ABHI at 30 Guest Blogs. Shared Values and Vision: ABHI and AdvaMed’s Transatlantic Commitment to Ethics & Patient Access to MedTech Innovation
Medical technology innovation accelerated dramatically in recent years, with scientific advances unimaginable 30 years ago when ABHI was formed. Simultaneously, the MedTech industry globalised; and even small startup companies early in their growth now bring new innovations to benefit patients everywhere. Indeed, across the Atlantic and worldwide, we regularly witness the development and application of exciting, life-changing medical technologies, including robotics, 3D medical printing, nanotechnology, and the internet of medical things, along with new ways of incorporating these new technologies into health systems to achieve better outcomes and greater value for patients.
This fast pace and global exchange presents both opportunities and challenges for industry, especially as MedTech companies seek to navigate complex regulatory frameworks across multiple countries. While science may know no borders, regulation, culture and procurement models do—and these can sometimes impede or stall patient access to these exciting technologies.
That is why AdvaMed and its members especially value our relationship with ABHI, which has been a trusted partner for US MedTech companies doing business in the UK, and for the many MedTech companies with operations in both countries. ABHI and AdvaMed working together created the Medical Technology Group – a unique patient-industry advocacy platform to advance our core mission of severing patients in the UK and around the world.
I have been particularly impressed with ABHI’s longstanding leadership on ethics, integrity and industry reputation. Reflecting over the years, I am particularly proud of our common emphasis and exchange on corporate compliance and promotion of ethical business practices. ABHI and AdvaMed share common values in this area, and our organisations have long been leaders in developing voluntary industry codes of ethical business practices.
Both codes seek to ensure that interactions between member companies and health care professionals are transparent, independent, and foster medical decisions based on the best interest of patients. No patient anywhere should wonder whether a technology prescribed for them is made for any reason other than their own best interest. At the same time, our codes recognise the importance of substantive exchanges between innovators and health care professionals to support continued medical research and development and ensure safe and effective use of medical technologies.
One of the newer areas of collective compliance focus – and where ABHI has been a notable leader – is “upstream compliance,” or the promotion of ethics and human rights throughout the medical technology supply chain. Trade associations have an important role to play in improving awareness of ethical trade principles and partnering with policymakers to develop effective and workable solutions. We are also committed to helping member companies comply with recent laws seeking to combat the use of slavery/forced labour in manufacturer supply chain. Furthermore, leading MedTech companies on both sides of the Atlantic are distinguishing themselves by implementing robust corporate responsibility policies that address a wide range of other social and environmental concerns.
We know that the global MedTech industry will continue to evolve – likely at a faster pace than regulatory frameworks can adapt. Through our continued collaboration, however, we can foster an environment that supports MedTech innovation worldwide and mitigates potential roadblocks to the transformation of patient care.
Congratulations, ABHI, and thank you for all you’ve achieved for patients everywhere!
Christopher L. White, COO & General Counsel, AdvaMed