Keeping pace with the ever-changing life sciences industry, Morrison Foerster stays on top of the trends and political, legal, and economic drivers to support striking the balance between innovative discovery and purposeful business planning to assure our clients continued success. MoFo Life Sciences shares timely legal and business insights and in-depth analyses on trends and the complex technologies at the heart of the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health, and AgTech fields.Learn more about our <a href="https://www.mofo.com/capabilities/life-sciences-healthcare" target="_self">Life Sciences practice</a>.<h2 dir="ltr">ABOUT MORRISON FOERSTER</h2>Morrison Foerster is a leading global law firm that transforms complexity into advantage for its clients. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, banks, consulting and accounting firms, and Fortune 100, technology, and life sciences companies. Highlighting the firm’s commitment to client service, leadership in market-changing deals and impact litigation, and values-based culture, Morrison Foerster has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top 10 firms on The American Lawyer’s A-List. Year after year, the firm receives significant recognition from Chambers and The Legal 500 across their various guides, including Global, USA, Asia‑Pacific, Europe, UK, Latin America, and FinTech Legal. Our lawyers passionately care about delivering legal excellence while living our values. Morrison Foerster has a long-standing commitment to creating a culture that respects and celebrates differences, while providing an inclusive environment. The firm has achieved Mansfield Certification Plus since 2018 as a result of successfully reaching at least 30 percent women, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ lawyer representation in a notable number of current leadership roles and committees. The firm also has a long history of commitment to the community and society through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education and fostering the wellbeing of children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, enforcing the right to asylum, and safeguarding the environment.

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Dr. Meghan Poon counsels clients on patent preparation and prosecution, portfolio strategy, and IP due diligence in the areas of biotechnology and biologics. She has significant experience in diverse technologies including antibodies, cell therapies, gene therapies, diagnostics, and gene-edited plants. She represents clients ranging from large international pharmaceutical companies to midsized companies, startups, and universities.Meghan has filed numerous Patent Term Extension applications to secure additional term for her clients’ patents, which cover FDA-approved products. In addition, Meghan has extensive experience addressing complex obviousness-double patenting and subject matter eligibility issues impacting her clients’ patent portfolios. Meghan also represents clients in both investor-side and target-side due diligence, in deals from seed funding to initial public offerings.Prior to law school, Meghan attended graduate school at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she received a Ph.D. in biological chemistry based on her work on protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions at a molecular level. Meghan is the author of several scientific publications and has presented her research at international conferences.Meghan received her J.D. from the University of Southern California Law School and spent a year as a visiting student at Santa Clara University, where she focused on intellectual property.

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Dr. Meghan Poon counsels clients on patent preparation and prosecution, portfolio strategy, and IP due diligence in the areas of biotechnology and biologics. She has significant experience in diverse technologies including antibodies, cell therapies, gene therapies, diagnostics, and gene-edited plants.

Meghan Poon

Wolfgang advises clients on contentious and non-contentious matters involving their most valuable intellectual property assets in life sciences, digital, and high-tech industries.His subjects of focus include research and development collaborations, complex licensing agreements, and other technology transactions, as well as know-how protection strategies, and employee invention law. He also has substantial experience in litigating patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property assets, often in a multijurisdictional context. In addition, Wolfgang and his team frequently clear trademarks and ad campaigns and prosecute trademark applications.Wolfgang is co-editor of our <a href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/" dir="ltr" target="_blank">MoFo Life Sciences Blog</a>.Wolfgang is a partner of Morrison Foerster based in our German office in Berlin.<h4 dir="ltr">Representative Transactional Matters</h4><ul dir="ltr"><li>U.S.-based BioTech fund on various research collaborations and other transactions with German start-ups or research institutions.</li><li>Negotiate multimillion-euro strategic partnership between two AgTech leaders concerning the development and commercialization of pest-resistant transgenic traits.</li><li>Craft global multi-million collaboration regarding AI-powered robotic MaaS.</li><li>UK-based digital health company on product roll-out of RPM applications in Germany; coordinate international expansion.</li><li>Advise numerous German start-ups on their U.S. expansion.</li><li>Draft diverse global patent and know-how license agreements in the areas of AgTech and life sciences—including gene licensing and licensing of genome editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR)—and medical devices; draft correlating supply and distribution agreements.</li><li>Structure IP rights in connection with joint ventures and other M&A transactions, including the carve-out of a patent-heavy semiconductor business comprising nine jurisdictions into a German–U.S. joint venture.</li><li dir="ltr">Advise on government-funded, multi-partner R&D projects and/or R&D projects with academic institutions, as well as on employee invention law.</li></ul><h4 dir="ltr">Representative Contentious IP Matters</h4><ul dir="ltr"><li>Lead counsel in an international dispute between software companies on rights and obligations following termination of a multi-million licensing and distribution arrangement; coordinate local counsel.</li><li>Defend Japanese chip manufacturer in high-profile SEP-litigation; advise on global settlement arrangement.</li><li>Represent leading internet retailer in patent infringement and concurrent invalidity proceedings in the context of a multijurisdictional dispute concerning touch-screen technology.</li><li>Represent diverse pharmaceutical and life sciences companies in national and cross-border patent infringement proceedings and other technology-related disputes, including preliminary injunctions as well as pre‑trial discovery and inspection proceedings, concerning, inter alia, drug-coating technologies, toner cartridges, medicinal gases, transgenic plants, and vaccines.</li><li dir="ltr">Conduct trademark, copyright, and false advertising litigation, including, most notably, a high-profile trademark litigation for a German bank, and a nine-country cross-border trademark litigation involving a famous pharmaceutical brand.</li></ul>

