IMDRF establishment, 6-7 October 2011

5 November 2011

On 6-7 October 2011, representatives from the medical device regulatory authorities of Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, European Union, Japan and United States, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO), met in Ottawa to address the establishment and operation of a new organisation, the International Medical Device Regulators' Forum (IMDRF).

This Forum will accelerate international medical device regulatory harmonisation. The Forum's Management Committee, composed of regulatory officials, will provide guidance on strategies, policies, directions, membership and activities. Furthermore, the Management Committee will oversee Ad Hoc Working Groups which may draw upon expertise from various stakeholder groups such as industry, academia, healthcare professionals, and consumer and patient groups.

The IMDRF will meet bi-annually, with the inaugural meeting taking place in Singapore from 28 February to 1 March 2012 under the leadership of Australia. As part of these bi-annual meetings stakeholders will have an opportunity to learn of the work of the Forum, provide input on emerging issues and suggest potential new work items.