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

FDA Codifies Down-Classification For Devices Such As The Apple Watch ECG App

The agency has codified its over-the-counter ECG software class II classification, which means sponsors can continue to benefit from filing for such apps through the less burdensome 510(k) pathway.

A man with an Apple Watch on his wrist also wearing a heart monitor
A man with an Apple Watch on his wrist also wearing a heart monitor • Source: Alamy

The US Food and Drug Administration has clarified its decision to classify over-the-counter electrocardiograph (ECG) software as class II devices with special controls. The move comes more than three years after the Apple Inc. Watch controversially received a de novo authorization for an ECG app.

In a 18 January Federal Register notice, the FDA announced a final order that codifies the agency’s decision to classify OTC ECG software as class II devices with special...

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

Plans For Specific EU Orphan And Pediatric Device Expert Panel Need To Go Further

 
• By Amanda Maxwell

Moves are at last underway for a more specific focus on orphan and pediatric devices. They are a start; but experts are calling for more to support this sector.

MORE Details On MHRA’s Online Platform For Post Market Surveillance

 
• By Ashley Yeo

Post-market surveillance regulations for medtech system users in Great Britain coming into force on 16 June will make new data requirements under new compliance deadlines.

‘Help Us Deregulate’: RFK Announces RFI For Trimming Government Health Agencies

 
• By Brian Bossetta

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is asking the public to help cut waste across the government’s health agencies. Kennedy announced a 60-day comment period allowing the public to take part in a broader federal initiative to reduce regulations and increase transparency.

MedTech Europe’s Bisazza Urges Action As US Tariffs Jeopardize Critical Global Supply Chains

 
• By Amanda Maxwell

The intricate assembly of medical devices, often involving over 1,000 globally sourced components, faces severe disruption due to new US tariffs. These barriers could halt production and devastate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), MedTech Europe’s CEO, Oliver Bisazza, warns in an interview with Medtech Insight.

More from Policy & Regulation

Inclusive By Design: UK Invites Sponsors To Submit Trial Diversity Plans

 
• By Vibha Sharma

The UK has issued clearer guidance to help drug and medical device sponsors demonstrate how they intend to include a diverse and relevant range of participants in their clinical trials.

Plans For Specific EU Orphan And Pediatric Device Expert Panel Need To Go Further

 
• By Amanda Maxwell

Moves are at last underway for a more specific focus on orphan and pediatric devices. They are a start; but experts are calling for more to support this sector.

First Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnostic Blood Test Cleared By FDA

 
• By Natasha Barrow

Fujirebio Diagnostics' Alzheimer's disease test, Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio, has been cleared by the US FDA.