Dr. Wolfgang Schönig berät Mandanten zum Schutz des geistigen Eigentums sowohl in streitigen als auch nichtstreitigen Angelegenheiten, mit einem besonderen Fokus auf die IP-rechtliche Beratung von Unternehmen aus den Bereichen Life Sciences, Digitalwirtschaft und High-Tech.Zu seinen Beratungsschwerpunkten gehören Forschungs- und Entwicklungskooperationen, komplexe Lizenzvertragsgestaltungen und andereTechnologie-Transaktionen, sowie Know-how-Schutz-Strategien und das Arbeitnehmererfinderrecht. Er verfügt zudem über umfangreiche Prozesserfahrung zur Durchsetzung von Patenten, Marken- und anderen IP-Rechten, häufig auch in einem grenzüberschreitenden Kontext. Darüber hinaus bewertet Dr. Wolfgang Schönig zusammen mit seinem Team regelmäßig die Rechtskonformität von Werbekampagnen, prüft die Verfügbarkeit von Marken und entwickelt entsprechende Anmeldestrategien.Dr. Wolfgang Schönig ist Co-Editor des Life Sciences Blogs von Morrison Foerster.Er hat seinen Doktortitel an der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf und seinen LL.M. an der Fordham School of Law in New York erworben, jeweils mit Schwerpunkt im gewerblichen Rechtsschutz. Seinen MBA-Abschluss erhielt er von der European University in Barcelona.Dr. Wolfgang Schönig ist Partner des deutschen Büros von Morrison Foerster in Berlin.<h4 dir="ltr">Repräsentative Transaktionen</h4><ul><li dir="ltr">BioTech-Fonds mit Sitz in den USA bei verschiedenen Forschungskooperationen und anderen Transaktionen mit deutschen Start-ups oder Forschungseinrichtungen</li><li dir="ltr">Verhandlung einer hochvolumigen strategischen Partnerschaft zwischen zwei Technologieführern im Bereich Crop Science betreffend der Entwicklung und Kommerzialisierung von bestimmten Resistenzen</li><li dir="ltr">Gestaltung einer globalen Multi-Millionen-Zusammenarbeit für KI-gestützte Roboter</li><li dir="ltr">Ein in Großbritannien ansässiges Unternehmen für digitale Gesundheit bei der Markteinführung von RPM-Anwendungen in Deutschland; Koordination der internationalen Expansion</li><li dir="ltr">Beratung zahlreicher deutscher Start-ups bei deren US-Expansion</li><li dir="ltr">Strukturierung und Verhandlung diverser Patent- und Know-How-Lizenzen in den Bereichen Ag Tech und Life Sciences – einschließlich Fragen zu genome editing wie CRISPR-Medizingeräte, sowie Gestaltung von Softwarelizenzverträgen und Erstellung korrespondierender Liefer- und Vertriebsvereinbarungen</li><li dir="ltr">Strukturierung von IP-Rechten im Zusammenhang mit Joint Ventures und anderen M&A-Transaktionen, darunter die Koordination eines neun Länder umfassenden IP Carve-Outs im Rahmen eines Halbleiter-JVs</li><li dir="ltr">Beratung zu staatlich geförderten Multi-Partner F&E-Projekten und/oder F&E-Projekten mit akademischen Einrichtungen sowie zum Arbeitnehmererfindungsrecht</li></ul><h4 dir="ltr">Repräsentative IP-Streitigkeiten</h4><ul><li dir="ltr">Lead Counsel in einem internationalen Rechtsstreit zwischen Softwareunternehmen über Rechte und Pflichten nach Beendigung einer millionenschweren Lizenz- und Vertriebsvereinbarung; Koordinierung der lokalen Anwälte</li><li dir="ltr">Verteidigung eines japanischen Chipherstellers in einem prominenten Streitfall bezüglich Standardessentieller Patente (SEP); Beratung zu einer globalen Vergleichsregelung</li><li dir="ltr">Verteidigung einer führenden Internetplattform gegen Ansprüche eines Patenttrolls wegen vermeintlicher Verletzung von Patent bezüglich Touchscreen-Technologie sowie korrespondierende US-Streitigkeiten</li><li dir="ltr">Vertretung von Pharma- und Life Science-Unternehmen in nationalen und grenzüberschreitenden Patentverletzungsverfahren und anderen technologiebezogenen Streitigkeiten, einschließlich einstweiliger Verfügungsverfahren und vorprozessualer Beweissicherungs- und Besichtigungsverfahren, unter anderem in Bezug auf Arzneimittelbeschichtungstechnologien, Tonerkartuschen, medizinische Gase, transgene Pflanzen und Impfstoffe</li></ul>

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Wolfgang Schönig is a partner of Morrison Foerster (International) LLP based in our German office in Berlin. His practice specialty is advising on IP aspects relative to transactions in, among others, the life sciences, AgTech and pharmaceuticals industry, as well as legal representation in IP disputes. Wolfgang is specialized in research and development collaborations, complex licensing agreements, technology acquisitions, know-how protection strategies, and employee invention law.

Wolfgang Schönig focuses his practice on IP aspects relative to transactions in the digital, telecoms, high tech, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals industry, as well as legal representation in IP disputes.

Wolfgang Schönig advises clients on IP aspects relating to transactions in, among others, the life sciences, AgTech and pharmaceuticals industry, as well as legal representation in IP disputes. His additional focus areas include research and development collaborations, complex licensing agreements, technology acquisitions, know-how protection strategies, and employee invention law.

Wolfgang Schönig

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FDLI hosted a virtual Enforcement, Litigation, and Compliance Conference December 9–10, 2021.  The session titled Compliance Central with FDA Center Compliance Directors: Presentations and Q&A addressed FDA’s top compliance issues, enforcement priorities, and goals for 2022.  The session included presentations from Ann Oxenham (CFSAN), William Maisel (CDRH), and Donald Ashley (CDER).Below are key takeaways from some of the panels:1. CFSAN – Focus on Undeclared Allergens: Ann Oxenham highlighted the division’s 2021 accomplishments, including seizures, injunctions, and warning letters.  In particular, she emphasized warning letters issued for undeclared food allergens, which were the leading cause of class 1 food recalls in the past year.  Oxenham noted that FDA is working to improve industry compliance with regard to food allergen requirements, and is conducting inspections and sampling to check that major food allergens are properly labeled and that food facilities implement appropriate controls.In 2021, FDA issued seven <a href="https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/whole-foods-market-610862-12162020">warning letters</a> to facilities that manufactured and distributed food with undeclared allergens. Oxenham noted that, “although retail establishments are generally excluded from certain requirements, they are responsible for ensuring that the labeling for food manufactured under their brand name and the labeling they perform in the store is accurate with respect to allergens.”  In 2022, CFSAN will continue its particular focus on undeclared allergens.2. CDRH – FDA Inspection Priorities: William Maisel discussed CDRH’s continued focus on fraudulent COVID-19 products and the status of FDA inspection oversight.  CDRH is currently operating at its base case scenario, with domestic surveillance inspections resuming and foreign inspections occurring if mission-critical.  Maisel noted that CDRH is prioritizing using a risk-based approach, and anticipates the use of remote regulatory assessments for medical device evaluations continuing in the future. Maisel also highlighted the increased use of the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP).  MDSAP allows a recognized third-party auditing organization to conduct a single regulatory audit of a medical device manufacturer that satisfies the relevant requirements of the regulatory authorities participating in the program, including the FDA.  In the past year, more than 2,000 MDSAP audit reports were used in lieu of FDA surveillance inspections, and FDA will continue to accept MDSAP audit reports as a substitute for routine agency inspections.In addition, FDA is working to harmonize and modernize the Quality System regulation, with revisions to supplant existing requirements with the specifications of ISO 13485.  Maisel noted that the proposed rule is coming soon.3. CDER – Novel cGMP Compliance Actions: Donald Ashley highlighted the novel compliance actions developed during the pandemic, including analytical testing of drugs at the border and import alerts.  Some of these measures were developed to address methanol-contaminated hand sanitizers imported into the U.S. and FDA issued the first-ever warning letters based upon analytical testing of samples collected at the border.  FDA also issued the first-ever warning letters based on 704(a)(4) records requests, as well as warning letters based on the refusal of those records requests.Ashley also noted FDA’s <a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/notification-pharmaceutical-companies-clinical-and-bioanalytical-studies-conducted-panexcell">public notification</a> informing industry that clinical and bioanalytical studies conducted by Synchron Research Services and Panexcell Clinical Lab were not acceptable in NDAs and ANDAs because of data-integrity concerns.  Applications using studies conducted by these CROs will need to be repeated, and this has affected more than 100 drug applications.For questions on any of the topics discussed, please contact the authors or a member of <a href="https://www.mofo.com/capabilities/fda-life-sciences-compliance.html">MoFo’s FDA Regulatory + Compliance practice</a>.

