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Digital health solutions, like wireless technology in healthcare and medical devices that use Wi-Fi, have, and will continue to transform healthcare. They enhance patient experiences, such as earlier disease detection, personalized diagnostics & therapeutics, and optimization of care. If you are a medical device manufacturer faced with creating safe and secure medical device connectivity solutions it can often feel daunting. What is the FDA guidance on wireless devices? It is complex, comprehensive, and can be difficult to understand. No matter how your wireless technology is used in healthcare, we’ll break down everything you need to know about developing a safe, secure wireless medical device.
The use of wireless connectivity in medical devices brings numerous benefits improving patient outcomes, including real-time data collection, remote monitoring, and personalized treatment options. Wireless medical devices that use radio frequency (RF) wireless technology, and other wireless technologies, to collect or transmit data have quickly become an essential tool used daily by healthcare professionals to monitor patients.
With so much personal and sensitive health data stored using wireless technology in medical devices, cybersecurity risks, data breaches, and privacy violations pose a considerable threat to the healthcare industry. For example, in 2017, the FDA disclosed that a software vulnerability in a pacemaker could potentially allow an attacker to gain access to the connected device, steal medical data, or even modify the device’s settings, putting patients’ lives at risk (1). In 2020, a group of researchers found that the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) healthcare device protocol related to connectivity in medical devices such as insulin pumps, could be vulnerable to cyberattacks, potentially leading to the injection of incorrect doses or causing the pump to stop working (2). These breaches emphasize the need for enhanced security measures in telemedicine, IoT for medical devices, and wireless technologies.
To ensure the safety and efficacy of connectivity in medical devices, regulatory agencies such as the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) established rigorous standards and guidelines for medical device manufacturers to follow. These standards require software, firmware, and programmable logic used in medical devices to be built on a secure and reliable platform, undergo thorough testing and validation, and adhere to rigorous privacy and data protection measures. Manufacturers must prove that their wirelessly connected devices have been designed to limit unauthorized access and that they are able to detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents.
To comply with regulatory standards, medical device manufacturers can implement controls such as password controls, encryption, authentication mechanisms, and backup and recovery procedures. Additionally, medical device designers and manufacturers must develop a robust risk management plan for connectivity in medical devices that identifies potential cybersecurity and privacy threats, outlines steps to mitigate them, and creates a system to monitor them.
The FDA issued new guidance on medical device cybersecurity in 2022 and outlines specific guidelines that manufacturers must meet to ensure their medical devices are secure against cybersecurity threats. The latest guidance essentially brings medical devices in line with standard industry practice across the board, from finance to government and defense. The main difference is the added focus on patient safety, which is already core to medical device development. The requirements apply to a range of medical devices, including those that use wireless technology. They also apply to devices with software that is validated, installed, or authorized by the sponsor, and other wireless devices that can connect to a hospital network. Manufacturers have until October 2023 to comply with the new FDA wireless guidance. The FDA has warned that it will refuse to accept submissions for any new medical devices that do not meet these standards.
According to a 2022 FBI report, more than half (53%) of the medical devices connected to the internet in hospitals have known critical vulnerabilities. The report identified several medical devices, such as insulin pumps, pacemakers, intracardiac defibrillators, and mobile cardiac telemetry, as being at risk of cyberattacks, with an average of 6.2 vulnerabilities per medical device. Compromising these medical devices could have serious consequences for patient safety. To build secure and reliable connected devices, designers and manufacturers should adopt industry best practices and take proactive steps to prevent, detect, and respond to potential cybersecurity and privacy threats. Here are some tips to ensure the safety and efficacy of a connected device like wireless implantable medical devices or cloud connected medical devices:
The integration of software in medical devices has brought significant benefits to the healthcare industry, but it has also brought new risks to security and privacy. Medical device designers and manufacturers must follow international regulations and industry best practices to ensure that their connected medical devices are secure and reliable before they are authorized for use. Moreover, healthcare organizations must maintain a robust security posture and take proactive measures to prevent, detect, and respond to potential cybersecurity and privacy threats in medical device connectivity solutions.
With the right measures, certified wireless devices can be safely integrated into medical applications with peace of mind. When choosing a device, companies should focus on the benefits of features such as secure encryption, strong reliability, and low latency. The latest developments in the world of wireless technology will keep increasing these features to allow companies to get ahead of the competition. Taking all this into consideration, let our team guide you through the documentation process and ensure compliance with the FDA’s guidance on wireless connectivity so that your innovation can quickly reach its intended end users as safely as possible. Contact us to learn more about how to integrate cybersecurity measures into your software product development lifecycle and ensure your medical device connectivity solutions are safe and secure.
