Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Martin Moylan
MINNEAPOLIS

FDA, MN medtech execs meet in Mpls.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Margaret Hamburg met with some medical device industry executives Wednesday in Minneapolis to discuss the agency's review process.

Medical device companies have long complained the FDA takes too long to review and approve new products. But both sides at the meeting agreed the FDA review and approval process has been improving but needs to get better.

"The issues of delay and funding, etc. ... those are still there," said Dale Wahlstrom, president and CEO of industry group LifeScience Alley. "What I'll say is that the trajectory feels like it's beginning to change and it is beginning to move in the right direction."

Hamburg said her agency is committed to addressing industry concerns while staying focused on safety.

"This is an ongoing activity, where we have a lot to accomplish and a lot of benchmarks by which we'll be measured," Hamburg said. "But we are very committed to this. And it is a true partnership, where industry also has to step up to the plate in a some critical areas."

Earlier this year, Congress passed legislation to increase FDA staffing and speed up product reviews. The agency says it has reduced the backlog of devices awaiting study and decisions are coming faster.

The medical device industry employs about 35,000 Minnesotans.