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3 Key Takeaways from FDLI’s FDA Center Compliance Directors: Presentations and Q&A Session

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FDLI hosted a virtual Enforcement, Litigation, and Compliance Conference December 9–10, 2021.  The session titled Compliance Central with FDA Center Compliance 

3 Key Takeaways from FDLI’s FDA Center Compliance Directors: Presentations and Q&A Session

On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hosted a webinar discussing the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/10/05/2021-21677/medical-device-de-novo-classification-process">final rule</a>, Medical Device De Novo Classification Process, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/premarket-submissions/de-novo-classification-request">associated guidance document updates</a>. The final rule, which will take effect on January 3, 2022, codifies the medical device De Novo classification process by adding new regulations at 21 CFR Part 860, Subpart D. Dr. Peter Yang, De Novo Program Lead at the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), led the webinar. Dr. Yang described the new De Novo regulations, explained how the regulations may or may not change the current De Novo review process, and answered questions from various interested parties.A De Novo request is a type of premarket submission, requesting the FDA to classify a novel device into class 1 or class 2 based on a determination of reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness (RASE). If the De Novo request is granted, the FDA creates a new classification regulation and the De Novo device can serve as the first predicate device of its kind. Subsequent requests will be a 510(k). While the final rule largely reflects the current review process, the FDA highlighted a few areas that stakeholders might be interested in.<ul><li>Refuse-to-Accept (RTA) Checklist. The most significant change is the updated acceptance checklist. 21 CFR 862.220 lists the De Novo request content, and 21 CFR 862.230 provides the acceptance review process. The current RTA checklist includes two parts: a required checklist (Appendix A) and a recommended checklist (Appendix B). With this new regulation, almost all the elements from Appendix A and Appendix B are now required elements. Specifically, the new checklists add items such as prior submission, classification summary (eligibility analysis), and device labeling. The FDA will perform an acceptance review within 15 days of receipt. The file is automatically accepted if the acceptance review is not performed.</li></ul><ul><li>Classification Procedure. The FDA aims to meet three goals when reviewing a De Novo request: (1) determining if the probable benefits outweigh the probable risk, (2) identifying probable risks to health for the device/product, and (3) based on the risks to health, determining the level of regulatory controls needed to mitigate the risk. If the FDA concludes that either general controls or both general and special controls will provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness, a De Novo request will be granted. The entire review will take 150 FDA days, a performance goal set by MDUFA IV, which is different than the statutory deadline of 120 FDA days.</li></ul><ul><li>Premarket Manufacturing Inspection. The final rule gives the FDA a new authority to conduct premarket manufacturing inspection, codified in 21 CFR 860.240. The FDA clarifies that the inspection will only affect “a small percentage” of De Novo requests and is limited to (1) data integrity concerns and (2) quality system regulation when devices have critical or novel manufacturing processes that may affect the safety and effectiveness of the product. For example, if a device proposes to use a novel sterilization technique, the FDA might want to inspect the facility to understand how the sterilization process functions. The sponsors will receive notification prior to any inspections with no specific timeframe.</li></ul><ul><li>Marketing Language. It is important to remember that a De Novo request is not a premarket approval (PMA) and is not subject to the same approval requirements as in a PMA. The FDA recommended De Novo marketing language includes “granted De Novo,” “De Novo is granted,” or “granted marketing authorization.” Similar to other non-PMA devices, the FDA does not recommend “FDA approved” for De Novo devices. </li></ul>

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Brigid is a food, drug, and medical device lawyer who counsels life sciences companies on a wide range of U.S. Food & Drug Administration pre- and post-market regulatory issues.

Brigid DeCoursey Bondoc

Brigid is a food, drug, and medical device lawyer who counsels life sciences companies on a wide range of U.S. Food & Drug Administration pre- and post-market regulatory issues.

Brigid Bondoc

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De Novo Classification Final Rule to Take Effect Next Year

De Novo Classification Final Rule to Take Effect Next Year

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On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hosted a webinar discussing the final rule, Medical Device De Novo Classification Pro

FDA is actively monitoring the use of AI and machine learning (ML) software in medical devices and clinical developments, and has taken a number of first steps in building out a regulatory framework.  In 2021, FDA published the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/145022/download" target="_blank">AI and Machine Learning Software as a Medical Device Action Plan</a>, which outlines FDA’s approach to regulating AI/ML technologies and next steps in furthering oversight, as well as the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/software-medical-device-samd/good-machine-learning-practice-medical-device-development-guiding-principles" target="_blank">Good Machine Learning Practice for Medical Device Development: Guiding Principles</a>, to inform the development of Good Machine Learning Practice.  FDA also released a <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/software-medical-device-samd/artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-aiml-enabled-medical-devices" target="_blank">database</a> of AI/ML-enabled medical devices currently marketed in the United States and will update this list as FDA reviews and authorizes additional AI/ML-enabled medical devices going forward. <a href="https://mofotech.mofo.com/topics/ai-trends-2022-fda.html" target="_self">Read more</a>.

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AI TRENDS FOR 2022 - FDA REGULATORY

Patenting Artificial Intelligence in the U.S. – Considerations for AI Companies

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FDA is actively monitoring the use of AI and machine learning (ML) software in medical devices and clinical developments, and has taken a number of first steps 

AI TRENDS FOR 2022 - FDA REGULATORY

The Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI) hosted the virtual conference Digital Health Technology and Regulation During COVID-19 and Beyond, November 9-10, 2021. Morrison & Foerster’s Stacy Cline Amin and Bethany Hills led panel discussions during the two-day conference.  Stacy Cline Amin, who served on the conference planning committee, moderated a panel discussion on congressional perspectives and considerations in the digital health space. Bethany Hills participated on a panel discussion on evolutions in telehealth regulation and reimbursement, with a focus on recent developments in 2021. Below are key topics and takeaways discussed during the panels.<h4>Congressional Perspectives in Digital Health</h4>This panel featured senior staff from both of the FDA’s committees of jurisdiction, the Senate Health Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, the House Energy & Commerce Committee, as well as senior staff who led the negotiations for the 21st Century Cures Act.<ol><li>At the time the 21st Century Cures Act was drafted and negotiated, Congress had in mind smart watches and similar digital health technology that is far less complicated than the realities of the technology today.  The advancements and increased technological complexity have brought a slew of intricate questions about when and how FDA regulation should come into play and whether Congress should provide more clarity for the industry.  For example, how should clinical decision support be defined, and at what point should it be subjected to FDA regulatory review or approval?    </li><li>In the artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) space, panelists discussed the challenges of regulating technology that is continuously changing and the potential incompatibility of AI/ML technologies with existing regulatory frameworks, such as change protocols.  Panelists emphasized the importance of having patients and providers at the table in these ongoing discussions and ensuring that Congressional stakeholders and constituents can understand the technology and mechanics in order to make meaningful decisions. </li><li>Congress is considering these issues as part of the Medical Device User Fee Amendments. Panelists encouraged industry stakeholders and constituents to provide comments and insights to Congressional representatives and staff as these discussion continue.</li></ol><h4>Telehealth 2021:  Regulatory and Reimbursement Developments</h4><ol><li>As we begin to approach the end of the pandemic, the waivers and exemptions extended during the public health emergency have begun to be withdrawn.  Without action from Congress, most Medicare beneficiaries of telehealth will lose access to the majority of telehealth services available during the pandemic.  While many stakeholders are advocating for permanent changes to law regarding telehealth access, a simple extension of the current wavier period is more likely as a near-term action.  Of note, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has already expanded its definition of telehealth services to include audio-only services for mental health services.  </li><li>CMS has created carve-outs for services that may not be defined exactly as telehealth services, but that are supportive of and integrated with telehealth, such as remote physiologic and therapeutic monitoring.  Changes to the RPM and RTM codes and guidelines indicate a certain degree of desired flexibility, but also come with additional questions and areas of ambiguity.  </li><li>Digital health companies are taking advantage of the health insurance adoption of telehealth, maximizing the benefit of telehealth and its potential to lower costs while enhancing patient care.  However, there are a number of challenging issues going forward, particularly with digital-first health insurance offerings and direct-to-consumer (DTC) telehealth products that incorporate insurance‑like features.  In addition, many states issued waivers permitting clinicians to practice across state borders without licensure during the pandemic.  As state-level licensure waivers are winding down, this poses challenges for digital health providers in constructing and maintaining viable provider networks for insurance and DTC markets.</li></ol>For questions on any of the topics discussed at this meeting, please contact the authors or a member of MoFo’s FDA Regulatory + Compliance practice.

