The Asia Harmonization Working Party (AHWP) is a group of regulatory and industry members who strive to promote voluntary harmonization of medical devices in Asia, in accordance with the Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF). Established in 1999, the group includes 23 countries across Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The group recently released a strategic framework for pubic comment, entitled the “Strategic Frame Work Towards 2020.” The publication outlines objectives to promote both membership and training, while enhancing AHWP’s global presence. In particular, AHWP plans to train regulators and improve regulatory capacity by partnering with regulatory and regulatory-focused organizations, such as WHO, RAPS and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). The group also proposed two standards available for public comment. Ultimately, AHWP’s effort to increase global harmonization and standardization may result in a more efficient regulatory processes and improved patient safety practices. To read an article about the AHWP framework and proposed standards from RAPS.org, click here. To learn more about AHWP, click here.
