It’s Raining Guidance Docs: FDA Expands Abbreviated 510(k) Program

In a new final guidance, the US agency has expanded its abbreviated 510(k) program for certain devices to look beyond conformity assessments and instead look at performance criteria. Alongside the guidance, the agency also released four draft guidances for devices it is considering clearing under the new pathway.

Serious businessman with red umbrella under huge wave of documents - Image

The US food and Drug Administration has published a major final guidance that seeks to further expand its abbreviated 510(k) program. Alongside the guidance, regulators have also proposed corresponding draft guidances that would guide the types of medical devices that could be reviewed under the expanded program.

The agency released the guidances on 19 September, only a week after it published four updated guidance docs aimed at clarifying the agency's thinking on its Special and Abbreviated 510(k) Programs, and explaining how to format traditional and abbreviated 510(k) submissions, as well as when the FDA would issue refuse-to-accept letters for 510(k) submissions

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

Debate On FDA User Fee Reauthorization Begins To Take Shape

 
• By 

A battle may be forming over the 2027 FDA user fee reauthorizations. At a conference Friday, Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss supports them for their effectiveness, while Deputy FDA Commissioner Grace Graham echoed criticisms from HHS Sec. Kennedy, among others, in calling for reform to ensure public trust.

Health Secretary Defends Spending Cuts During Senate Hearing On HHS Budget

 
• By 

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized administrative cost reductions and defended budget decisions during a Senate hearing on HHS funding. Some senators, however, expressed concerns over the impacts spending cuts had on essential health programs.

Tariffs Threaten Medtech Innovation And US Position As World Leader, Whitaker Tells Lawmakers

 

During his testimony before US senators on the impact of tariffs on critical supply chains, AdvaMed’s Scott Whitaker said the Trump tariffs could jeopardize America’s preeminence in medtech. Other industry experts echoed similar concerns.