The Japan External Trade Organization and that country’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Authority are looking to enhance ties with Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária on medical products regulations.

With this goal in mind, the three groups have scheduled a seminar for Sept. 10 in Tokyo where medical device experts will discuss their respective country’s regulations. It marks the second time representatives from the two countries will conduct such a seminar — the first occurring last year in São Paulo, Brazil.

Ahead of last year’s event, Japanese Prime Minister Shinz? Abe met with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to promote cooperation in the medical and healthcare fields. The seminar that followed included sessions in which participants discussed solutions for efficiency in the review process of medical devices.

Topics for this year’s seminar include international cooperation related to quality management and good manufacturing practices, as well as enhancing review efficiency. For more information, visit www.pmda.go.jp/english/symposia/0081.html. – Elizabeth Hollis