Struggling to keep up with post-market surveillance requirements for your medical devices? Do you worry about the potential risks and liabilities that come with failing to properly monitor your products once they hit the market? Critical post-market surveillance (PMS) report examples under the EU’s Medical Device Regulation (MDR) include the Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR) and Post-Market Surveillance Report (PMSR), which outline device-related incidents and corrective actions taken.
Failure to comply with regulatory guidelines like MDR standards can harm a product’s reputation or result in delayed commercialization. We understand the pain and stress that comes with the MDR system, post-market surveillance, and reporting. This blog will guide you through the process. We explore the challenges you face with regards to post-market surveillance and reporting, provide tips on how to navigate them, and answer some MDR frequently asked questions.
What is the Periodic Safety Update Report for medical devices? The Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR) on a medical device is a comprehensive report that collects and evaluates information on the worldwide safety experience of devices in the market. Let’s explore how to create a PSUR that meets EU MDR requirements. The PSUR is a critical tool for establishing the risk-benefit balance of the product and identifying potential safety issues.
To create periodic safety update reports that meet EU MDR requirements, you must follow specific guidance on periodic safety update report requirements laid out in the MDR. First, a PSUR must include detailed information about the medical device, such as its name, description, intended use, and usage frequency. It should also provide an overview of the product’s safety profile, including adverse reactions, patient exposure, and any changes in the product’s characteristics that may affect its safety.
In addition, the PSUR must outline the benefit-risk determination of the medical device and any actions taken to manage risks. This includes an evaluation of emerging safety concerns and the effectiveness of risk mitigation measures like preventive and corrective actions. The PSUR must also include a summary of the product’s PMS data and activities, such as systematic literature searches, clinical studies, and adverse event monitoring.
Once the PSUR is complete, you must submit it to the competent authority, as with all technical documentation, usually your notified body, in the EU to ensure compliance with PSUR medical device guidance. Competent authorities will review the report and provide feedback or request additional information if necessary. Failure to comply with the EU MDR PSUR requirements could result in penalties, such as product recall or suspension of marketing authorization.
What is the difference between PMSR and PSUR? Post-Market Surveillance Reports (PMSR) are essential for monitoring the performance of devices after they have been approved for sale. What are the key components of a compliant PMSR? And can you effectively implement the process into your organization’s quality management system?
Let’s discuss how to create a compliant PMSR. Having an effective PMSR system in place can enable manufacturers to track any device-related incidents and implement the necessary corrective actions. Compliance with the MDR regulations requires the implementation of a proactive surveillance system that includes timely reporting and analysis of adverse events, regular risk assessments, and trend analysis.
A compliant PMSR starts with the collection and analysis of PMS data for your device. This data includes feedback from patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders, which can be used to identify potential safety concerns and product issues. This data is then analyzed and documented in a PSUR, which provides a comprehensive overview of the medical device’s safety and efficacy.
To implement PMS effectively in your organization, you need to have a clear understanding of the PMSR requirements for your medical device. This includes identifying any specific obligations and timelines for reporting adverse events, complaint data, and other safety-related information. You must also have a robust and structured PMSR plan in place that outlines your PMS data collection and analysis procedures and reporting timelines.
To ensure compliance with PMSR, it is also essential to have a dedicated team responsible for the collection, analysis, and reporting of post-market surveillance data. This team should be well-trained and have the necessary skills to ensure that the data collection and reporting process is efficient and accurate.
It’s important to understand the different requirements for PMSR and PSUR based on the classification of your devices. Under the MDR, different categories of medical devices have varying levels of scrutiny and reporting obligations, with high-risk devices shouldering the highest burden in the required technical documentation. Establishing a compliant reporting system can be complicated and expensive, creating barriers for compliance, such as regulatory requirements, budget constraints, and resource shortages.
