29 September 2025

Celebrating 20 Years of Global Impact: A Message from Deniz Bruce, CEO of the GMDN Agency

This year is a significant milestone for the GMDN Agency as we mark 20 years as a registered not-for-profit organisation.

It’s a moment to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and look ahead to the future of global medical device nomenclature.

When the GMDN Agency was founded in 2005, our vision was clear: to create a single, standardised language for medical devices that could be adopted worldwide. Over the past twenty years, we have taken many steps towards making this vision a reality, and as we enter our third decade, we will continue to do so in the interest of all our stakeholders.

Today, the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN) is used by regulators, manufacturers, healthcare providers, and procurement bodies across more than 140 countries. It supports patient safety, regulatory efficiency, and international collaboration — and it continues to evolve with the needs of the healthcare ecosystem.

As CEO, I am proud to lead an organisation that plays such a vital role in global health. Our work ensures that medical devices — from the simplest syringe to the most advanced imaging system — are described consistently and accurately. This consistency is not just a technical achievement; it’s a foundation for safer care, better data, and more equitable access to medical technologies.

Over the past year, we’ve focused on enhancing our services, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting innovation. We’ve launched new capabilities to improve user experience, strengthened our partnerships with international regulatory bodies, and continued to expand the GMDN Database to reflect emerging technologies. These efforts are driven by our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and public benefit.

Our independence is central to our values — and our structure ensures it. With approximately 13,000 active GMDN memberships, around 9 out of 10 are on our free basic memberships. Our primary source of income comes from paid memberships, available to medical device manufacturers, consultancy organisations, and other commercial entities. These memberships help us maintain and expand the GMDN Database and no single member contributes more than 2% of our income.

This model allows us to remain impartial, transparent, and focused on our core mission.

Looking ahead, the next chapter of the GMDN Agency will be defined by agility and global harmonisation. As medical technology advances at an unprecedented pace, our nomenclature must remain dynamic, inclusive, and responsive. We will continue to work closely with our members and partners to ensure that the GMDN remains a trusted resource for the global healthcare community.

To everyone who has contributed to our journey — our team, our trustees, our members, and our global partners — thank you. Your dedication and expertise have made the GMDN Agency what it is today. Here’s to the next 20 years of innovation, impact, and collaboration.

Warm regards,

Deniz Bruce
Chief Executive Officer
GMDN Agency