# LTR 139: Steve Silverman on FDA Readiness for QMSR

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/let-s-talk-risk-podcast-6693844/ltr-139-steve-silverman-on-fda-readiness-for-qmsr
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/let-s-talk-risk-podcast-6693844/ltr-139-steve-silverman-on-fda-readiness-for-qmsr.md
Podcast: [Let's Talk Risk! Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/let-s-talk-risk-podcast-6693844)
Published: 2026-01-16T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://naveenagarwalphd.substack.com/p/ltr-139-steve-silverman-on-fda-readiness
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/183586263/5bbedee4c8836fb80de77ecb2b836e51.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/let-s-talk-risk-podcast-6693844/episodes/ltr-139-steve-silverman-on-fda-readiness-for-qmsr
Duration seconds: 1932

## Resource

Summary “QMSR isn’t about regulatory obligation; it’s about managing business risk, protecting customers, and preserving market share.” In this episode of the Let's Talk Risk Podcast , host Naveen Agarwal is joined by Steve Silverman to explore a question that’s often left unspoken: Is the FDA ready for QMSR? Drawing on his experience as a former FDA leader and industry policy expert, Steve acknowledges that the current environment inside the agency is marked by workforce reductions, loss of institutional knowledge, and political disruption. But he also emphasizes that QMSR activation on February 2, 2026, is still very much on track. He cautions companies against “waiting it out” and explains why hoping for delays or informal grace periods is a risky strategy. The conversation dives into practical implications for manufacturers, including how FDA is preparing its inspectors, what the absence of updated QSIT guidance really means, why MDSAP certification is helpful but not sufficient, and how FDA is signaling stronger expectations around risk-based quality systems, especially in premarket reviews. The episode closes with clear advice for QA/RA leaders on how to frame QMSR readiness as a business risk and strategic opportunity , not just a regulatory exercise. Chapters 00:00 Why FDA readiness for QMSR matters as much as industry readiness 02:00 Inside FDA: disruption, workforce loss, and institutional impact 04:12 Will QMSR really go live in February 2026? 06:14 Lessons from MDSAP and parallels to QMSR rollout 10:40 How FDA prepares inspectors for a new regulatory framework 15:14 Why MDSAP certification is not a free pass under QMSR 19:14 What FDA inspections may look like in early 2026 27:58 How QA/RA leaders should explain QMSR to the C-suite Suggested links: * LTR: Co…

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