1. Medtech Insight
  2. >>Policy & Regulation

Q3 US Device Approvals Snapshot: Apps Up, Original PMAs Down

 
• By David Filmore

Mobile apps made major headway into the world of US FDA regulation in the third quarter, with de novo go-aheads for two Apple Watch heart-rhythm apps and the first FDA approval of a smartphone app to support contraception. Meanwhile, original PMA-approval volumes continue to lag in 2018. Here's an infographic to spotlight US device approval trends during the third quarter, July through September.

FDA approved background, 3D rendering, blue street sign

Smart devices and apps have been targeting health care for years, and US FDA has been making a big push to build a framework and expertise to regulate the space. Those two lines of effort met in a big way last quarter, with the first set of high-profile direct-to-consumer mobile apps cleared by FDA.

The Apple Watch apps intended to monitor for atrial fibrillation gained FDA go-ahead in September. (Also see "FDA's Speedy...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Approvals

More from Policy & Regulation

FDA Changes Fail To Diminish US Appeal To European Medtech Industry

 
• By Amanda Maxwell

Despite staffing cuts and uncertainty at the FDA, the US still offers EU medtech firms stronger regulatory support, regulatory expert Bassil Akra told Medtech Insight. This is especially valued as EU rules are often viewed as overly stringent, unclear and difficult to follow.

Cardiology And PTA Procedures In Germany’s Expanded Hybrid DRGs List 2026

 
• By Ashley Yeo

2026 reimbursement calculations for the list of hybrid DRGs – a mechanism to incentivize day cases over inpatient surgery – will be issued in few weeks’ time. The medtech industry has made its demands known.

Biden-Era Device Trial Snapshot Pilot Halted Amid DEI Policy Shift

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

The FDA's Device Clinical Trial Snapshot Pilot, aimed at increasing trial transparency and diversity, has been canceled following President Trump’s anti-DEI executive order. Critics warn this may hinder trial transparency, impacting public health and demographic data accessibility.