Updates

CJEU clarifies medical devices distributors due diligence obligations under MDR and IVDR

The Court of Justice (CJEU) clarified distributor obligations under Article 14 MDR (and IVDR) recently in the Dürr Dental case (C-10/24). Spoiler: it's not surprising but clarifying, with a dash of novelty.

EU Biotech Act and Food and Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus: what’s in it for the food and feed sector?

December 2025 brought two major regulatory proposals from the European Commission: the first part of the EU Biotech Act and the Food and Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus. Together they promise regulatory sandboxes for testing innovative products, a broader advisory role for EFSA, tailored rules for genetically modified micro-organisms, and a move from time-limited to unlimited approvals for substances with proven safety records. For food and feed businesses, that translates into faster market access, lighter administrative burdens and more legal certainty, provided the underlying safety standards keep pace.

Axon regularly acts as a sub-contractor for leading international firms to assist in regulatory due diligence in our fields of expertise: pharma, medical technology and food.

We have advised a start-up on enforcement actions brought by the Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate (IGJ) concerning MDR compliance.

We have assisted a manufacturer of medical devices in obtaining a derogation from conformity assessment procedures under the MDR in the interest of public health.

We have provided in-house training for the authorised representative of a large multinational on its obligations under the MDR.

Axon assists medical technology companies in structuring their collaborations with hospitals and universities. We draft and negotiate cooperation agreements that protect our clients’ IP while fostering innovation.

Axon assisted a French VC company investing in a food tech start-up. We reviewed the target’s regulatory strategy under the EU novel foods framework, assessed its feasibility and outlined potential risks and how to mitigate these.

Axon helped The Protein Brewery rename its novel food product. We proposed consumer-friendly alternatives to the European Commission, resulting in an approved name the client is very happy with.

As a partner of StartLife, Axon assisted a feed company with the regulatory qualification of its technology. Our reasoned opinion serves as a key document for the company’s funding activities.