How often is a PSUR submitted? For low-risk devices, classified as Class I, manufacturers are only required to maintain a post-market surveillance plan, specifically called a Post-Market Clinical Follow-up (PMCF) plan under the MDR, which involves actively monitoring the performance of the device once it’s on the market. Manufacturers of Class IIb and Class III devices, on the other hand, are subject to much more stringent reporting requirements. In addition to PMCF, Class IIb manufacturers must establish a PMSR system and submit Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs) every 24 months. Class III manufacturers must submit PSURs every 12 months in addition to their PMCF and PMSR obligations. Implantable devices are an example of Class III devices.
| Type | Classification | PMSR or PSUR | Frequency |
| Medical Device | Class I | PMSR | As Needed |
| Class IIa | PSUR | Every 2 Years(At Minimum) | |
| Class IIb (non-implantable) | PSUR | Every Year(At Minimum) | |
| Class IIb (implantable) | PSUR | Every Year(At Minimum) | |
| Class III (all) | PSUR | Every Year (At Minimum) | |
| IVD | Class A, B | PMSR | As Needed |
| Class C | PSUR | Every Year(At Minimum) | |
| Class D | PSUR | Every Year(At Minimum) |
To comply with these requirements, medical device manufacturers should establish a comprehensive PMSR plan that includes regular monitoring and analysis of device performance data, post-market clinical studies, and risk management strategies. Manufacturers must also maintain accurate and up-to-date records of adverse events and other safety-related incidents associated with their products, and regularly update their PSURs based on this information.
Overall, compliance with PMSR and PSUR requirements under the MDR is an essential component of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical devices on the market. These documents are subject to notified body, or competent authority, review. By understanding and complying with these regulations, manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to patient safety and protect their business from potential liability issues.
Let Sterling Guide You.Non-compliance can result in significant financial and legal penalties for medical device manufacturers. Additionally, non-compliance can harm your company’s reputation and result in a loss of consumer confidence, ultimately impacting your bottom line. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these challenges. One solution is to find a reputable partner who can handle the necessary reporting and analysis on your behalf. Sterling has experience working with a wide variety of devices and can ensure compliance with the cumbersome MDR regulatory reporting requirements. Sterling’s regulatory team offers services to help you identify and address all CE Mark requirements for your device. Let Sterling guide the way, free up internal resources, and reduce the risk of non-compliance. Please contact us today.
Meet Dan Sterling, the founder, and CTO of Sterling Medical Devices, whose unwavering passion for software development propelled him to build an exceptional company from the ground up. With a background in electrical engineering, Dan’s unique skill set became the driving force behind the success of Sterling Medical Devices.
This blog post will explore how Sterling Medical Devices, a prominent company in the industry, provides a wide range of services to assist medical device companies in developing and maintaining their products while ensuring regulatory compliance. We will also delve into Dan Sterling’s insights about his company’s journey.
Watch the full interview with Builder Nation here.
So many questions come up when developing a medical device. What is its intended purpose? Who will use it? How will it be used? What do we need to do? Questions surrounding the medical device regulations and the paperwork involved can be intimidating. Setting up a Q-Submission meeting with the FDA can help if you have specific questions, especially if it’s your first time developing a device or submitting to the FDA. What does Q-Submission stand for? What does Q-Sub mean with the FDA? What is the Q-Submission program for medical devices? We’ll answer these questions, and address when in your development process you can use the Q-Submission program so that bringing your medical device to market becomes less stressful. With our Q-Sub guidance, medical device manufacturers like you can utilize the program to speed up the product development process and get their devices to the US market sooner.
Understanding the regulatory framework for new medical devices can be a complex, overwhelming process. Enter the FDA Pre-Submission, a regulatory tool that allows medical device developers to submit a formal written request with questions and concerns. The Pre-Submission program enables medical device and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) manufacturers to request feedback from FDA experts on various aspects of the regulatory process. What is the difference between FDA Pre-Sub and Q-Sub? The submission to the FDA is given a ‘Q’ identification number, and is often referred to as a Q-Sub. Thus, when referring to a Q-Sub vs. a Pre-Sub, they are the same thing. Such a request can often make the overall submission process easier, whether your marketing submission is a 510(k), de novo request, or PMA.
If done correctly, the Pre-Submission program can benefit both the FDA and device developers. The FDA strongly endorses and promotes Q-Subs because their experts value the advanced insight and understanding of new developments in the healthcare industry. Conversation and discussion between device manufacturers and the FDA also provide developers with valuable information that can streamline their submission and overall development process. The Q-Sub program is also when the FDA assigns a project manager (PM). The PM relationship is often invaluable to device sponsors.
Another advantage of the program is that the FDA does not require companies to pay any fees for Q-Subs and does not impose any restrictions on the number of meetings developers can request. However, at times, this open access can become a drawback. The Pre-Submission process, which takes about six weeks to obtain a response or a meeting, can end up delaying device development companies. Device sponsors often ask a lot of questions in their first submission but get limited usable information. So, they try again, waiting even longer. In the long run, this cycle will hinder product development and delay market entry.
