Emma Axelsson - Head of Medical Device (RA/QA)

Hello and a warm welcome to PhamaRelations! How are you feeling?
Thank you very much for the welcome! I’m feeling great. The first two weeks have been an exciting and intense experience as I’ve been adjusting to the new environment. However, I’ve settled in quite well now, thanks to the warm welcome and support from everyone on the team.

What motivated you to join us at PharmaRelations?
I was drawn to the unique opportunity to build and develop something from the ground up, while also being part of a well-established and stable organization. This combination offers an ideal platform for growth and innovation, and I see it as the perfect setting to bring my expertise and create meaningful impact.

Can you tell us a bit about your previous experience?
Unlike many of my colleagues at PharmaRelations, my background is in engineering. I began my career working in various medical device companies, engaging with a wide range of products, always from a quality and regulatory perspective. My professional experience spans roles both as an employee and as a consultant. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work with Läkemedelsverket, conducting inspections for medical device manufacturers, which provided me with valuable insights into regulatory compliance and its complexity. 

What excites you most about your new role?
The medical device sector is currently facing significant challenges, particularly as many companies transition from the old directives (MDD, AIMDD, IVDD) to the new MDR and IVDR regulations. It requires substantial effort to achieve compliance under these new standards, and I am eager to support economic actors across the industry, drawing on my expertise to guide them through this transition as smoothly as possible. Furthermore, I am excited to build a strong, collaborative team that can share knowledge and actively contribute to the advancement of the industry.

What are you most passionate about in your work?
I am especially passionate about working with startups and helping them navigate regulatory challenges by developing effective strategies. I enjoy teaching them how to work with the regulations, rather than feeling constrained by them, and I’m always keen to discuss anything related to medical devices and IVDs. Sharing this knowledge and watching companies grow successfully is incredibly fulfilling.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A lot of things — renovating and interior decorating, cooking (currently Japanese and French dishes), dragging my kids to museums that I enjoy, lifting weights, and caring for my many (too many) plants, both indoors and in my garden.

Once again, a warm welcome to PharmaRelations Emma!