UK and US regulators forge new collaboration on medical technologies and AI

The MHRA has outlined moves to deepen collaboration with the US on medical technology regulation, with initiatives to accelerate innovation, strengthen patient safety, and reduce transatlantic barriers to market access. 

© Alexandre Debieve/Unsplash

© Alexandre Debieve/Unsplash

Speaking at the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) conference in San Diego, MHRA chief executive Lawrence Tallon highlighted the agency's commitment to advancing global regulatory harmonisation and its strong partnership with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Tallon said: ‘We continue to work in close collaboration, and are taking steps forward in the relationship between FDA and MHRA to strengthen regulatory alignment and reciprocity.  We share an ambition to accelerate joint initiatives, enhance policy development, and identify and work together on strategic opportunities more effectively.'

Tallon also emphasised that Great Britain's  medtech regulatory reforms  will support earlier and safer patient access to innovative technologies. 

He added: ‘The US and UK share a common goal – ensuring patients benefit quickly and safely from the latest medical innovations. With US-based thought leadership inputting to our new National AI Commission, and new reliance frameworks for FDA approvals, we are laying the foundations for a truly global, innovation-ready regulatory environment.'

The medtech regulatory reforms are intended to enter legislation in 2026 and open new reliance routes from 2027, further strengthening the global medtech ecosystem.

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