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FDA Approves Birth Control Mobile App, Vaginal Ring

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

US FDA announced the approval of the first direct-to-consumer mobile medical app that can prevent pregnancy via fertility awareness tracking. The app, Natural Cycles, has been criticized in Europe after some users experienced unplanned pregnancies. On the same day, the agency approved the first contraceptive vaginal ring that can be reused for an entire year.

NC Product
Natural Cycles is the first FDA-approved contraceptive mobile medical app • Source: Natural Cycles Nordic AB

US FDA announced the approval of two new forms of birth control on Aug. 10, including the first mobile medical app to be cleared for that purpose in the US.

The app, Natural Cycles, uses an algorithm to calculate fertility based on daily body temperature readings and menstrual cycle information in a method known as fertility awareness. On days when...

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FDA Publishes Updated ‘Roadmap’ For Advancing Women’s Health

 
• By Brian Bossetta

The US FDA’s Office of Women’s Health provides a research roadmap to address health concerns specific to women. The FDA recently updated the roadmap, outlining areas in which further research is needed.

News We’re Watching: New FDA Approvals For Breast Implant, Colon Cancer Test, Imaging Agent; TAP Expansion, AI Standards

 
• By Brian Bossetta, Marion Webb, Elizabeth Orr, and Natasha Barrow

This week, Establishment Labs Holdings announced the FDA gave it premarket approval for Motiva breast implant, Cologuard lands FDA approval for Cologuard Plus and GE HealthCare gets FDA nod for a new imaging agent. The FDA announces another expansion for TAP into ophthalmology and radiology. The AAMI and CTA will join forces to develop standards for AI and ML-enabled health care products.  

News We’re Watching: Neuralink’s Blindsight Gets FDA Breakthrough Device Tag; FDA Pump Recalls, Guidances; Discure, DeepLook Bolster Coffers

 
• By Marion Webb, Brian Bossetta, Elizabeth Orr, and Natasha Barrow

This week, Neuralink announced it received US FDA breakthrough device designation for a device to restore sight; medtechs Discure and DeepLook secured new funding; FDA pump recalls from B. Braun Medical and Fresenius Kabi; Axonics prevails in patent infringement lawsuit with Medtronic; Merit Medical buys Cook Medical for $210m.

Prodded By Congress, FDA Launches Tampon Review

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

The US agency said on 10 September that it plans to study whether heavy metals detected in tampons could endanger their users.

More from Device Area

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.

23andMe Purchase Will Let Regeneron Scale Drug Development

 
• By Alaric DeArment

The consumer genomics firm will operate as a subsidiary, while Regeneron plans to leverage its database for drug discovery and trial design efforts.

Disparities — Including Financials Shortcomings — Remain In Women’s Health, Execs Say

 
• By Brian Bossetta

FemTech leaders discussed some of the barriers that remain in unlocking the full potential of the women’s health market during SiS New York last week. They also offered solutions.