BIVDA welcomes MedTech announcements in agreed text of the UK–US pharmaceutical partnership
The partnership delivers preferential terms for medical technology exports and sets out a pathway towards mutual recognition of medical device approvals.
Headlines
2 weeks to go to until BIVDA’s Spring Sustainability Seminar
Experts and key stakeholders will provide updates on social value, NHS sustainability goals, and Net Zero on 28th April from 10am – 4pm.
Register – OLS & DBT UK-India Free Trade Agreement: Life Sciences Roundtable
Hosted in the BIVDA office, this session will feature UK trade negotiators and UK Government specialists based in India, who will provide practical insights to help you prepare for and benefit from the new trading arrangements.
Membership News
Chinese manufacturer seeking distribution partnership with UK companies
Following on from BIVDA’s role in the government’s IVD mission to China, we have been contacted by a Chinese manufacturer, Shanghai GeneoDx Biotech. If interested, please email ben.kemp@bivda.org.uk.
CARB-X and collaboration with The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI)
If you are an SME or technology developer, assist CPI with their collaborative consortium bid to CARB‑X, specifically aligned to their recent call focused on neonatal sepsis diagnostics.
BIVDA Glue Up user guide for members
To assist members with navigating our new membership platform, Glue Up, we have produced a helpful user guide for members.
MHRA pledges millions to expand AI Airlock programme
Following a successful second phase, the DHSC has allocated £1.2 million per year for the next three years (2026–2029) to the programme.
NIHR’s i4i Product Development Awards (PDA) NICE early use funding opportunity launches
Outline applications are welcome for the awards aimed at generating real world evidence for products that have been recommended for early use in the NHS through NICE early use assessment (previously known as early value assessment).
NHS Supply Chain Market Engagement Notice: In-Vitro Diagnostics, Point of Care Testing & Pathology Services
The total estimated value of the tender is £20,000,000,000 excluding VAT and is estimated to last four years from 12 March 2027 to 11 March 2031.
NHS Trust pioneers painless new blood test to help those with phobias and learning disabilities
The initiative utilises a small, touch-activated ‘TAP’ device applied to the upper arm to collect blood painlessly.
Attend the MedTech Summit on 15–18 June 2026
Are you ready to navigate the complexities of EU MDR, IVDR, SaMD, AI, and global markets? The MedTech Summit 2026 is your ultimate destination for actionable insights, regulatory guidance, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
A month to go until Power to Disrupt: Leaders in POCT Diagnostics – 5th May 2026
Kicking off on Tuesday 5th May 2026 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Birmingham, you can find the agenda enclosed.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) – DEFRA Consultation Update
Defra is seeking views on proposed changes to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation, including draft legislation to prohibit 5 new POPs.
LifeArc Translational Science Summit 2026 now confirmed
The event will delve into how translational research accelerates the journey from scientific discovery to real-world impact – particularly in rare diseases – and will feature expert speakers including BIVDA’s Scientific Adviser, Lucy Lehane.
BIVDA welcomes new members Sakura Finetek and Birmingham Quality
You can find out more about our two newest members in the article.
Market Access and Procurement Working Party – April 2026
Make sure to register for the next Market Access and Procurement Working Party on Wednesday 22nd April at 10:30 – 13:00. This is an in-person meeting in the BIVDA office.
NIHR SurgTech Conference registration opens – 8th – 9th October 2026
SurgTech is the annual event for innovators, clinicians, academics and communities to connect and shape the future of healthcare, where world-class surgical technologies are guided by visionary policy leadership, cutting-edge industry solutions and patient voices.
Entries open for HSJ Awards 2026 – submit now!
This year’s programme features 25 categories, including three new awards designed to reflect the NHS’s shifting priorities and the move towards neighbourhood care, pathway redesign, and system working
Media Monitoring: 2nd – 15th April
A round-up of the week’s best diagnostics-related news.
Member Requests
REMINDER: We encourage members to send us relevant material – including events, conferences and workshops – to share on the newsletter. Please send them to ben.kemp@bivda.org.uk.
Are you producing or preparing to produce a point-of-care test (fingerstick sample) for vitamin D, ideally quantitative? We have had a request to find members who might have a suitable test to use in an acute paediatric setting. Please send an email to Lucy.Lehane@bivda.org.uk with your info!
Member seeks R&D space in in Bath or Bristol to develop a proof of concept for an assay
If you are able to help, please email kaye.walton@bivda.org.uk.
Member seeking partnerships with tech companies creating remote digital or AI UTI tests
Forte Medical are seeking partnerships with tech companies creating remote digital or AI UTI tests, for an early dialogue around their work to flat-pack Peezy Midstream.
The product is also ready to market for HPV, STI and some early stage cancer diagnoses.
If you are a remote testing company or laboratory with urine-based diagnostic tech and want to provide hygiene and dignity as well as accuracy to your customers, please email: giovanna.forte@forte-medical.com.
Efficient and Effective Smart Bio-Affinity Reagents – an alternative to using antibodies
At the University of Central Lancashire, Professor Sub Reddy’s Group has developed a proprietary, scalable technology to custom-produce high-affinity reagents—powerful alternatives to traditional antibodies. These reagents are designed to selectively isolate proteins and viruses, an innovation they believe could have a huge impact on industries ranging from biotech to diagnostic applications.
They are currently exploring commercialisation opportunities, including spin-out and licensing options, and have launched a survey and landing page to test the market. If you’re interested in learning more, check out polymimix.com to share your feedback. If you have any questions, please email: smreddy@uclan.ac.uk
Events Diary
BIVDA Regulatory Affairs
Working Party
Date: Thursday 16th April 2026
Time: 10:30 – 1400
Register Here
BIVDA AI/Machine Learning & software as an IVD Working Party
Date: Thursday 16th March 2026
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Register Here
BIVDA Market Access and Procurement
Working Party
Date: Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Time: 10:30 – 13:30
Register Here