Policy & Regulation
Approvals
The US FDA has authorized around 107 devices with Predetermined Change Control Plans in place, with PathAI's AISight Dx digital pathology image management system one of the latest. Medtech Insight talks to Eric Walk, chief medical officer, to find out about the process and its benefits.
Medicare beneficiaries with tricuspid regurgitation will now have access to an innovative treatment from Abbott that offers a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery.
Research recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the FDA met its review timeline goals for the majority of breakthrough devices – but also revealed some apparent shortcomings in safety data supporting the submissions.
The FDA's new Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program aims to expedite drug approvals significantly. Device firms like XVIVO advocate for a similar initiative for devices, emphasizing the potential for faster reviews and improved patient access to lifesaving technologies.
Compliance
Medical device firms often have serious compliance gaps, a recent Veeva MedTech survey found. Only 50% of the companies surveyed are confident in their global registration data, with 70% reporting inconsistencies during audits. The report recommends automation and better data governance.
The US FDA has authorized around 107 devices with Predetermined Change Control Plans in place, with PathAI's AISight Dx digital pathology image management system one of the latest. Medtech Insight talks to Eric Walk, chief medical officer, to find out about the process and its benefits.
Stay current on regulatory guidelines from around the world with Medtech Insight's Guidance Tracker. Over 40 documents have been posted on the tracker since its last update.
The reason for the correction is that if the device momentarily activates but does not cut or staple tissue, providers can be inadvertently locked out during surgical procedures. When a lockout occurs, additional steps are required to open the device and remove it from tissue.
Recalls
The US FDA issued a pair of early alerts on Wednesday warning customers about serious adverse events associated with two Boston Scientific cardiac devices. Both alerts include numerous reports of injuries and deaths and are part of the FDA’s ongoing pilot to enhance its recall process.
Philips Respironics has updated instructions for use for three ventilators that were included in a May 2024 recall. The company also added three potential injuries and one death to the original number.
The reason for the correction is that if the device momentarily activates but does not cut or staple tissue, providers can be inadvertently locked out during surgical procedures. When a lockout occurs, additional steps are required to open the device and remove it from tissue.
The US FDA says Baxter has notified customers about an issue with its Novum IQ Syringe Pump that is linked to two deaths and multiple injuries.
Regulation
The US FDA says PFAS used in medical devices are safe and that there’s no reason to restrict them in device production. An environmental group finds the agency’s assertion questionable.
EU4Health, the main funding instrument for EU health initiatives, has put renewed emphasis on orphan devices in its 2025 work program, published in July.
The US FDA has authorized around 107 devices with Predetermined Change Control Plans in place, with PathAI's AISight Dx digital pathology image management system one of the latest. Medtech Insight talks to Eric Walk, chief medical officer, to find out about the process and its benefits.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has launched a new program the agency says will allow patients easier access to their health data. More than 60 companies have already signed on.
Legal & IP
The FTC is suing to block Edwards Lifesciences' purchase of JenaValve, citing concerns that it would reduce competition and innovation in the heart valve market and negatively impact patient access to vital treatments for aortic regurgitation. Edwards disagrees with the decision.
Sean Keveney is largely unknown in the FDA law space, but likely is familiar and connected to the White House given his work on Trump’s antisemitism taskforce.
A federal court in Illinois ruled against SurModics and BC Holdings' request for FDA documents to support a proposed merger. The FTC has challenged the merger, claiming it threatens competition in hydrophilic device coatings. The ruling may indicate the FTC is likely to succeed.
Former HHS-OIG attorney Rob DeConti emphasized the significance of data analytics and compliance in combating healthcare fraud, urging medical tech companies to adopt robust measures to prevent potential risks.
Legislation
At an Aug. 4 public meeting on MDUFA VI, FDA officials, industry representatives, and patient advocates outlined their priorities for the next user fee agreement, highlighting goals such as improved transparency, streamlined reviews, enhanced safety measures, and greater patient involvement.
Pending legislation seeks to address what the sponsors argue is a lack of transparency in medical billing. If enacted, the bill would provide patients with the costs of procedures and medications before receiving them. A data collection expert discusses what the bill could mean for patients.
NHS England's national chief clinical information officer issued a cease and desist on unapproved ambient voice technology and AI scribes. The move caused confusion among AVT vendors and went beyond joint MHRA/NHS guidance. IMed consultant Ben Austin shares his perspective.
The US House of Representatives passes legislation requiring manufacturers of non-flushable wet wipes to label products as ‘non-flushable," a move endorsed by the Personal Care Products Council.