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Morrison & Foerster Partners Speak at FDLI’s Digital Health Technology and Regulation Conference

Recent Digital Health-Related FDA Announcements

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The Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI) hosted the virtual conference Digital Health Technology and Regulation During COVID-19 and Beyond, November 9-10, 2021. 


Morrison & Foerster Partners Speak at FDLI’s Digital Health Technology and Regulation Conference

This week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with Health Canada and the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), identified <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/software-medical-device-samd/good-machine-learning-practice-medical-device-development-guiding-principles?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_source=STAT+Newsletters&utm_campaign=6a098880a8-health_tech_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8cab1d7961-6a098880a8-153551262" target="_blank">10 guiding principles</a> to inform the development of Good Machine Learning Practice (GMLP) and promote safe and effective medical devices that use artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).  The guiding principles “identify areas where the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF), international standards organizations, and other collaborative bodies could work to advance GMLP,” including creation of educational tools and resources, international harmonization, and consensus standards.<img alt="Good Machine Learning" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt4bac1f9a18159f5f/6273178d4d9f89297129022f/211101-good-machine.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">The guiding principles reflect some of the focus topics articulated in FDA’s <a href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/five-key-takeaways-from-FDAs-transparency-of-AIML-enabled-medical-devices-virtual-workshop.html" target="_blank">Transparency of AI/ML-Enabled Medical Devices Virtual Workshop</a>.  For example, the guiding principles recommend that “users are provided clear, essential information,” emphasizing the importance of providing clear, contextually relevant information about the device to the intended audience.  The principles also include requirements that “testing demonstrates device performance during clinically relevant conditions,” and “deployed models are monitored for performance and re-training risks are managed.”FDA welcomes feedback through the public docket at Regulations.gov (<a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FDA-2019-N-1185" target="_blank">FDA-2019-N-1185</a>) and may be contacted directly at <a href="mailto:Digitalhealth@fda.hhs.gov" target="_blank">Digitalhealth@fda.hhs.gov</a>.  Health Canada and the UK’s MHRA may be contacted directly at <a href="mailto:mddpolicy-politiquesdim@hc-sc.gc.ca" target="_blank">mddpolicy-politiquesdim@hc-sc.gc.ca</a> and <a href="mailto:software@mhra.gov.uk" target="_blank">software@mhra.gov.uk</a> respectively.For questions on any of the topics discussed at this meeting, please contact the authors or a member of MoFo’s <a href="https://www.mofo.com/capabilities/fda-life-sciences-compliance.html" target="_blank">FDA Regulatory + Compliance</a> practice.

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FDA and International Counterparts Release Best Practices for Machine Learning in Medical Device Development

FDA Clinical Decision Support Software vs. EU’s Medical Device Regulation

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This week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with Health Canada and the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MH

FDA and International Counterparts Release Best Practices for Machine Learning in Medical Device Development

On October 14, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a virtual public workshop on transparency surrounding Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) enabled medical devices.  The workshop focused on the role of transparency in enhancing the safe and effective use of AI/ML technology in the medical device space, with an emphasis on information-sharing methods for patients, caregivers, and providers.Below are five key takeaways from the workshop:<ol><li>Cultivating user awareness for both patients and healthcare providers will be a key area of focus for AI/ML-enabled device manufacturers and regulators going forward.  In presentations and panel discussions, many panelists expressed concern as to whether healthcare providers would understand the limitations of AI/ML devices and be able to properly interpret and use the data in administering care.</li><li>Transparency and effective communication of AI/ML medical device labeling will be important to consider for all user types.  Panelists discussed the idea of a nutrition facts label approach to AI/ML device labeling, using the analogy of food labeling to describe the balance of information and detail needed to enable users to make informed decisions.</li><li>Bias and systemic discrimination remain persistent issues in the AI/ML space.  FDA and various industry stakeholders expressed commitment to ensuring that the data used to train AI/ML models are diverse and accurately reflect the patient population in which the technology will be used.  Use of synthetic or artificial datasets to close the data gap and ensure devices are trained using ethnically diverse datasets has been a particularly relevant discussion.</li><li>Inequality, from both a patient and a manufacturer perspective, was a key topic of conversation during the workshop.  Panelists discussed the potential for inequitable access to AI/ML devices across different patient populations, as well as the potential for unequal access to data amongst manufacturers in the industry.</li><li>Transparency surrounding tracking and reporting of device error or malfunctions will be an important topic of discussion as AI/ML-enabled devices are made available.  Panelists discussed the potential for two-way communication between manufacturers and users, and FDA’s role in promoting such transparency.</li></ol>The recording of the webcast, transcript, and presentation slides will be posted on the Workshop webpage within the next few weeks.  FDA will continue to receive and review comments and questions regarding transparency of AI/ML-enabled medical devices online on the public docket.  Comments may be submitted on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/" target="_blank">regulations.gov</a> (Docket No. FDA-2019-N-1185) until November 15, 2021.For questions on any of the topics discussed at this meeting, please contact the authors or a member of MoFo’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/capabilities/fda-life-sciences-compliance.html">FDA Regulatory + Compliance</a> practice.

