Med device manufacturers, are you setting up your quality system early enough in product development? Also, are you misunderstanding the FDA’s "guidance" documents—and risking rejection?

Today’s guests are Mark Swanson and Steve Gompertz of QRx Partners, and they’re passionate about helping medtech companies dodge the regulatory and quality pitfalls that derail so many startups. This episode explores how to classify your device properly, why cybersecurity documentation is required even for isolated software, and the evolving role of AI in medical technology. 

Key points: 

(02:11) Startup Failure and What QRx Solves

* Why many early-stage medtech startups fail.

* Startup optimism is contrasted with the harsh funding and regulatory realities.

(12:16) Classification Chaos and Regulatory Missteps

* The confusion around FDA’s product code database.

(17:55) AI and Quality Systems

* What qualifies as actual AI vs. marketing fluff.

* How regulators handle AI in submissions.

(31:22) National Vs State Regulations

* The critical need for manufacturers to understand state regulations. 

* Why quality and regulatory planning must precede design.

Thanks to Mark Swanson and Steve Gompertz for being on the show. 

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markswansoncmq

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegompertz

Learn more about QRx Partners: https://www.qrxpartners.com

The Med Device Cyber Podcast is brought to you by Blue Goat Cyber, cybersecurity professionals specializing in providing elite cyber solutions for medical devices. Learn more about securing your product and business from cyber-criminals by visiting https://bluegoatcyber.com 

If you’re interested in our services or partnering with us, schedule a Discovery Session: https://meetings.hubspot.com/blue-goat-cyber/discovery-session 

Christian Espinosa is the CEO and founder of Blue Goat Cyber. Trevor Slattery is the Chief Technology Officer / Director of MedTech Cybersecurity at Blue Goat Cyber. 

Christian Espinosa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianespinosa/ 

Blue Goat Cyber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-goat-cyber/ 

Blue Goat Cyber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluegoatcyber/ 

Blue Goat Cyber on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluegoatcyber/ 

Blue Goat Cyber on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlueGoatCyber 

Trevor Slattery on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-slattery-34852b1a9 

Feedback? Questions? Contact: https://bluegoatcyber.com/contact/ 

Learn more about Christian Espinosa, buy his books, or invite him to speak on your stage: https://christianespinosa.com/ 

Christian Espinosa on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ChristianEspinosaOfficial 

The Med Device Cyber Podcast is your essential resource for medical device cybersecurity. Each episode we dive into the latest threats, solutions, and best practices to protect modern healthcare technology. Whether you're a provider, a manufacturer, or a cybersecurity professional, gain the knowledge to safeguard patient safety by subscribing to the Med Device Cyber Podcast. 

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This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/