Although Pre-Sub meetings are not mandatory, we often recommend them to give developers the opportunity to engage with the FDA early in the development process of new medical devices if you have specific questions for the agency. You can seek guidance and gain valuable feedback on various topics, such as costly bench and animal testing, clinical trials, and overall regulatory strategy, by submitting a formal request for a Q-Submission meeting. Depending on the nature of the questions, Q-Submission meetings may also be referred to as Pre-Submissions, Submission Issue Requests, Study Risk Determinations, and Informational Meetings. Here are some example situations where medical device developers may want to consider submitting a Q-Submission to the FDA:
Examples of Pre-Submissions improving the medical device development process include a digital health company that sought FDA feedback on its clinical development plan through a Pre-Submission request, resulting in a successful premarket approval for their device. Another example is a company that submitted a Q-Submission to the FDA to get feedback on their device’s user interface, which helped them improve the device’s design and overall user experience.
The timeline for a Q-submission meeting with the FDA can be a lengthy process and needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that the meeting is successful. A Q-Submission is beneficial at any stage of development, but it is particularly useful before initiating the most expensive and laborious aspects of product development, such as bench, animal, and clinical testing. When it comes to testing Class II medical devices, choosing a predicate device is often linked to the testing plan as the plan is usually based on the testing done on the selected predicate. To better understand what kind of data you need to collect for approval/clearance, you can contact the agency before starting the testing and selecting a predicate. Submitting a Pre-Submission for a product that has already undergone testing can still be beneficial as it allows for presenting complex data or conclusions to the FDA before a full submission review.
The meeting timeline (after the preparation of your Pre-Submission materials) will follow FDA guidelines outlined below. As you can see, with so many steps, the time between requesting a meeting and receiving final written minutes can easily exceed 60 days.
Preparing for any kind of government submission process is a daunting task, and it’s no different when it comes to Q-Submissions. It’s critical that medical device manufacturers take the time to fully prepare and have a solid understanding of the Pre-Submission program. Here’s some tips to make things go smoother:
Here are some things to avoid in an FDA submission meeting:
Medical device manufacturers regulated by the FDA, EU, or any international regulatory agency must implement a quality management system for their medical device according to the applicable regulatory requirements, most often the FDA’s quality system regulations (QSRs) or ISO 13485. But where do you begin with a medical QMS? We have worked to implement medical device QMSs at different startups and have already scaled the mountain lying before you. With so many processes and procedures to implement with QMSs for medical devices, it feels like “what comes first, the chicken or the egg?” If you’re working with online templates, how do you know which clauses are required and what change is allowable? Let’s explore how creating a QMS for medical devices can help save you time and money while ensuring your company achieves regulatory compliance.
Quality management systems (QMSs) are a structured system to document business processes, procedures, and responsibilities to reach quality objectives. It serves as a powerful tool that guides your team towards meeting customer demands and regulatory requirements while continuously increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Quality systems, like healthcare quality management software, create the organizational structure for responsibilities, procedures, and resources for implementing quality management. Procedures include document control, supplier management, corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and continuous improvement, to name just a few. With quality control and quality assurance as provided by a QMS in healthcare, testing and inspections are done on components and finished products beyond the basics of verification and validation.
Benefits of a QMS for a Medical Device
What is the value of a QMS for medical devices? Implementing a medical device QMS can have a profound impact on the way your company does business. Most companies find that when using tools like medical device QMS software, product quality improves, errors are reduced, processes are controlled, waste is minimized, and overall efficiency increases. In most cases, the ROI of an effectively implemented quality system exceeds the cost. The key benefits of a QMS include access to greater visibility into performance data, improved efficiency due to elimination of unneeded steps and processes, lower operational costs due to saved time on unnecessary compliance tasks, decreased risk from potential nonconformance events, and a better handle on risk management.
Customizing Your Medical Device QMS
While you will eventually appreciate the benefits of a quality system can bring to your company, it is NOT meant to change the way you do business. The goal is to ensure you meet, and continue to meet, the international regulations necessary to achieve sales in your target market(s). A quality system can include the applicable regulatory requirements and be compatible with the way you run your business. While there are specific regulations for a medical device QMS, there is also significant room for you to insert your business practices into the procedures.
Implementing the Right Solution
The goal is to implement a quality system that meets regulatory compliance without being burdensome for your company. You must consider which markets you are planning to target for your sales, however, designing a medical device QMS that meets US regulations and European requirements can allow for the addition of adhering to other international regulatory rules with little additional work. The risk level of your device, whether you manufacture, and the size of your company also play into designing the QMS that is right for you.