Five Key Takeaways from FDA’s Transparency of AI/ML-Enabled Medical Devices Virtual Workshop

On October 14, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a virtual public workshop on transparency surrounding Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning 

Five Key Takeaways from FDA’s Transparency of AI/ML-Enabled Medical Devices Virtual Workshop

In Part 6 of our <a href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-a-Medical-Device-in-Europe--New-Regulatory-Regime-About-to-Enter-into-Force--Part-1-of-6.html?utm_source=linkedin_elevate&utm_medium=social" target="_blank">series of consecutive articles</a> on the reformed regulatory framework under the <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02017R0745-20200424" target="_blank">EU Medical Device Regulation 2017/745</a> (“MDR”), which will govern medical devices software (“MDSW”) in the EU, we turn to the transition periods certain MDSW can benefit from before being required to fully comply with the MDR.Transitional periods are provided in Article 120 MDR. In part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the original text of Article 120 MDR has been corrected by two corrigenda (<a target="_blank" href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32017R0746R%2802%29">I</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32017R0746R%2803%29">II</a>) and another <a target="_blank" href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2020.130.01.0018.01.ENG">Regulation</a> to avoid additional burdens to stakeholders and impasses in the supply of medical devices. The changes introduced by these amendments are twofold: On the one hand, the scope of the existing transitional periods was substantially changed and now includes more devices. On the other hand, the MDR now reflects the pushed-back applicability dates of the MDR and their influence on the transitional periods.Due to the many amendments, however, the European legislator missed its aim to lay down clear and legible transitional rules. Therefore, the following article will decipher Article 120 MDR and provide an overview, which rules have to be observed when, as well as the prerequisites MDSW has to meet in order to benefit from the grace periods.<h4>1. INTRODUCTION: THE TERMINOLOGY OF ARTICLE 120 MDR</h4>The various transitional periods granted by Article 120 MDR allow for extended “placing on the market,” “making available on the market,” and “putting into service” of certain legacy MDSW, i.e., MDSW that was in compliance with the provisions of the current <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:1993L0042:20071011:en:PDF" target="_blank">EU Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC</a> (as amended by Directive 2007/47/EC – “MDD”). Other than with physical medical devices, it can be challenging to determine when these actions take place. It is thus worthwhile to take a closer look at their definitions under the MDR.Placing on the market means the first making available of a device, other than an investigational device, on the EU market (Article 2 (28) MDR). It is subject to an ongoing debate whether MDSW is placed on the market as soon as it is offered for download through a website or an App Store or whether every license or access key to a MDSW granted to a user is placed on the market upon issuance. The latter option seems favorable due to the underlying rationale of the MDR. Most of the MDR provisions, including the transitional rules, were designed with physical medical devices in mind, and it is therefore common understanding that the placing on the market applies separately to each individual device. Translated to MDSW, this means that every license or access key will only be considered placed on the market once it is issued to the user.Making available on the market means any supply of a device, other than an investigational device, for distribution, consumption, or use on the EU market in the course of a commercial activity, whether in return for payment or free of charge (Article 2 (27) MDR). Putting into service means the stage at which a device, other than an investigational device, has been made available to the final user as being ready for use on the EU market for the first time for its intended purpose (Article 2 (29) MDR). Following the placing on the market through issuance of a license or access key to MDSW, it is then made available through the download by a user and put into service through its installation. These modalities therefore cover the maintenance of licenses to MDSW that were already granted to the user.It must be mentioned that while some notified bodies back these conclusions, they are not set in stone, as courts have not yet decided on these issues.<h4>2. TRANSITIONAL PERIODS FOR UP-CLASSIFIED MDSW</h4>In <a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-Medical-Device-in-Europe-New-Reg-Regime-to-Enter-into-Force-Part-3.html">Part 3</a> of this series, we discussed that it is to be expected that many MDSW that are currently classified in Class I under the MDD will be up-classified to Class IIa or higher under the MDR regime (“Up-classified MDSW”). Such MDSW will benefit from the transitional periods of the MDR in two ways. First, new licenses and access keys to Up-classified MDSW may be granted until May 26, 2024 (Article 120 (3) MDR). Second, licenses and access keys granted until May 26, 2024, may be maintained until May 26, 2025 (Article 120 (4) MDR), i.e., users may use, download, and install Up-classified MDSW that they already purchased.a. Requirements for granting new licenses to Up-classified MDSWFor the aforementioned transitional periods to apply, the following requirements have to be met (see <a target="_blank" href="https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/40324/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/native">MDCG 2020-2</a> Guidance for further instructions; please note that the dates mentioned therein do not reflect the dates of the current version of the MDR):<ul><li>The MDSW needs to continue to comply with the MDD.</li></ul><ul><li>A valid Declaration of Conformity (“DoC”) complying with Annex VII of the MDD must be drawn before May 26, 2021. With the DoC, the manufacturer of the MDSW declares that it meets the relevant requirements of the MDD. Comprehensive instructions on the form, content, and handling of the DoC can be found in the MDCG 2020-2 Guidance, the <a target="_blank" href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/GA/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52016XC0726(02)">Blue Guide on the implementation of EU products rules 2016 (2016/C272/01)</a>, the standard EN ISO/IEC 17050-1/2, and the model declaration in Annex III of <a target="_blank" href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32008D0768">Decision No 768/2008/EC</a>.</li></ul><ul><li>The MDSW must not undergo significant changes to its design or intended purpose after May 26, 2021. It cannot be emphasized enough that this provision can have far‑reaching implications for the manufacturer’s ability to benefit from the transitional period, as it covers a lot of changes that could be considered desirable or, in the worst case, even mandatory changes. While the MDR does not define when a change is ‘significant,’ some meaningful guidance can be drawn from the <a target="_blank" href="https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/40301/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/native">MDCG 2020-3 Guidance on Significant Changes</a> that leads the determination process through a series of flow charts. Additionally, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.johner-institut.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Recommendation-NB-MED-2_5-2_Rec2_Reporting_of_design_changes_and_changes_of_the_quality.pdf">NB-MED Coordination on Council Directives 90/385/EEC, 93/42/EEC, and 98/79/EC</a> as well as the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.doks.nbog.eu/Doks/NBOG_BPG_2014_3.pdf">NBOG’s Best Practice Guide</a> should be considered. Following these guidelines, bug-fixes, security patches, and minor changes to non-critical parts of the user interface, such as spelling mistakes, will likely not be seen as significant. Vice-versa, changes to the intended user groups or changed indications, corrections of errors to minimize risks, changes to the user interface (like changing warning messages), or the use of a different runtime environment will likely be deemed significant (these examples are only for illustrative purposes and are not comprehensive).</li></ul>Any manufacturers of MDSW going this route are well advised to make themselves familiar with the guidance documents on significant changes. They should be aware that as MDSW by their very nature undergo a high volume of changes during their life cycle, it is likely that some of these changes could ultimately jeopardize the applicability of the transitional period.This risk is accelerated by the new <a target="_blank" href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019L0770">EU Directive on Digital Content and Services 2019/770</a>, which contains a mandatory obligation to update digital products in order to keep them in conformity with the underlying contract (Article 8 (2)). These obligations also apply to products, for which the consumer “pays” for with personal data (Article 3 (1)). Depending on the nature of the MDSW and the respective contract, changes required in this context can be of a kind that would be seen as significant under the MDR. As the Member States of the EU have to transpose these rules into national laws until July 1, 2021, these obligations will be applicable to manufacturers of MDSW very soon.b. Maintaining existing licenses until May 26, 2025 (Article 120 (4) MDR)Designed as a sell-off provision for physical medical devices, Article 120 (4) MDR allows for the continued making available on the market and putting into service until May 26, 2025, of legacy medical devices that were placed on the market prior to May 26, 2024. For MDSW, this means that licenses and access keys that were already issued before May 26, 2024, can be maintained for another year. In this timeframe, the manufacturer can give users who have already obtained a license or access key further access to the MDSW, allow the respective installations, and use and offer technical support.<h4>3. TRANSITIONAL PERIODS FOR SAME-CLASS MDSW</h4>Legacy MDSW that is classified as Class I under the MDD and which will remain in Class I under the MDR regime (“Same-class MDSW”) will have limited transitional options. Only licenses or access keys to Same-class MDSW granted before May 26, 2021, may be maintained until May 26, 2025 (Article 120 (4) MDR), i.e., users may use, download, and install already obtained Same-class MDSW. This makes sense, as the main purpose for transitional periods must be found in the legislatures aim to avoid congestion of the bottleneck of certification, the notified bodies, and full compliance of Same-class MDSW with the MDR can be achieved by way of the continued possibility of self-certification of Class I devices, as we have shown in <a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-Medical-Device-in-Eu--New-Reg-Enter-into-Force--Part-2-of-6.html">Part 2</a> of this series.To be on the safe side, manufacturers of Same-class MDSW should also consider not changing their product as long as use of already-issued licenses and access keys are required before full compliance with the MDR.<h4>4. TRANSITIONAL PERIODS FOR HIGHER-CLASS MDSW</h4>Even though most MDSW under the MDD was classified in Class I, some software for high-risk medical scenarios was already in Classes IIa to III (“Higher-class MDSW”). For example, MDSW intended to image in vivo distribution of radiopharmaceuticals was in Class IIa and MDSW controlling emitters of ionizing radiation for therapeutic interventional radiology was in Class IIb (<a target="_blank" href="https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/17921/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/native">MEDDEV 2.1/6 Guidance of July 2016</a>, p. 16).As Higher-class MDSW had to be certified by a notified body already under the MDD, the question whether new licenses and access keys may be granted depends on the continued validity of the certificate. Certificates to Higher-class MDSW certified prior to May 25, 2017, remain valid until the date indicated on the certificate.[1] Certificates to Higher-class MDSW certified after May 25, 2017, also remain valid until the indicated date but no longer than five years or until May 27, 2024, whichever is earlier. Accordingly, new licenses and access keys can be granted to customers as long as the MDSW certificate is valid but no longer than May 26, 2024 (Article 120 (2), (3) MDR).As with Up-classified MDSW, the following requirements have to be met for the transitional periods to apply.<ul><li>The MDSW needs to continue to comply with the MDD.</li></ul><ul><li>The MDSW must not undergo significant changes to its design or intended purpose after May 26, 2021.</li></ul>Any licenses and access keys granted in the described timeframe may be maintained until May 26, 2025 (Article 120 (4) MDR).<h4>5. MDR REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD</h4>The transitional period must not be understood as a delay of application of the MDR. The following MDR provisions have to be complied with from May 26, 2021, in any scenario (Article 120 (3) MDR):<ul><li>Post-market surveillance (Article 83 et seq, “PMS”): as we have shown in <a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-a-Medical-Device-in-Europe--New-Regulatory-Regime-About-to-Enter-into-Force-Part-4-of-6.html">part 4 of this series</a>, manufacturers of MDSW need to establish a PMS system that systematically gathers records and analyzes relevant data on the quality performance of MDSW for its entire lifetime. As a result, the manufacturer needs to draw the necessary conclusions from the findings and implement preventive and corrective actions. Additionally, manufacturers of MDSW in Classes IIa to III have to prepare a Periodic Safety Update Report summarizing the results and conclusions out of the abovementioned aspects.</li></ul><ul><li>Vigilance (Article 87 et seq): Manufacturers of MDSW are required to investigate and report serious incidents and take and report field safety corrective actions with regard to their products. Furthermore, they have to report on trends concerning the frequency or severity of side effects that are documented in the MDSW informational material and the technical documentation. For further information on incident reporting, please refer to <a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-a-Medical-Device-in-Europe--New-Regulatory-Regime-About-to-Enter-into-Force-Part-4-of-6.html">part 4 of this series</a>.</li></ul><ul><li>Registration of economic operators and of devices (Article 29 et seq): manufacturers will have to register their MDSW in accordance with the Unique Device Identifier (“UDI”) system that we have covered extensively in <a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-medical-device-in-Europe--New-Regulatory-Regime-About-To-Enter-Into-Force--Part-5-of-6.html">Part 5 of our series</a>. In addition, they need to register themselves with a unique Single Registration Number (“SRN”) and, where applicable, the authorized representative and the importer. SRNs are assigned by the competent authorities in the EU member states. The registration will be carried out through the European Databank on Medical Devices (“EUDAMED”), which is in the process of being set up.</li></ul><ul><li>Market surveillance (Article 93): the provisions on market surveillance cover the duties and activities carried out by the competent authorities to ensure that medical devices do not pose significant risks to the health and safety of patients. It therefore does not directly apply to manufacturers of MDSW.</li></ul><h4>6. CONCLUDING REMARKS</h4>As it is to be expected that many Class I MDSW will be up-classified under the MDR, developers should be duly prepared to qualify for the transitional periods and put the delay to good use. First, they should assess any upcoming necessary changes to their products and plan on pushing back any of them that could be deemed significant, as they could lead to abrupt applicability of all relevant MDR requirements (although there may be cases where they are forced to implement changes under PMS). Second, manufacturers should familiarize themselves with their obligations regarding PMS, vigilance, and registration and be ready for full compliance from May 21, 2021. Third, they should start preparing for MDR certification as additional pressure on the Competent Authorities at the end of the transitional periods are predictable. Manufacturers should begin to, inter alia, collect clinical data on their MDSW, set up a Quality Management System, and draft Clinical Evaluation plans.Timely preparation is of the essence as only an on-time certification can ensure a smooth transition into the new (delayed) framework.[1] In the rare case that a device has an EC-verification as set out in Annex IV to the MDD, it can only be placed on the market until May 27, 2022 (Article 120 (2) MDR).

