US FDA’s Absence Raises Concerns In International Standards Development

 
• By 

The FDA's recent communication freeze has blocked participation in international standards development groups. The agency's absence could impact the alignment of US and international standards, potentially affecting medical device manufacturers' ability to sell products globally.

Double Check Smartphone-Compatible Diabetes Devices, Advises FDA

 

The US FDA says diabetes patients who rely on their smartphones to receive critical disease-related alerts should ensure their phones are configured correctly. If not, the alerts might be missed.

FDA: Thawing Communications Freeze, But Advisory Panel Postponed

 
• By 

Agencies within the US Department of Health and Human Services are beginning to communicate with the public again as HHS lifts the pause for some types of notices. However, other delays persist.

Are Downed DEI Pages Part Of Trump Executive Order Sweep, Or Just The Result Of Routine Transition?

 

Several pages on the US FDA website related to diversity and inclusion are down, which aligns with Trump’s recent executive order on diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, the Department of Health says there's been a “short pause” in communications to allow the incoming team to get in place.


Opinion: More FDA Predictions! (Gift Receipt Not Included)

 
• By 

What's coming in 2025? Commissioner Makary, more digital health, and no movement on LDT regulation, predicts consultant and former FDAer Steve Silverman. See his reflections on the year ahead, as well as what he got right -- and wrong -- for 2024, here.

Navigating AI Compliance: Insights from California’s Latest Advisories

 
• By 

Recent legal advisories on AI from California Attorney General Rob Bonta could point to a forthcoming enforcement crackdown on firms that fail to protect patient data or allow AI technologies to make medical decisions. However, companies can stay clear by remembering to play by the rules of the health care sector, rather than the more freewheeling approach of tech.

Tarver Says Device Shortages For Pediatric Patients A ‘Growing Threat’

 

The director of the US FDA’s device center is sounding the alarm on the scarcity of critical devices for pediatric patients and says the agency is focused on solutions to this “unique” challenge.

Quality Systems Issues Take Center Stage In Integra, Hologic Warning Letters

 
• By 

The US FDA has published warning letters to device firms Integra and Hologic. Both letters recount quality systems issues, with Integra’s centering on sterility while Hologic’s addresses a delay in noting safety signals from the company’s recalled BioZorb markers.


US FDA Attempts To Parse Sex Vs. Gender, But Will Politics Interfere?

 

The draft guidance clarifies that sex and gender are not interchangeable, but could be vulnerable in the Trump Administration as Republicans have argued against transgender medical care and that sex and gender must be congruent.

CDRH Report: 24 Voluntary Diversity Action Plans Filed In 2024

 
• By 

While the US FDA will not require diversity action plans for clinical trials for a while, some companies are already sending them in, a new FDA report to Congress shows.

FDA Publishes Final Guidance For Communicating Off-Label Uses. First Amendment Questions Remain

 

The US FDA final guidance uses a Q&A format to help manufacturers navigate the regulatory landscape for communicating the off-label uses of their medical products to health care professionals. However, some say the final document fails to address potential free speech concerns.

Commission Publishes List Of Immediate MDR Initiatives To Be Adopted In 2025

 

Five EU documents will serve to rapidly address calls for urgent changes to the Medical Device Regulation.


Pulse Oximeter Guidance Calls For Greater Diversity In Trial Populations

 
• By 

The FDA's new draft guidance for pulse oximeters requires developers to demonstrate device effectiveness across diverse skin tones to address accuracy issues, especially for people with darker skin. The guidance includes clinical study requirements, labeling changes, and recommendations for comparing new devices to predicates.

FDA Issues Final Guidance For Reporting Medical Device Shortages During Emergencies

 

The US FDA has finalized guidance on notifying the agency of potential device shortages during or prior to a public health emergency. The document includes a list of devices that manufacturers must notify the FDA of when they are in short supply. The guidance also clarifies that device makers voluntarily notify the agency of potential supply chain disruptions at any time.

FDA Drops Draft Guidance For AI-Enabled Medical Device Developers

 

The US FDA has published a draft guidance document for developers of AI-enabled medical devices describing the postmarket management of their products. The guidance offers a comprehensive approach to the management of risk throughout the total product life cycle of a device.

Global Medtech Guidance Tracker: December 2024

 

Stay current on regulatory guidelines from around the world with Medtech Insight's Guidance Tracker. 65 documents have been posted on the tracker since its last update.


BD Pays $175M To Resolve Alaris Infusion Pump Financial Fraud Allegations

 
• By 

The settlement with the SEC closes out safety issues around the company’s Alaris infusion pumps. BD reportedly failed to alert investors or the FDA of known problems with the infusion pumps’ software for several years.

Penetration Testing Strengthens Medical Device Security Against Emerging Threats

 
• By 

Penetration testing, which involves ethical hackers identifying vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them, is crucial for securing medical devices against cyber threats. The process is essential for compliance with regulations, preventing financial losses, and ensuring patient safety, cybersecurity experts say.

Global Medtech Guidance Tracker: November 2024

 
• By 

Stay current on regulatory guidelines from around the world with Medtech Insight's Guidance Tracker. Over 90 documents have been posted on the tracker since its last update.

Full Speed Ahead: FDA Final Guidance Allows Swifter Deployment of Device AI

 
• By 

The FDA’s final guidance on PCCPs for AI-driven devices highlights rapid advancements in health care AI, providing a roadmap for future progress. It emphasizes iterative improvements, version control, and maintaining device safety and effectiveness.