Ensuring Compliance and Monitoring Results
A quality system is not a series of documents that gather dust on a shelf. It needs to be continually nurtured and monitored. Once your system is in place and functioning properly, you must continually monitor and assess your quality system’s effectiveness through a proper QMS audit process. Audit management is particularly important in the medical device industry. The FDA can conduct facility inspections at any time and ISO 13485 certifications require regular Notified Body audits. Taking necessary steps to address non-conformances in a timely manner will ensure you remain compliant and avoid potential problems.
Staying Ahead of Regulatory Changes
Regulatory changes can be a difficult challenge for many businesses, especially in the ever-changing medical device industry. Companies must stay ahead of updates to quality standards and proactively address any evolving requirements to maintain regulatory compliance. This includes the recently proposed updates to the FDA’s QSRs. With the increasing complexity that comes with new regulations, it can often take up valuable resources, such as time and money, to successfully navigate this arena. It’s vital for businesses to have a plan and strategy in place to navigate these new regulations quickly and efficiently.Sterling Medical Devices has implemented FDA-compliant quality systems to ISO 13485, FDA QSRs, and the EU medical device regulations (MDR) at many medical device companies. We specialize in medical devices, IVDs, and digital health and know what it takes to implement a quality system that meets all regulatory requirements without placing an undue strain on your company. If you are wondering how you can improve your QMS or are struggling to identify the best QMS software for medical devices that is also right for your business, we can help. Stop shouldering the burden of developing your medical device QMS and contact Sterling today.
Established in 2015, the Breakthrough Devices Program replaced the Expedited Access Pathway and Priority Review for medical devices. The designation of a product as a breakthrough medical device is intended to expedite the development and review of medical devices that provide for more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. To receive breakthrough status, applicants must demonstrate that their technology offers a substantial improvement over available alternatives. We will explore some key considerations for achieving FDA breakthrough device designation for your medical device.
Recognizing newly developed devices that hold the potential to provide better diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of life-threatening diseases or conditions, the Breakthrough Devices Program puts applications on a fast track to market clearance. The FDA sets itself up as an enabler, providing curtailed timelines for submissions while not compromising safety. In practical terms, this means quicker and smoother clearances that help developers deploy devices faster. Those hoping to be part of this group can evaluate if their product fits in one of these categories and make the most of the breakthrough FDA designation pathway.
Breakthrough device designation from the FDA can provide a vast array of benefits to medical device companies as well as patients in need. For medical device companies, having your product on the breakthrough device designation list expedites regulatory processes, providing a fast track to FDA interactions and accelerated reviews that bring life-saving devices to market sooner than the standard submission route. The expedited review for breakthrough medical devices results in faster and more efficient development timelines. From a patient’s standpoint, providing treatments and technologies that could help in ways previously felt unreachable can drastically improve the lives of countless individuals.
What is the FDA guidance on breakthrough device designations? The FDA has a rigorous process to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical breakthroughs, including a thorough review of applications of breakthrough technologies. The FDA looks at the scientific data and patient outcomes when submitting an application that weighs potential advantages over existing treatments available to patients. A breakthrough device designation carries with it special priority reviews, intense guidance, and urgency when remediating any issues. Through the Breakthrough Devices Program, the FDA can grant designations for those devices that can offer significant improvement compared to existing treatment options for individuals in need – ensuring each patient receives the best care possible.
FDA breakthrough device designation is granted to novel medical devices that have the potential to provide more effective treatment or diagnosis. This includes devices subject to premarket approval applications (PMAs), premarket notification (510(k)), or requests for De Novo designation. To be eligible for breakthrough device designation, both of the following criteria must be met:
1. The device provides for more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating human disease or conditions.
2. The device also meets at least one of the following:
Seeking a breakthrough designation often seems like an obvious choice for medical device developers. However, adding your device to the list of FDA breakthrough devices means putting it in front of the FDA before development is complete, which can lead to extra scrutiny that you weren’t expecting. Working closely with the FDA can provide you with a wealth of invaluable advice and insight, but it can also provide suggestions that may not be as helpful. They may suggest more clinical trials, larger trials, or a redesign of trials, or much more documentation than you had planned to submit. By maintaining control of the device development process regarding the evidence collected and submitted to the FDA, developers of these novel devices are likely to present a body of evidence that will meet FDA standards.
Also, the priority review claim is just that, a claim. Until March of 2022, the FDA had not publicized any statistics on the Breakthrough Devices Program. The data released shows that while the FDA has granted breakthrough designation to 657 devices, only 44 breakthrough devices have received marketing authorization. This statistic alone should cause apprehension.