Wolfgang advises clients on contentious and non-contentious matters involving their most valuable intellectual property assets in the digital, high-tech, life sciences, and pharmaceutical industries.

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Counsel

Stephan is counsel at Morrison Foerster’s German office in Berlin. He focuses on advising major German and international clients with regard to drafting and negotiating complex technology-related agreements and on matters concerning cloud computing, software, e/m-commerce, digital media, intellectual property rights, consumer rights, electronic communication, big data and cyber security requirements.

Stephan Kreß

Stephan is counsel at Morrison Foerster’s German office in Berlin. As a member of the technology transactions group, he focuses on advising major German and international clients with regard to drafting and negotiating complex technology-related agreements and on matters concerning cloud computing, software, e/m-commerce, digital media, intellectual property rights, consumer rights, electronic communication, big data and cyber security requirements.

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Robert advises companies in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical device, and technology industries on all aspects of intellectual property law, primarily in connection with commercial life sciences, licensing, and technology transactions. His clients range from multinational companies to startups.

Robert Grohmann

Robert Grohmann is counsel at Morrison Foerster’s German office in Berlin. As a member of the technology transactions group, he focuses on advising domestic and foreign companies and startups in all areas of technology and IP law, including patent and software licensing, employee inventions law, as well as know-how protection. Moreover, Mr. Grohmann’s expertise encompasses the judicial and extra-judicial representation in matters of trademark law, design law, and competition law.

