regulatory systems, the highest classification under WHO's global benchmarking framework. The recognition, announced on 10 March 2026 during the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) 29th session in Singapore, strengthens Singapore's position in global medical device regulation as a trusted reference authority for other regulators.

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Japan: Rising Need for Orthopedic Medical Devices – March/April 2026

Japan: Rising Need for Orthopedic Medical Devices – March/April 2026

  • 2026-04-23 08:41:55

Japan's orthopedic medical device market is drawing increasing global attention, supported by strong import activity and rising clinical demand. In 2023, orthopedic equipment accounted for the largest share of Japan's medical device imports at 14.9%, while orthopedic appliances alone reached US$2.67B in imports in 2024. With nearly 30% of the population aged 65 and above and more than 3.4M orthopedic procedures performed annually, Japan continues to see growing demand for advanced musculoskeletal solutions.

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QT Activity: Webinar Recap | Medical Device Studies in the US: Regulatory Requirements, Study Design, and Best Practices in Subject Management – March/April 2026

QT Activity: Webinar Recap | Medical Device Studies in the US: Regulatory Requirements, Study Design, and Best Practices in Subject Management – March/April 2026

  • 2026-04-23 07:36:58

The webinar hosted by Qualtech in March takes a closer look at how medical device studies are conducted in the United States. Covering US FDA classification, IDE and IRB pathways, and study design, it connects regulatory frameworks with their practical application in study execution. This recap highlights key considerations shaping how studies are structured and managed in the US context.

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Vietnam: Regulatory Update on Goods Labeling under Decree No. 37/2026/ND-CP – February/March 2026

Vietnam: Regulatory Update on Goods Labeling under Decree No. 37/2026/ND-CP – February/March 2026

  • 2026-04-02 02:37:23

Decree No. 37/2026/ND-CP introduces updated labeling requirements in Vietnam, replacing previous regulations. It strengthens and supplements the rules on mandatory label information, while also introducing additional provisions on electronic labeling and specific requirements for medical devices. Transitional provisions are included to support the continued use of previously compliant labels for a limited period.

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SINGAPORE: HSA responds to consultation on proposed AI-SaMD licensing and registration exemption for selected public healthcare entities – February/March 2026

SINGAPORE: HSA responds to consultation on proposed AI-SaMD licensing and registration exemption for selected public healthcare entities – February/March 2026

  • 2026-04-02 01:20:01

Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has responded to feedback from its public consultation on a proposed regulatory sandbox that exempts selected low‑risk artificial intelligence software as a medical device (AI‑SaMD) from manufacturer licensing and product registration requirements under controlled conditions. The sandbox aims to balance regulatory oversight and innovation by allowing public healthcare institutions to develop and deploy AI tools for non‑critical medical conditions while collecting real‑world insights to inform future regulatory frameworks.

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Philippines: An Overview of the Proposed PFDA Guidelines for Medical Device Surveillance and Traceability – February/March 2026

Philippines: An Overview of the Proposed PFDA Guidelines for Medical Device Surveillance and Traceability – February/March 2026

  • 2026-04-01 09:14:49

The proposed PFDA guidelines establish requirements for maintaining importation and distribution records and for reporting product complaints, adverse events, and field safety corrective actions for medical devices to ensure traceability and facilitate appropriate regulatory action. This article outlines the specific responsibilities, strict reporting timelines, and record-keeping mandates designed to protect public health throughout the device lifecycle.

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