Ultimately, it may take more time and money than expected to obtain market authorization after you receive a breakthrough designation. Seeking breakthrough designation should still be considered when meeting the critical criteria; however, every device company should understand that the rigor of obtaining FDA market authorization is significant, whether you use the Breakthrough Devices Program or not.
Accelerated approval is a regulatory process that allows for quicker FDA medical device approval of new drugs or biologics that treat serious conditions and demonstrate an effect on a surrogate endpoint. This approach is used when there is not enough time to wait for clinical trials to show overall survival benefits. In comparison, breakthrough device designations are granted to novel medical devices that have the potential to provide more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. The major difference between breakthrough device designation and accelerated approval is that breakthrough device designation focuses on medical devices, whereas accelerated approval applies only to drugs and biologics. Both are important processes for getting new treatments to patients faster but have different sets of criteria and requirements.
In the end, the exemption of certain timeframes granted by the FDA through the Breakthrough Devices Program allows for medical device companies to bring novel technologies to market that can benefit patients who have very few treatment options. But while there are many positive aspects of this program, some caution should be exercised when choosing to apply for breakthrough status. A careful cost-benefit analysis should be conducted prior to seeking such a designation and companies should understand that the additional FDA scrutiny may not be helpful.
If you are developing a novel device with potential breakthrough technology, are wondering how to get a medical device FDA approved, and need help navigating the FDA breakthrough device designation, contact us. Our team of regulatory experts will help you by submitting a “Designation Request for Breakthrough Device” Q-Submission and get you off on the right foot to market authorization.
Navigating the complex global matrix of in vitro diagnostics (IVD) regulations is a daunting task. It’s time-consuming, complicated, and often expensive – and mistakes can be costly! To simplify the complex landscape of IVD, in vitro diagnostic, medical device regulations and medical device system development, keep reading. We also will touch on an overview of regulatory requirements in the US and the EU for in vitro diagnostic use. We hope that decoding these FDA in vitro diagnostics regulations, as well as those outside the US, will provide direction as you navigate the regulatory requirements of bringing your in vitro diagnostic products to market quickly.
In vitro diagnostic medical devices are used in laboratories to detect diseases, diagnose conditions, and monitor health outcomes. IVDs are near patient testing devices that are used to perform tests on samples taken from the human body, such as blood or tissue. In vitro diagnostic medical devices examples can range from simple test strips, like an in vitro diagnostic pregnancy test or in vitro PCR test, to complex molecular diagnostics instruments. Medical devices using in vitro diagnostics provide valuable data related to human health to identify specific changes in diagnosis or prognosis for a patient. While in-office in vitro diagnostic solutions are well understood by patients and doctors alike, the use of different types of in vitro diagnostic tests in labs is becoming increasingly important to track the progression of different illnesses or pathologies in a timely manner. Consequently, laboratories need to comply with regulatory frameworks rigorously to ensure the validity and accuracy of laboratory developed tests (LDTs). In this way, patients can be sure that their doctor has obtained the most reliable and up-to-date information possible.
In vitro diagnostic regulations are risk-based, with tests using diagnostics with in vitro falling into one of three regulatory categories. Most Class I tests (and some in Class II) are exempt from premarket requirements, while most Class II and all Class III tests require premarket clearance or approval. The premarket approval (PMA) pathway is more rigorous and is designed for Class III tests that pose a high degree of risk or have no predicate. The 510(k) pathway, intended for tests that can be described as “substantially equivalent” to a product already on the market, has less stringent evidence requirements. Either pathway requires examples of in vitro diagnostic devices to demonstrate safety and effectiveness through analytical and clinical validation to determine the test’s accuracy. Analytical validation ensures that tests can accurately and dependably measure a specific analyte, while clinical validation centers on ascertaining whether the test is able to correctly diagnose a specific condition.
The In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulation (IVDR) was established in May 2017 and became applicable on May 26, 2022. The new rules include significant changes including the introduction of a risk-based medical device classification system with 4 risk classes: class A (low individual risk and low public health risk), class B (moderate individual risk and/or low public health risk), class C (high individual risk and/or moderate public health risk) and class D (high individual risk and high public health risk). The rules reinforce the need for clinical evidence and performance evaluation, including a coordinated procedure for authorizing performance studies and improved coordination for vigilance and market surveillance throughout the EU.
