Devices

Boston Scientific Vercise Genus Brain Stimulator OK’d

FDA has approved a Boston Scientific PMA for its fourth-generation Vercise Genus Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) System. The approval covers conditional use in a magnetic resonance imaging environment. The Bluetooth-enabled, rechargeable and non-rechargeable device includes an implantable pulse generator that powers the Cartesia Directional Leads to provide symptom relief in patients with Parkinson's disease, according to the company. It is designed to deliver targeted electrical stimulation via surgically-implanted leads in the brain connected to the pulse generator..

“The fourth generation of the DBS system since 2012, Vercise Genus builds upon rapid and meaningful innovations in battery longevity, directionality, and stimulation capabilities,” Boston Scientific says. “Through a strategic collaboration, the Brainlab platform provides enhanced visualization capabilities that enable clinicians to see lead placement within the context of each patient's segmented target anatomy.”

Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton’s responses on vaccines, contraception and abortion medication during her 9/24 Senate confirmation hearing raise concerns that ideology could influence her decision-making if she takes over the agency, MSNBC senior medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta said Friday. Gupta was particularly critical of Overton’

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton emerged from her Senate confirmation hearing Thursday (see earlier story) without resolving questions about whether she has enough Republican support to advance — and with a rapidly narrowing window for confirmation before the midterm elections. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing provided few

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA has classified Boston Scientific's recall of its Imager II Angiographic Catheters as Class I because a manufacturing problem could cause catheter tips to degrade and detach, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications. The agency announced the Class I classification 9/25, updating an Early Alert it issued

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

FDA has approved Roche’s Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for reducing the risk of relapse in adults and children aged 2 and older with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent, childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who are in remission. The expanded approval covers the use of the CD20-directed antibody beyond its existing

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Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome