The labeling of medical devices is already complex, encountering multiple organisational touchpoints across a diverse end-to-end process. It is why labeling has become a mission-critical business system for medical device companies. However, the new European Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) brings added complexity and is forcing companies to review their labeling infrastructure as they battle for organisational preparedness. It’s a battle that won’t be won overnight – but it needs to start now.
It’s widely accepted that the new EU regulation for medical devices will have major implications for the labeling operations of every manufacturer that trades in Europe. EU MDR, which began a 5-year pre-implementation period in May 2017, will be fully adopted in 2022. However, the first major milestone – the introduction of a EU Database for Medical Devices (EUDAMED) – is on track to launch in 2020. Many of the labeling challenges wrapped up in the regulation will need to be ironed out by then.
The clock has been ticking for a year.
The definition of ‘label’ has, in the past decade, expanded to include items such as multi-language booklets and Instructions for Use (IFUs). EU MDR introduces new rules around these crucial materials. But what does it mean for the sticky label itself? EU MDR introduces additional information that needs to be included on labels, forcing organizations to design new label templates that make room for data not previously part of the labeling system. It’s both a design and a data challenge, and they must quickly be addressed to avoid a sticky situation.
The main headline is emphatic: every manufacturer that ships products to Europe will have to change their labels. Every single one. The regulation requires that all labels must include a standardised symbol to indicate a package contains a medical device. Although the specific symbol has yet to be determined, it’s unlikely that adding it to the label will pose problems for manufacturers. However, other requirements present more complex challenges. Many companies will need to rethink their label designs – and the systems they use to support them – if they’re to be compliant by 2020.
Individual requirements are outlined in section 23.2 of the regulation. Though not all of them affect every manufacturer, a number have significant implications. Certainly, every change that requires new information to be added to the label will have operational repercussions. This is particularly the case for products that already have busy labels or where the size of devices leaves little ‘real estate’ to work with.
Here are some of the most impactful changes:
More serial and lot numbers – This change falls under the UDI remit. However, MDR requires more products to be serialized than FDA UDI. Every active implantable device must have its own unique serial number. Other implantable devices will require a serial or lot number. Making the shift from batch labeling to a world where individual products need to be married with the right label at the right time is challenging. It requires a data-led labeling system.
Warnings & Precautions must be on label – This change will probably have the biggest impact. MDA mandates that all warnings relating to a device must be printed on the label. Previously, these were all included in the IFU. Although the regulation says information can be kept to a minimum – with more detail in the IFU – compliance will require companies to add ‘written text’ to labels, bringing the issue of translation into play. It will also lead to variability in the space such phrases consume, with some languages requiring more room than others.T he choice of which warnings need to be included is left to the manufacturer. However, the criteria on which they should base those decisions remain unclear.
UDI applied in Europe – UDI has its own dedicated section within MDR. The EU’s guidelines are in line with the Global UDI initiative, as are the FDA UDI rules.; all labels must include PI (GTIN) and DI components as textual and barcoded content. Many companies have already solved the UDI challenge due to its requirement in the US. However, companies who do not ship to the US are at the beginning of the UDI journey.
Include reprocessing cycles – This is another huge data challenge. Under EU MDR, labels for single-use devices that can be reprocessed must detail the maximum amount a device can be reprocessed as well as the number of times the individual device has been reprocessed to date. Manufacturers will need to integrate batch information from their ERP systems and identify data changes to the product definition. This requires capturing information that’s not currently included in the labeling system. Some manufacturers are considering stopping reprocessing single-use devices altogether – a major strategic decision that illustrates the potential impact of MDR.
Label must indicate blood and tissue derivatives – EU MDR provides regulation for medtech innovations not previously covered by MDD; i.e nanotechnology, the use of computer software or medicines. All devices that incorporate a medical substance or tissues/cells or their derivatives must clearly indicate this on the label.
Label must indicate CMR or endocrine-disrupting substance – Devices with a presence of carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR) substances must declare so on the label. These requirements go much further than MDD.
Highlight Authorised EU Representatives – Every manufacturer whose registered place of business is outside the EU is required to have a licensed EU representative. Previously, details of that representative were included in the IFU. MDR requires companies to print that information – symbol, name and address – on the label.
MDR also introduces requirements around electronic IFUs and the ‘absorption of substances’ that dictate changes in labeling processes. It also tightens the definitions around expiry and manufacture dates, both of which may stimulate minor labeling changes. The recent Final Ruling by the FDA to no longer require English text alongside symbols may be worth consideration where it is necessary to free up label space for products where new mandatory content has created congestion.
Time is running out. Are you fit for purpose?
Achieving compliance with MDR will naturally create labeling challenges for medical device companies. Companies therefore need to ensure their current labeling system is fit for purpose. But they need to do it soon. Although MDR will not be fully enforced until 2022, the birth of EUDAMED in 2020 means companies could be prevented from registering or re-registering products if they don’t address associated labeling challenges ahead of its introduction. Failure to do so could mean companies can’t market their products in Europe.
The most effective labeling systems will be those that give manufactures 360° visibility of all their master data assets – and that provide the core components of label lifecycle management to ensure critical data from across the global organisation is glued together whenever – and wherever – it’s required. Moreover, they will provide a flexibility that enables manufacturers to respond to future changes in regulations. Though UDI and MDR have naturally focused thinking, companies should be mindful that regulatory change is imminent in other important markets. With emerging markets now key drivers of growth, companies must ensure that their labeling system is futureproofed to adapt to change in all the regions where they trade. Otherwise, like all good labels, they might just end up stuck.
Mark Cusworth is VP research and development at label management software company PRISYM ID
