Independent medical device and health tech news

FDA

FDA discussion paper on generative AI devices asks how manufacturers should handle changes to third-party models. Comments close on 19 October

The FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health published a discussion paper on generative AI-enabled medical devices on 18 August, with feedback due by 19 October 2026. It discusses a possible two-axis risk framework and a competency-based approach to premarket evaluation, and asks about voluntary Foundation Model Device Master Files (MAFs) for third-party model developers. The FDA says the paper is not draft guidance.

MHRA's draft 2026 regulations would let US, Canadian and Australian approvals reach the GB market

The MHRA has published draft Medical Devices (Amendment) Regulations 2026, reforming pre-market requirements for Great Britain. The headline is an international reliance pathway allowing devices already authorised in the United States, Canada or Australia to reach the GB market without repeating a full GB conformity assessment. The regulations and the pathway arrive on different timetables: the amendment is expected to come into force in 2027, the reliance pathway itself in 2028.