MHRA announces enhanced US collaboration and new international reliance routes for medical devices
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced an expanded partnership with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to accelerate innovation in medical technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), improve patient safety, and reduce regulatory barriers between the two countries. At the AdvaMed conference, MHRA Chief Executive, Lawrence Tallon, outlined plans for deeper regulatory alignment, including the launch of the National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, which features UK and US experts and global tech representatives. The Commission will guide safe and transparent AI adoption across the NHS. Additionally, the MHRA confirmed new international reliance routes that will enable faster UK market access for medical devices approved by trusted regulators such as the FDA, with legislative reforms expected in 2026 and implementation from 2027.