Thought-Controlled Prosthetics Get US FDA 'Leapfrog' Treatment

A new "leapfrog" draft guidance from the US agency addresses implanted brain-computer interface prosthetic devices, and, specifically, the information sponsors should be prepared to submit for pre-submissions meetings and investigational device exemptions.

3D X-ray of human brain with computer chip and circuit on star and galaxy background - Illustration

US FDA has been working with academic scientists, the US military and device companies for the past decade on implants that might interface with the nervous system, allowing a paralyzed patient or amputee to control a prosthetic with their thoughts. The agency recorded what it has learned from those efforts in a draft guidance posted Feb. 22 that is intended to help sponsors develop such a device to the point of entering clinical studies.

FDA's interest in the advancing field of brain-computer interface (BCI) devices has been evident at least since 2011, when it selected a US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency brain-controlled prosthetic...

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

More from Regulation

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

 

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 

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

 

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

 

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 

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

 

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

 

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