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Software as a Medical Device in Europe – New Regulatory Regime About to Enter into Force – (Part 6 of 6)

Fourth Circuit’s Decision Revitalizes First Amendment Challenge to the TCPA

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In Part 6 of our series of consecutive articles on the reformed regulatory framework under the EU Medical Device Regulation 2017/745 (“MDR”), which will govern 

Software as a Medical Device in Europe – New Regulatory Regime About to Enter into Force – (Part 6 of 6)

On Friday, March 26, 2021, over 180 attendees worldwide attended McKinsey & Company’s first Global HealthTech CEO Connect of 2021. The discussion focused on regulatory and legal considerations for software as a medical device (SaMD) in both the United States and Europe and specific use cases for digital therapeutics and other digital health products. Speakers included Morrison & Foerster partners Bethany Hills and Wolfgang Schönig as well as special guest Corey McCann, president and CEO of Pear Therapeutics, in a fireside chat at the end of the program. Globally, the convergence of software technology and life sciences creates a massive opportunity for growth, and the market for these products is growing exponentially. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European regulators have focused on establishing a regulatory framework for oversight of SaMD.After key definitions and concept overviews by the McKinsey team, Bethany Hills set the foundation of the FDA’s evolution in regard to SaMD in the United States and provided insights into the specific pathways impacting digital therapeutics. The FDA has not specifically defined SaMD, instead relying in the guidance documents on the definition provided by the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF), which define the term as software intended to be used for one or more medical purposes that perform these purposes without being part of a hardware medical device. In essence, the software must act on its own, and have indications or be intended for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or monitoring of a condition. Medical devices in the United States are assigned one of three regulatory classes based on the risk and safety and effectiveness of the device. Most SaMD would fall under Class I or II, which then determines the type of submission required for authorization to market, including the 510(k) and De Novo pathways. Most devices are cleared under the 510(k) pathway; however, that trend is changing more recently, with many de novo submissions and authorizations involving SaMD. Areas to keep a close eye on include FDA’s finalization of its Clinical Decision Support Software Guidance, currently in draft form, and the Pre-Certification Pilot Program that could significantly impact SaMD if implemented outside the pilot program, by providing a faster, more efficient pathway to FDA authorization. The FDA does not make reimbursement-related decisions, however, a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/14/2021-00707/medicare-program-medicare-coverage-of-innovative-technology-mcit-and-definition-of-reasonable-and">CMS Final Rule</a> creates the Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (MCIT) pathway that will result in four years of national Medicare coverage starting on the date of the FDA’s market authorization of a device holding a Breakthrough Device Designation.  Providing the European perspective, Wolfgang took the stage to discuss the EU’s current regulatory landscape, and reimbursement for Digital Health Apps in Germany. The EU Medical Device Directive (MDD) will soon be replaced, effective May 26, 2021, by the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR), directly applicable across the EU and significantly stricter for medical device software (MDSW) in three areas: prediction and prognosis applications, impact on the Class I categorization, and enhanced quality and safety requirements. After a review of the MDSW classifications and key changes to the Quality Management Systems, including more stringent requirements for Post-Market Surveillance activities, additional responsibilities along the supply chain, and stricter timeframes for document retention and incident reporting, the discussion turned to Unique Device Identification, which aims to enhance the effectiveness of post-market safety-related activities and traceability. Finally, the discussion focused on the application requirements for low risk apps (Class I or IIa) to receive reimbursement in Germany per the regulation on the Eligibility of Digital Health Applications for Reimbursement by the State Health Schemes (DiGAV), including certain interoperability requirements with the Electronic Patient File system, data protection requirements, and positive healthcare effects to be shown.Below are some highlights from the Q&A:1. Are there exceptions for software developed in a research setting/environment?a. In the United States, a software product can be used in a research and development setting without requiring the FDA’s authorization. However, there are nuances if the research setting involves human subjects.b. In the EU, the MDR generally applies to SaMD that is made available to others, including in a research setting. Yet, one important exception allows for the in-house development and use of SaMD in health institutions with only limited regulation (Article 5(5) MDR). The requirements to fulfill in order to benefit from this exception are rather strict. Most notably, they include that the specific needs for the targeted treatment cannot be met by any equivalent device on the market and that the SaMD is not transferred to another legal entity.2. Is there different regulatory treatment if the use of the medical device is for healthcare providers only vs. patients?a. In the United States, the answer depends on the category of the SaMD. For example,<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/109618/download" target="_blank"> Clinical Decision Support</a> software has different standards applied for provider users v. patient users.b. The MDR in the EU does not expressly distinguish between groups of end-users; however, some regulatory requirements can make differentiated measures necessary. For example, instructions for use under certain circumstances may be delivered to professionals in electronic form while non-professional users can demand a printed version. Additionally, member states of the EU can decide that the instructions must be delivered in a certain language. In this regard, Germany requires documents to be in German for non-professional users but deems English instructions sufficient for professional users.3. What are some of the reimbursement options for SaMD companies?a. Reimbursement options and pathways seem elusive for SaMD companies, although there does seem to be an evolving path for the category of digital therapeutics.b. In the EU, reimbursement options for SaMD are not harmonized, i.e., each member state has established its own rules on the matter. This means, that the requirements to qualify for reimbursement differ significantly from country to country. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has seriously boosted the acceptance and demand for digital health products, some member states are currently revisiting their frameworks for reimbursement for SaMD. Germany, for instance, has enacted the DiGAV under which certain low risk apps (Class I or IIa) can receive reimbursement (see above and <a href="https://www.bfarm.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/MedicalDevices/DiGA_Guide.pdf;jsessionid=04D2120BC0B889420CDDF02A652FA0D2.2_cid354?__blob=publicationFile&v=2" target="_blank">here</a>).4. What are the implications of GDPR on SaMD regulation in Europe? Among other issues to consider, the GDPR sets up restrictions for transfers of personal data from within the European Union to a country outside the EU. Please note that the meaning of “transfer” is understood quite broadly, and includes situations in which personal data becomes accessible to a third party, even if such third party does not actually access the data. Cross-border data transfers require a so-called transfer mechanism, which can usually be an adequacy decision by the European Commission for a particular country, EU model clauses, or binding corporate rules. Following the judgment of the European Court of Justice in the case “Schrems II,” in which the Court invalidated the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, transfers to the United States have become particularly onerous to facilitate. Furthermore, EU member states may have introduced additional restrictions for transfers in the context of SaMD. For example, in Germany under the DiGAV, data transfers to the United States or any other non-EU country without an adequacy decision by the EU Commission is generally impossible. However, the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices has issued guidance explaining under which circumstances it may be possible to use EU subsidiaries with parent companies in non-EU countries. More information is available <a href="https://www.bfarm.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/MedicalDevices/Data_Processing_outside_of_Germany_FAQ.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3" target="_blank">here</a>. Please note, however, that this topic is hotly debated and far from settled.5. How critical is HIPAA for companies in the U.S. market? HIPAA is a critical set of federal standards for privacy and security of protected health information. However, HIPAA is only one piece of the patchwork of privacy and security laws in the United States spanning federal and state requirements that could be applicable to SaMD.Related posts <a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Progress-and-Concerns-of-FDAs-Plan-for-Regulatory-Oversight-of-Artificial-IntelligenceMachine-Learning-AIML-Based-Software-as-Medical-Devices-SaMDs.html">FDA’s Plan for AI/ML-Based Software as Medical Devices: Progress and Concerns</a><a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/FDA-Clinical-Decision-Support-Software-vs-EUs-Medical-Device-Regulation.html">FDA Clinical Decision Support Software Vs. EU’s Medical Device Regulation</a>  MoFo Life Sciences also features a six-part blog series discussing software as a medical device in Europe and the current regulatory landscape in more detail. Catch-up on parts 1-5 below and subscribe to our blog to receive the latest updates. <ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-a-Medical-Device-in-Europe--New-Regulatory-Regime-About-to-Enter-into-Force--Part-1-of-6.html">New regulatory regime about to enter into force</a></li><li><a href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-Medical-Device-in-Eu--New-Reg-Enter-into-Force--Part-2-of-6.html" target="_blank">A more detailed approach to the “intended purpose” </a> </li><li><a href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-Medical-Device-in-Europe-New-Reg-Regime-to-Enter-into-Force-Part-3.html" target="_blank">Risk class re-categorization</a></li><li><a href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-a-Medical-Device-in-Europe--New-Regulatory-Regime-About-to-Enter-into-Force-Part-4-of-6.html" target="_blank">Additional quality assurance and documentation requirements for MDSW</a></li><li><a href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-medical-device-in-Europe--New-Regulatory-Regime-About-To-Enter-Into-Force--Part-5-of-6.html" target="_blank">Introduction of a Unique Device Identification requirement for MDSW</a></li></ul>

