NAMSA started in 1967 when a glass manufacturer in Toledo, Ohio approached a clinical lab to test polymeric materials for pharmaceutical container testing. The clinical lab passed, but a scientist-entrepreneur took the project on, following methods outlined in the United States Pharmacopeia. Soon thereafter, Science Associates was born, and testing expanded to medical devices and materials. In 1976, Congress authorized FDA to regulate medical devices, and North American Science Associates, Inc. had already been testing such products for 10 years. Regulations continued to evolve and become more complex, and NAMSA has been an integral part in developing domestic and international standards for testing medical devices, materials and combination products over the past 45 years.
Today, in addition to laboratory testing, our services have grown to include expert regulatory, clinical, and compliance services. At every stage of the product development process, we provide strategic guidance and tactical support to help clients commercialize medical products in the major markets of the world.
Our timeline tells the story of how we've grown.
