‘STeP’ By ‘STeP’: FDA Finalizes Accelerated Pathway For Novel Devices, Combo Products

The US FDA released a final guidance document on 5 January that sets in place its new voluntary Safer Technologies Program, or STeP. Modeled after the agency’s burgeoning Breakthrough Devices Program, STeP is for innovative devices and device-led combo products heading for a PMA, 510(k) or de novo regulatory route that aim to treat less serious conditions than devices accepted into the Breakthrough program.