Staying compliant while trying to develop NextGen in vitro diagnostics in today’s global regulatory environment is daunting. With an array of different regulatory frameworks from the various countries in which IVD, in vitro diagnostic, devices might be sold, understanding, and conforming to relevant policies is no small task. It’s critical to continually invest time and resources into staying up to date on both the current standards and on the changes taking place within each regulatory agency so you don’t unknowingly fall out of compliance in regards to in vitro clinical diagnostics. From understanding the basics of in vitro in vitro diagnostic regulations to navigating the complexities of medical device standards, our team has years of experience in helping organizations achieve success. If your in vitro diagnostics company needs guidance or advice on international medical device regulations, contact us today – we have the expertise you need to successfully launch your IVD product in the market.
Are you developing cutting-edge technology using artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) in medicine? Are the vague regulatory requirements for AI and machine learning in medicine challenging to decipher? If so, you will be thrilled that the FDA has released new artificial intelligence and machine learning guidance. The release of this draft guidance aims to provide an FDA AI/machine learning regulation strategy tailored to AI/machine learning-enabled devices that fosters access to safe and effective healthcare. This development related to FDA artificial intelligence and machine learning regulation is a significant milestone in allowing structured AI/machine learning updates, which will allow modifications to the devices’ FDA-approved AI/machine learning algorithms. Some of the essential advantages of medical machine learning lie in its potential to improve model performance through progressive alterations, using real-world data as a learning tool. The recommendations in the FDA AI/machine learning guidance apply to any device with a software function component, including combination products, standalone software as a medical device, and hardware medical devices with a software component or accessory. Read on as we explore how these new FDA machine learning/artificial intelligence guidelines can be applied to updates for your device.
How does the FDA regulate AI and machine learning? The regulatory body published its draft guidance in April 2023. The agency will accept comments on this artificial intelligence and machine learning in medicine guidance through July 3, 2023. Artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare can revolutionize our healthcare system by uncovering fresh, valuable insights from the immense amount of data created daily in providing medical treatments. Cutting-edge technologies allow medical device manufacturers to revolutionize their products. They offer healthcare providers increased support and improved patient outcomes. machine learning in medicine can potentially enhance patient experiences, such as earlier disease detection, personalized diagnostics & therapeutics, and optimization of devices. AI/machine learning in software is remarkable, as it can learn from and adjust according to real-world data, allowing for improved performance with each iteration. Nevertheless, developers have been left to wonder about when and how they are permitted to update algorithms that reflect this learning.
The FDA “recognizes that developing machine learning device software functions is an iterative process.” The newly released guidance outlines a strategy to promote the continuous refinement of machine learning-enabled device software functions while ensuring their safety and effectiveness. This draft guidance offers suggestions on the details necessary to be included in a Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP). A PCCP should accompany a device’s marketing submission. The PCCP should consist of the following:
The FDA AI/machine learning draft guidance offers vital insight for device developers who want to update their software functions. The FDA has never outlined how to update machine learning-enabled device software functions. With the possibility of submitting a modification plan with a predetermined scope, device developers do not need to feel constrained by a locked list of FDA approved AI/machine learning algorithms. They can now take comfort in knowing they can plan software updates that will pass regulatory muster—a huge benefit when it comes to allowing the continual improvement of the device as additional data is collected.
The new guidance is an exciting prospect for the medical device industry and a significant step toward regulatory relief for AI/machine learning in medicine. It provides device developers with the tools to submit a modification protocol up front with their submission package, alleviating stress from navigating potentially confusing regulations and allowing them to focus on their product’s lifecycle plan. As the FDA continues to receive an ever-growing number of pre-submissions and marketing submissions for FDA artificial intelligence and machine learning medical device approvals, the positive shift that this draft guidance will have on healthcare is monumental. The introduction of the PCCP underscores the FDA’s continued dedication to developing new strategies to regulate medical device software and digital health technologies while ensuring their safety and effectiveness.
The FDA AI/machine learning medical device draft guidance encourages a proactive approach toward advancing medical devices supported by machine learning algorithms. When manufacturers include a PCCP in their marketing submission, they can pre-define and ask for premarket authorization for future modifications ahead of time, thus eliminating the need to prepare additional submissions for each machine learning update.
Medical device manufacturers looking to make AI/machine learning changes to their products should consider that they now have a manageable pathway. The FDA suggests that developers leverage the Q-Submission process to obtain feedback on a proposed PCCP, particularly for combination products and high-risk, life-sustaining, life-supporting, or implantable devices. Following the new AI/machine learning in medicine guidance, developers can submit a PCCP with their initial application to receive authorization for future updates. To facilitate the process, the FDA encourages early communication with the review division that is set to oversee the proposed PCCP as soon as possible.
