FDA Changes Guidance on the Use of ISO 10993-1:2016

ISO 10993-1 is recognized as the gold standard when it comes to the selection of applicable biological testing of medical devices and the associated risk assessment, while also providing valuable information pertaining to the potential need for additional testing based on available data. In 2020, the FDA updated the guidance document ‘Use of International Standard […]
FDA’S LABORATORY DEVELOPED TESTS ENFORCEMENT RULE

Laboratory developed tests (LDTs) are in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs) for use in clinical settings and play a vital role in the health industry. LDTs are still regulated by the federal government, via the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Public Health Service Act. Laboratories […]
CANADA’S DEVELOPING ROLE IN THE MEDICAL DEVICE REGULATORY ARENA

Canada may not be one of the larger medical device markets on the global scene, but its regulatory structure is quite substantial. Its medical industry, consisting of mainly small to medium-sized organizations, is rooted in a solid regulatory foundation that has matured over time. While their first medical device structure was implemented under Canada’s Food and Drugs […]
EXCEL SPREADSHEET REQUIREMENTS AND VALIDATION PROCESS

Under 21 CFR 11.10 Controls for closed systems, all spreadsheets that are used to facilitate the product and/or quality system decision-making processes need to be within compliance, including requirements for validation, accurate copies and protection of records, limited system access to authorized individuals, audit trails, authority, operational and device checks, training, electronic signatures, and change […]
DO NOTIFIED BODIES HAVE THE CAPACITY TO MANAGE THE MDR AND IVDR TRANSITIONS?

While recent information shows that both Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR) applications have been on the rise, there are concerns as to whether the Notified Bodies have the capacity and competency to accommodate this trend. In March of this year, the EU commission released Regulation (EU) 2023/607, with immediate effect. […]
MANAGING CHANGES AND MAINTAINING COMPLIANCE

Under the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR), devices need to meet the applicable “harmonized standards” to demonstrate conformity with the essential requirements. If a harmonized standard referenced in the technical documentation (including the DHF) is updated, manufacturers are expected to assess the impact and incorporate any necessary changes […]
UPDATES TO Q-SUB GUIDANCE PRIOR TO RELEASE OF NEW PRE-SUB DRAFT GUIDELINES

The Q-Submission Program, also known as the Pre-Submission Program, is an initiative by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aimed at facilitating the development and review of medical devices. It provides an opportunity for medical device manufacturers to interact with the FDA before submitting their formal applications, allowing for early feedback and guidance. The […]
FDA ISSUES GUIDANCE CONTENT OF PREMARKET SUBMISSIONS FOR DEVICE SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS

The FDA released new guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Device Software Functions [1] in June 2023. This guidance replaces the preexisting guidance from May of 2005. Since then, technological advances have caused software to become an important part of medical devices. The final guidance moved to a simplified risk-based approach to determine […]
FDA ESTAR OVERVIEW

Currently, all medical device submissions for 510(k), De Novo, and Pre-Submissions may voluntarily use eSTAR. The intention of the program is to enhance the quality of submissions by providing a standardized format so submitters can ensure submissions are complete. Additionally, the review process can be streamlined and more efficient. Starting October 1, 2023, all 510(k) […]
GUIDANCE ON SIGNIFICANT CHANGES REGARDING THE TRANSITIONAL PROVISION UNDER ARTICLE 120 OF THE MDR

The European Commission published an updated Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG) 2020-3 Rev.1 – Guidance on significant changes regarding the transitional provision under Article 120 of the MDR in May 2023. Changes were made throughout the guidance document to align it with Regulation (EU) 2023/607 (updates to MDR/IVDR transitional provisions) and with the similar guidance document for […]

