FDA Policy/General

Panel to Hear Classifications for 6 Preamendment Devices

Federal Register notice: FDA has announced a 6/3-4 meeting of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee’s Neurological Devices Panel. On 6/3, the panel will discuss and make recommendations on the classification of topical refrigerants (vapocoolants), which are currently unclassified preamendment devices, to Class 2 (general and special controls). It will also discuss and make recommendations on the classification of acupressure devices, which are currently unclassified preamendment devices, to Class 1. Additionally, panel members will discuss and make recommendations on the classification of electro-acupuncture stimulators, which are currently unclassified preamendment devices, to Class 2 (general and special controls). On 6/4, the panel will discuss and make recommendations regarding the classification of attention task performance recorders, which are currently unclassified preamendment devices, to Class 2 (general and special controls). Panel members will also take up the classification of optical contour sensing devices, which are currently unclassified preamendment devices, to class I (general controls), and the classification of plunger-like joint manipulators, which are currently unclassified preamendment devices, to Class 2 (general and special controls). To view the notice, click here.

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