1. Medtech Insight
  2. >>Policy & Regulation
  3. >>Regulation

If You Build It, They Will Come: FDAer Says Pre-Cert Program Getting Global Attention, AI Paper Just the Start

International regulators are interested in seeing how they too can apply the US FDA’s precertification program, which is currently in the pilot stage. In an exclusive interview with Medtech Insight, the agency’s top digital health officer, Bakul Patel, talks about global curiosity about the program that could allow companies to get certain medical software on the market based on trust. Patel also expects an upcoming artificial intelligence draft guidance from the FDA will form from a recent discussion paper – but he says industry needs to do more.

Behtany Hills and Bakul Patel
Life science attorney Bethany Hills and the FDA's Bakul Patel at the 2019 World Medical Innovation Forum in Boston • Source: Ferdous Al-Faruque

Regulators around the world are watching what the US FDA is doing to build a new pathway for software as a medical device (SaMD), according to Bakul Patel, associate director of digital health at the agency's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. He also says the recent discussion paper on artificial intelligence is not the be all and end all before the agency develops a draft guidance on the topic.

During a panel discussion at the 2019 World Medical Innovation Forum in Boston, Patel noted he and other international regulators...

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 Regulation

MHRA’s Tallon Hails PMS Regulation As Start Of UK Device Framework Transformation

 
• By Ashley Yeo

16 June marked the first major new regulatory instrument in the UK’s post-Brexit transition to a standalone device regulatory system for Great Britain.

Increasing Safety Concerns Spur Scrutiny of Device Plastics Use

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

With new regulations limiting the use of plastics popping up worldwide, the medtech industry sees arguments on both sides. Some argue hasty bans of PFAS ("forever chemicals") would harm patients, while others say phthalates should be phased out to protect the public.

UK Healthtech Center Of Excellence Given Key MHRA Digital Regulation Role

 
• By Ashley Yeo

Ahead of the 11 June UK spending review and its anticipated funding uplift for healthcare and life sciences, the MHRA announced an expansion of its digital expertise by creating a dedicated hub in Leeds, a renowned center of medtech excellence.

Where Do Questions Surrounding The EU’s AI Act Leave The Medtech Industry?

 
• By Amanda Maxwell

The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which entered into force on 1 August 2024, is already facing turbulence.

More from Policy & Regulation

US FDA Unveils Plans To Consolidate Support Services

 
• By Derrick Gingery and Sue Sutter

Commissioner Martin Makary told staff that plans are being developed to centralize HR, IT, travel and other functions, which were heavily impacted by the 1 April reduction-in-force.

A Year After Exiting The Ventilator Market, Medtronic Recalls Thousands Of Newport Devices

 
• By Brian Bossetta

After two serious injuries and one death linked to some of its ventilators, Medtronic has recalled the devices and asked customers to stop using them and find alternative means. The action comes more than a year after the company left the market.

MDUFA VI Launches With Public Meeting, Call For Comments

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

Preparations for the reauthorization of the Medical Device User Fee Amendments for 2028-2032 are underway, with the US FDA announcing a public meeting for 4 August. After negotiations with industry and other stakeholders, a draft agreement is due to Congress by 15 January 2025.