PRESS RELEASE

GHTF: Regulators, medical technology and in vitro

diagnostic industry commit to future together
Real opportunity for regulators and industry to participate in future forum
Brussels, 16 May 2011 EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, and Eucomed,
the European medical technology industry association, welcome the outcomes of the constructive
discussions that took place at the last GHTF Steering Committee meeting held on 11-13 May in
Brisbane, Australia. Both regulators and industry have confirmed their commitment to continuing to
collaborate on the development of robust, globally consistent regulatory systems which facilitate
access to innovative, safe, effective and high quality, clinically beneficial medical technologies for the
benefit of patients around the world.
During the three-day summit, it became apparent that GHTF members appreciated the work of the GHTF
Steering Committee over the past decades. There has also been a useful exchange of views on desirable
elements of future forum. The Steering Committee also confirmed the review of the existing Study Group
Works Plans and progressed on planned work. An overall consensus was reached on the necessity of
enhancing international harmonisation, which was seen as a critical part in maintaining public health.
Philippe Jacon, EDMA ad interim Director General, commented: I am particularly pleased with the outcomes of
the GHTF Steering Committee as the planned work was taken further, and the support for existing GHTF
guidance was reaffirmed.
John Wilkinson, Eucomed Chief Executive, added: There is a real opportunity for regulators and industry to
participate in the new direction this forum will take and I believe that all the members of the Steering Committee
can be congratulated for the work they have done over the past decades. We look forward to continuing to
work with all the members of the GHTF towards harmonised regulations which will enhance public health.
Both EDMA and Eucomed fully support the work done by the GHTF and will remain active partners in the work
of the future GHTF.
The transition planning by regulators and industry is underway.

About Eucomed
Eucomed is the European medical technology industry association. Its mission is to improve patient and
clinician access to modern, innovative and reliable medical technology. Eucomed represents directly and
indirectly 22,500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis,
prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. Small and medium sized companies
make up more than 80% of this sector. The European medical technology industry generates annual
sales of 95 billion, invests some 7.5 billion in R&D and employs around 500,000 highly skilled workers.
For more information visit www.eucomed.org

About EDMA
EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, represents national trade associations and
major companies engaged in the research, development, manufacture or distribution of In Vitro
Diagnostic (IVD) medical devices in Europe. Through its affiliated associations, EDMA represents more

PRESS RELEASE

than 500 companies across Europe. The mission of EDMA is to raise awareness of the importance and
added value diagnostic information provides to healthcare. EDMA cooperates with European institutions,
patients groups, trade associations, health professionals and academia to support an appropriate
regulatory system, to work towards a realistic economic environment for healthcare and to be an effective
voice in globalisation.

More information
Ingmar de Gooijer
Eucomed
Director Communications
E: ingmar.degooijer@eucomed.org
T: +32 (0)2 775 92 24
M: +32 (0)492 97 14 70
Daniele Dosi
EDMA
Communications Officer
d.dosi@edma-ivd.be
Tel. +32 (0)2 777 02 78