EU MDR & Combination Devices Podcast - Eclevar MedTech
Eclevar MedTech Podcast

EU MDR & Combination Devices:
What Every MedTech Team Must Know

Chems Hachani, CEO of Eclevar MedTech, sits down with Dr. Fatima Sanfourche to break down the regulatory complexities of combination devices under EU MDR.

3 Episodes • 25 min total

About This Series

The Regulatory Challenges No One Talks About

Combination devices are becoming unavoidable in MedTech. But under EU MDR, they're also one of the most misunderstood regulatory topics. This 3-episode series covers everything from definitions and clinical evidence hurdles to real-world evidence strategies.

Whether you're planning a new submission, managing a legacy device transition, or exploring how RWE fits into your MDR strategy, this podcast gives you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Combination devices can be classified as medical devices with ancillary drugs or as pharmaceutical products
  • Combined studies face hurdles due to separate processes for drug and device components
  • Legacy devices must gather their own clinical data to transition to MDR compliance
  • Real-world evidence must be structured correctly to be accepted by regulatory bodies
  • Surveys provide supportive data but cannot replace clinical evidence
  • Surveys provide supportive data but cannot replace clinical evidence from trials
  • The future of combination devices lies in integrating digital health and AI technologies
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Combination devices are going to be the future.

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You need to find this data somehow.

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Surveys need to be clear and well-designed.

All Episodes

Listen to the Full Series

1
Episode 1 • 00:00 - 09:48

EU MDR + Combination Devices: Most Teams Get the Definition Wrong (And Pay for It Later)

Combination devices are becoming unavoidable in MedTech, but under EU MDR, they're also becoming one of the most misunderstood regulatory topics. Chems Hachani sits down with Dr. Fatima Sanfourche to clarify what a "combination device" actually is, the main categories regulators look at, and why MDR expectations are rising fast. If your product sits at the intersection of device + drug, this is where your regulatory strategy needs to start.

2
Episode 2 • 09:48 - 22:20

The Hardest Part of MDR for Combination Products: Clinical Evidence That Doesn't Fit the Process

Combination products often require evidence that spans two worlds, device and drug, but the regulatory processes don't always move together. That gap is where timelines slip and costs explode. Chems Hachani and Dr. Fatima Sanfourche break down the real hurdles behind combined studies, what makes clinical planning so complex, and what legacy devices must do to transition to MDR compliance. If you're relying on "historical use" without a clear data plan, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar.

3
Episode 3 • 22:20 - 24:50

Real-World Evidence and Surveys Under MDR: Useful, Yes, But Only If You Do This Right

Real-world evidence can strengthen an MDR strategy, but only when it's structured in a way regulators can trust. And surveys can support your clinical story, but they cannot replace clinical evidence from trials. Chems Hachani and Dr. Fatima Sanfourche explain when RWE is credible, why retrospective data quality is a recurring issue, and what "clear, well-designed surveys" actually means in practice. If you're planning to use RWE or user feedback to support compliance, this short episode can save you a lot of rework.

Chapters

Jump to Any Topic

00:00

Navigating the EU MDR and Combination Devices

04:35

Defining Combination Devices

09:48

Challenges in Clinical Studies for Combination Products

17:12

Legacy Devices and Data Collection Strategies

22:20

Real-World Evidence and Regulatory Frameworks

24:50

Surveys as Evidence in Medical Devices

Your Hosts

Meet the Speakers

CH

Chems Hachani

CEO & Founder, Eclevar MedTech

Over 10 years of experience in medtech, pharma, and CRO. Expert in autonomous clinical trials and regulatory strategy under EU MDR. Leading Eclevar MedTech's mission to transform how medical device clinical investigations are designed and executed.

FS

Dr. Fatima Sanfourche

Scientific Board Member, Eclevar MedTech

Regulatory affairs and clinical development expert with deep expertise in combination devices, EU MDR compliance, and pharmaceutical-device interface. Bringing critical insights on how manufacturers can navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

Clinical Trials Done Right,
The First Time

Regulatory-grade evidence, delivered at CRO speed. Don't let combination device complexity slow down your MDR strategy.

Reforming Clinical Evaluation of Medical Devices in Europe