Advamed 2013 conference to focus on global opportunities and challenges in medical technology industry

AdvaMed 2013: The MedTech Conference begins today at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. with a major emphasis on the opportunities and challenges facing the medical technology industry in an increasingly global marketplace. International-themed programming includes networking events, perspectives on regulatory developments in Asia, Saudi Arabia and the European Union, suggestions on accessing private capital outside of the U.S., and several sessions focusing on key MedTech markets including Brazil, Japan and Germany.

Kicking off the popular CEOs Unplugged series, top executives from Sorin Group, CVRx and Johnson & Johnson will offer a "CEOs' Take on Regulatory Developments in the European Union." Centered on revised regulations for medical devices and in vitro diagnostics proposed by the European Commission last fall, the CEO panel will dive into the ongoing debate and discuss the implications for marketing devices in the EU and global supply chain strategy.

Many of the conference panels will examine the business impact of medical technology on a global scale, including a Wednesday session entitled "Catching the Financial Waves Abroad:  Accessing Private Sources of Capital in Non-U.S. Markets." Focused on strategies to raise private funds throughout Europe, Asia and other parts of the world, the panel session will feature seasoned investors from NBGI Ventures, Vivo Ventures LLC, and Ally Bridge Group/Themes Investment Management.

Other panel sessions with an international focus include:

• "Expanding Brazil's Role in the Global Medical Technology Industry," featuring speakers from 3M, ABIMO – Brazilian Medical Devices Manufacturers Association – and the Director of ANVISA, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency;
   
• "Changing Regulatory Requirements and Harmonization Efforts in Asia:  How Will They Impact Your Company," featuring executives from Brandwood Biomedical, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency of Japan, and the Saudi Food & Drug Authority; and
   
• "The Physician Payment Sunshine Acts - From America to France and Other Jurisdictions  – New/Expanded Transparency and Compliance Requirements," featuring industry leaders from, 3M, Boston Scientific Corporation, Covidien, LCH, Medtronic, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

Delegations comprised of emerging and established MedTech markets from Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Macedonia, New Zealand and the UK will attend and participate in AdvaMed 2013. A networking lunch featuring remarks from thought leaders on the global MedTech marketplace is being held today for all international organizations and companies, and the Entrepreneurship Boot Camp will explore the keys to successful U.S. market entry for small companies from outside the U.S.