The Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) is stepping up its presence in Europe in response to growing membership demand from those involved with the regulation of healthcare and related products.
In the last 12 months, the largest global organisation for regulatory professionals in the healthcare, medical device, biologic and pharmaceutical sectors has seen its European member base grow by approximately 19% to more than 1,500 members across 29 countries.
RAPS executive director Paul Brooks said: “Our research has shown that, in Europe, more than 65% of professionals in the healthcare product industries have multi-regional or worldwide responsibilities. RAPS is committed to understanding the specific needs of European regulatory professionals.”
RAPS plans to invest more than €2m in three years. The investment programme includes a substantial increase in staff resources for European members. Funds will also be allocated to launching new events to serve the needs of regulatory professionals in the region.
Events
One of the events to be launched is the RAPS Roadshow: “Examining the New European Medical Device Regulations”, on 4 May in Munich, Germany.
Another is a workshop called “EU Regulatory Essentials, Medical Device and In Vitro Diagnostics: Transitioning from Current Directives to New Regulations” 4–5 July in Brussels, Belgium.
In addition to in-person events, RAPS will host a four-part virtual programme in May: “Understanding the New EU Medical Device and IVD Regulations”.
The organisation has also produced an interactive guide to the above.
Certification
RAPS is also looking to increase awareness of its Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC).
The RAC is the only professional certification specifically for those in the healthcare product regulatory field, testing knowledge of the international practice of regulatory affairs.
Four RAC credentials are available, including one focused on European regulations. Currently, more than 4,000 individuals around the world are RAC-credentialed.