Future submissions involving AI/machine learning in medicine should note that the guidance states that in a determination of substantial equivalence where the predicate device was authorized with a PCCP, the subject device must be assessed in comparison to the version of the predicate device that had previously been approved or cleared before any updates or modifications under the PCCP.
Overall, the revised guidelines are a significant step forward for medical device manufacturers and organizations looking to capitalize on the power of AI/machine learning in medicine. Keeping up to date with the changing regulations of medical device development can be daunting and costly. Let us help. Sterling’s unique team of engineers and regulatory experts with decades of experience in the MedTech industry are ready to help apply AI/machine learning in medicine and get your FDA approved AI/machine learning medical device to market fast. Contact us today.
Do you know that under certain circumstances, your software or application can be considered a medical device? This is true even if there is no actual hardware involved — when the software IS the medical device. Knowing when you’ve crossed the line into the medical device space can be confusing. In this blog post, we explore Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and what you need to do to ensure compliance with FDA Software as a Medical Device or international regulations. Failure to comply with Software as a Medical Device regulations can lead to costly delays in product launch timelines, hefty fines, and tarnished reputations for Software as a Medical Device companies. To avoid these issues, it’s important to understand when and how software becomes Software as a Medical Device—so you know how to approach development with compliance in mind.
Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) is defined by the FDA as medical device software intended to collect, analyze, or display medical information to diagnose, monitor, or treat medical conditions. When software crosses this threshold and becomes SaMD according to the FDA, it is subject to the same stringent regulations as all other medical devices. This means you’ll have to adhere to more Software as a Medical Device guidance and requirements for development, documentation, and validation than a hardware medical device.
As technology and healthcare evolve, integration of software into medical devices has been a natural progression. Software as a Medical Device is a new category within the medical device space. And now, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into SaMDs has created additional challenges for regulatory bodies, who must ensure that these devices produce accurate results while adhering to stringent safety standards. To help with these efforts, the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) was formed. The IMDRF is a group of medical device regulators from around the globe that have united to harmonize the medical device regulatory framework that vary across countries.
Regulatory bodies, including the FDA, categorize SaMD based on intended use and significance of information provided by the device. For example:
The IMDRF has been a key player in the development of regulatory guidelines for medical devices. As part of their work, they have established clear criteria to categorize devices based upon the intended use and significance of the information presented. This results in greater clarity around Software as a Medical Device classification, which can help manufacturers and regulatory agencies alike when it comes to product approval and review processes.
Medical device classification always hinges on its intended use. IMDRF suggests outlining the Software as a Medical Device definition statement for a device with three elements:
Regulatory bodies realize that AI/ML powered medical devices have the potential to make major strides forward in healthcare. But traditional medical device regulations require stagnant device designs — they were not designed for adaptive intelligence. A device with a machine learning feature is programmed to learn, adapt, and get better with time. AI gets better with additional data!
In 2020, the FDA authorized the first of many AI-based SaMD. This clearance was a milestone for the Software as a Medical Device market and shows that regulatory bodies are accepting AI and ML-based medical devices for clinical use without sacrificing patient safety standards. The FDA recently issued guidance relating to Software as a Medical Device regarding categorization and change control plans for constant learning in AI technology. This FDA software guidance provides details on how to mitigate potential risks while still allowing developers the flexibility for innovation and growth. Software as a Medical Device tools help accelerate the discovery, management, and treatment of a wide range of medical issues, automating certain aspects of care to save time.
Software as a Medical Device offers huge potential to affect major change in the healthcare industry. It can speed up diagnosis, simplify management, personalize treatment, increase access, and automate care to save time and decrease healthcare disparities. Collecting large amounts of data quickly and at a low cost will lead to high-quality healthcare and better health outcomes. Examples of Software as a Medical Device applications include:
Medical device development requires a risk-based approach to software lifecycle management. Our seasoned team holds a wealth of experience and is committed to ensuring the job is completed correctly the first time. Our engineers develop software with and without AI/ML daily. They understand the process, the requirements, and the documentation needed. Our regulatory team provides regulatory oversight, input, and guidance during the entire development process. Whether we serve as your full-time development team or aid your existing team with any area of need—from documentation and testing to risk management or cybersecurity—we will keep you well informed and involved throughout the entire Software as a Medical Device development process as you launch your product into the medical device industry. For expert support with your Software as a Medical Device, please contact us today.
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