Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

EMA: Updated Q&A on Drug-Device-Combination Products under new MDR/IVDR

EMA has updated its Q&A document on drug-device combination products by end of June 2021. It includes the current requirements under the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), which entered into force on 26 May 2021. Marketing authorisation holders of combination products are provided with detailed information on all current adjustments.

Medicinal products that are combined with a medical device in a secondary packaging must take into account the specifications according to MDR/IVDR. These so-called co-packaged products (e.g. reusable pens for insulin cartridges) must be labelled specifically. This should distinguish them from combination products offered in a fixed combination with a medicinal product (integral products, e.g. a single-use dose inhaler), which are considered medicinal products according to the MDR.

  • Co-packaged products must fulfil the corresponding MDR requirements. The device included needs additional information, such as a Unique Device Identifier (UDI). 
  • Single intregral products are subject to Directive 2001/83/EC for medicinal products and are addressed in Article 1, MDR.  

For all combination products, the safety and performance requirements of the MDR must be met. If the products were authorised before 26 May 2021, no variation needs to be submitted to demonstrate compliance. If adjustments still need to be made to meet the requirements, a transition period until 26 May 2024 applies.


Source: 

EMA: Q&A on implementation of the medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices Regulations ((EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2017/746)

Meet the GMP Compliance Adviser

The GMP Compliance Adviser is the world's largest knowledge portal for quality management in the pharma business. 

The demo access is non-binding and ends automatically.

Test it now for free

You may also be interested in the following articles:

ICH: Updated Q9(R1) Briefing Pack

ICH: Updated Q9(R1) Briefing Pack

The ICH has fully revised the Q9(R1) Briefing Pack (March/April 2026) to align with the updated ICH Q9 guideline.
Read more
EMA: New Plans for the EU GMP Guide

EMA: New Plans for the EU GMP Guide

EMA published the GMDP Inspectors Working Group’s new 2026-2028 work plan and its 2025 annual report.
Read more
EMA: Updated Guideline on Active Substance Chemistry

EMA: Updated Guideline on Active Substance Chemistry

The EMA has updated guidance on the information required for the manufacture and control of active substances used in medicinal products, with a 1 September 2026 date of application.
Read more
EMA: Q&A on the Implementation of 3DP Technology for Solid Oral Dosage Forms

EMA: Q&A on the Implementation of 3DP Technology for Solid Oral Dosage Forms

EMA added a new GMP/Q&A section on its website and published a dedicated Q&A document on 3D printing (3DP) for solid oral dosage forms.
Read more
EMA: Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) Effectiveness Pilot Project

EMA: Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) Effectiveness Pilot Project

EMA launched a pilot under which EEA GMP inspectors will assess how sites demonstrate the effectiveness of their pharmaceutical quality system for risk-based change management, and whether the EEA GMP certificate could serve as the main evidence of this effectiveness.
Read more
What are the Prospects and Developments in the Operation of Computerised Systems?

What are the Prospects and Developments in the Operation of Computerised Systems?

Here's the answer:
Read more
Previous
Next