Here is a document of links pointing to FDA guidance documents and other forms of communication. It was mostly compiled by googling CDRH regulatory buzz words. We hope this document is useful. You might also refer to Figure 2 of this paper: Marble et al. (2020). A regulatory science initiative …” J Pathol Info, 11(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.4103/jpi.jpi_27_20

Caveat to all: You won’t know what’s required for your submission until you ask in a Q-sub.


Pre-submission (Q-sub) meeting

In CDRH, the best advice is to know about pre-submission meetings.


IFU: Indications for Use

Part of the definition of your medical device are the indications for use.

It’s never to early to start thinking about, researching, and crafting an IFU for your device.


Comprehensive Regulatory Assistance


510k program

A Premarket Notification, also known as a 510(k), is a submission made to FDA to demonstrate that the device to be marketed is safe and effective by proving substantial equivalence (SE) to a legally marketed device (predicate device).


de Novos

  • Special controls accompany all de Novo classifications.

  • Special controls outline submission requirements for medical devices with similar IFU.

  • Special controls are defined for a device type that can be broad or narrow.

  • Webpage: Special Controls.

  • De Novo Database.

If you can’t find a de Novo or existing 510k that is a perfect predicate for your device type: Then find and learn about the closest one or two. It’s a way to start.


PMA

Pursuing a pre-market authorization (PMA) is a regulatory pathway for medical devices that have a higher risk profile than a 510(k). PMAs are not covered here in depth.


Software as a Medical Device (SAMD)


Quantitative Imaging


Adaptive Algorithms, continuous learning, Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP)


Digital Pathology


CAD Examples

  • Device type: Medical Image Analyzer (including breast cancer detection).

  • Device type: Radiological computer-assisted diagnostic (CADx) software for lesions suspicious for cancer.

  • Device type: Radiological Computer Assisted Detection and Diagnosis Software” (CADe + CADx).

    • Imagen OsteoDetect (DEN180005).

    • Classification Product Code: QBS

  • Device type: Radiological computer aided triage and notification software.

    • Viz.AI ContaCT (DEN170073).

    • Classification Prodcut Code: QAS

  • Device type: Retinal diagnostic software device.

    • IDx IDx-DR (DEN180001).

    • Classification Prodcut Code: PIB

  • Device type: Image Acquisition and/or Optimization Guided by Artificial Intelligence.

    • Bay Labs Caption Guidance (DEN190040).

    • Classification Product Code: QJU

  • Device type: Software Algorithm Device to Assist Users in Digital Pathology


Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program

The FDA’s Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program is a way for the FDA to qualify tools that medical device sponsors can use in the development and evaluation of medical devices. It is a way for the broader community (academia, health providers, and government scientists, not just industry) can impact the regulatory process.


Catalog of Regulatory Science Tools to Help Access New Medical Devices


Presentations in this Space


Mock Submission