GLOSSARY

MDSAP

The Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) is a global initiative that will change the way regulators approach auditing and monitoring the manufacturing of medical devices.

Meeting for the first time in Singapore, the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) launched this program in 2012 and established a legal global standard for medical device quality system compliance. Under the MDSAP, medical device companies can undertake a single audit by a recognized Auditing Organization that will qualify them to sell devices in markets around the world.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Click here to download our MDSAP vs. ISO 13485 Gap Assessment that includes risk grading for MDSAP requirements.

What Are the Goals of MDSAP?

The main goal of the MDSAP program is to establish an international coalition that can work together to provide medical device manufacturing oversight and improve safety outcomes on a global scale. A credible single audit program whose results are accepted globally would significantly reduce the regulatory burden for medical device manufacturers, along with minimizing the frequent business interruptions associated with the current multiple audit system. The program would reduce costs for regulators - instead of each regulator conducting their own costly audit; a single audit would suffice for the acceptance of the product everywhere.

The IMDRF, like its predecessor, the Global Harmonization Task Force, recognized the value of developing a global standard for medical device quality that would grant companies access to marketplaces around the world based on the results of a single audit. After establishing a working group for the MDSAP in 2012, the IMDRF was able to initiate a three-year pilot project of the MDSAP that would run between 2014 and 2016 in participating countries.

What Agencies Participate in MDSAP?

Here's how the participating agencies around the world are moving towards the adoption of the program.

United States FDA - American medical device companies should know that the FDA will accept the results of MDSAP audits rather than conducting a routine inspection, but will still conduct its own initial visits to manufacturers and "for cause" inspections.
Europe - While the current MDSAP program is based on the content of ISO 13485:2003, the EU now uses the updated ISO 13485:2016 as its standard for medical device QMS compliance and has not yet signed on to adopt the program.
Health Canada - After a successful three-year pilot of the MDSAP during 2014-2016, Health Canada decided that after January 1st, 2019, it would make a full transition to accepting only MDSAP compliance audits from medical device manufacturers.
ANVISA Brazil - Brazilian authorities plan to accept MDSAP for initial audits, but will continue to conduct their own inspections and audits for higher-risk devices.
MHLW Japan - Japanese authorities have fully adopted the MDSAP and will accept MDSAP audit results in place of an on-site J-QMS audit.
TGA Australia - Another 100% adopter of the MDSAP, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration now recognizes that medical device manufacturers who pass an MDSAP audit have satisfied their QMS requirements. The TGA recognizes MDSAP certificates as equivalent to CE certificates.

The IMDRF has built a strong international coalition that includes some of the world's most important marketplaces and manufacturing/development hubs for medical devices.

Greenlight Guru Helps You Prepare for MDSAP Audit

The MDSAP offers medical device companies an unprecedented opportunity to access multiple international marketplaces with just a single quality audit. Medical device companies can prepare for MDSAP audits by establishing a robust QMS that is compliant with the MDSAP requirements.

Greenlight Guru is an eQMS software that is specifically designed for the medical device industry, purpose-built to support regulatory compliance. Device makers are able to establish a connected quality system that enables effective oversight and risk management control throughout the entire product life of a medical device.

With its integration of design controls, CAPA and risk management, and automated reporting features, Greenlight Guru makes it easy for medical device companies to demonstrate appropriate diligence in product development and compliance with the applicable QMS requirements.