European diagnostics and medical technology organisations join forces

The European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association (EDMA) and medical technology organisation Eucomed are joining together as a united industry federation.

The move aims to “enhance the recognition of their joint membership at European level” the companies said in joint statement.

Stopping short of merging, the two organisations will remain separate and distinct entities, but expect to speak with “one voice” on common issues of interest and when providing views on the latest advances in technology.

A joint chief executive will be appointed to head the union and define a new organisational strategy.

“Being able to speak with one industry voice increases the clarity for our stakeholders and enables the federation to more effectively drive value-based innovation in the industry, which in turn will lead to more sustainable healthcare systems” said Eucomed chairman Guy Lebeau.

Current EDMA president Dr Jürgen Schulz added: “This relationship will take our coordination, collaboration and alignment of information and policies on mutually important issues to a new level.”

The joint federation will represent more than 500 companies across Europe with an interest in in vitro diagnostics and 22,500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology, both directly and indirectly.

A priority for the new federation will be the need to develop relationships with policy makers and regulators as the European Commission sets out to make revisions to the legal framework for medical devices.

According to the EC's Roadmap for 2012, revision of this framework is necessary to deal with new and emerging technologies that challenge the current framework, as well as to keep the European industry competitive in a global environment.

The legal system for devices has also been criticised as being too fragmented and difficult to follow, varying from country to country.

These revisions are due to be adopted by the end of June 2012.

New chief executive for Eucomed

Meanwhile, Eucomed have also announced the appointment of Luciano Cattani as interim chief executive, replacing John Wilkinson.

He will carry on in the position while the search for a chief executive to lead the joint federation carries on.