Global HealthTech CEO Connect: Software as a Medical Device in the U.S. and EU Recap

On Friday, March 26, 2021, over 180 attendees worldwide attended McKinsey & Company’s first Global HealthTech CEO Connect of 2021. The discussion focused on reg

Global HealthTech CEO Connect: Software as a Medical Device in the U.S. and EU Recap

In follow-up to our colleagues recent <a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-Medical-Device-in-Europe-New-Reg-Regime-to-Enter-into-Force-Part-3.html">post</a> about the newly implemented Medical Device Regulation (“MDR”) in the European Union, this post will discuss some of the similarities between FDA’s Clinical Decision Support (“CDS”) Software Draft <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/media/109618/download">Guidance</a> (together the “CDS Draft Guidance”) and the MDR. While still in draft form, we note that FDA has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/guidance-documents-medical-devices-and-radiation-emitting-products/cdrh-proposed-guidances-fiscal-year-2021-fy-2021">signaled its intent</a> to finalize the CDS Draft Guidance in 2021.<h4>Statutory Framework</h4>Under the current CDS Draft Guidance, FDA first bases its approach to CDS on criteria set forth in the 21st Century Cures Act (the “Cures Act”). Excluded from the definition of a “device” under the Cures Act are software functions that met all four of the following criteria:(1) not intended to acquire, process, or analyze a medical image or a signal from an in vitro diagnostic device or a pattern signal from a signal acquisition system;(2) intended for the purpose of displaying, analyzing, or printing medical information about a patient or other medical information (such as peer-reviewed clinical studies and clinical practice guidelines);(3) not intended for the purpose of supporting or providing recommendations to a health care professional about prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease or condition; and(4) intended for the purpose of enabling such health care professional to independently review the basis for such recommendations that such software presents so that it is not the intent that such health care professional rely primarily on any of such recommendations to make a clinical diagnosis or treatment decision regarding an individual patient.Notably, these criteria do not include software functions intended for a patient or caregiver; rather, these criteria apply only to those software functions for “health care professionals.” Accordingly, software device manufacturers must analyze all software functions utilized by patients and caregivers carefully using the CDS Draft Guidance to determine whether FDA will either exercise its oversight focus, requiring the software to receive FDA approval as a device, or its enforcement discretion.  <h4>IMDRF Framework</h4>FDA’s CDS Draft Guidance also relies on the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (“IMDRF”) Framework for Software as a Medical Device (“SaMD”) in approaching its interpretation of the criteria from the statue that would exclude a software from the definition of a medical device. The MDR also utilized this IMDRF framework for SaMD. IMDRF focuses on two factors, which are critical to the analysis of SaMD: (1) whether the user uses the information provided by a SaMD to treat or diagnose, to drive clinical management, or to inform clinical management; and (2) whether the patient’s healthcare situation or condition is critical, serious, or non-serious.The CDS Draft Guidance utilizes the IMDRF framework, and includes a variation of the classification used under Rule 11 by the European Commission’s <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/37581" target="_blank">Guidance on Qualification and Classification of Software in Regulation (EU) 2017/745-MDR and Regulation (EU) 2017/746-IVDR</a>, to similarly categorize different types of SaMD.<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td width="156" rowspan="2" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">State of healthcare situation or condition</td><td width="468" colspan="3" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Significance of information provided by SaMD tohealthcare decision</td></tr><tr><td width="156" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Treat ordiagnose</td><td width="156" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Drive clinical management</td><td width="156" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Inform clinicalmanagement</td></tr><tr><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Critical</td><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">IV</td><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">III</td><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">II</td></tr><tr><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Serious</td><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">III</td><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">II</td><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">I</td></tr><tr><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Non-serious</td><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">II</td><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">I</td><td width="156" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">I</td></tr></tbody></table> FDA uses the risk-categorizations described above to apply a risk-based policy to its regulation of Device CDS functions.<h4>Other Components of the CDS Draft Guidance</h4>In addition to the above framework from IMDRF, the CDS Draft Guidance also focuses on whether the intended user is a healthcare provider or a patient or caregiver and whether the user can independently review the basis for the recommendation from the software.  This focus on user-type and independent review, rooted in the Cures Act language, is a departure from the IMDRF (and the MDR’s) framework, which focuses more upon the intended use of the software and the medical conditions the software covers. As you can see in the table below, FDA has a demonstrated interest in those software functions where the intended user is a patient or caregiver, particularly when the device is informing clinical management for serious or critical healthcare situations or conditions. Similarly, when the intended user is a healthcare provider, FDA does not consider the software to be a device so long as the healthcare provider can independently review the basis for the recommendation.Combining the IMDRF Framework with FDA’s focus on the user-type and whether the user can independently review the basis for the recommendation, results in the following table:<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td width="249" colspan="2" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;"> </td><td width="125" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Intended User is HCP</td><td width="234" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Intended User is Patient or Caregiver</td></tr><tr><td width="125" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">IMDRF Risk Categorization</td><td width="125" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Can the User Independently Review the Basis?</td><td width="125" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">FDA Regulation</td><td width="234" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">FDA Regulation</td></tr><tr><td width="125" rowspan="2" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">InformxCritical</td><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Yes</td><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Not a Device</td><td width="234" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Oversight Focus</td></tr><tr><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">No</td><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Oversight Focus</td><td width="234" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Oversight Focus</td></tr><tr><td width="125" rowspan="2" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">InformxSerious</td><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Yes</td><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Not a Device</td><td width="234" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Oversight Focus</td></tr><tr><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">No</td><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Oversight Focus</td><td width="234" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Oversight Focus</td></tr><tr><td width="125" rowspan="2" valign="top" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">InformxNon-Serious</td><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Yes</td><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Not a Device</td><td width="234" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Enforcement Discretion</td></tr><tr><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">No</td><td width="125" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Enforcement Discretion</td><td width="234" style="width: undefined%; height: auto;">Oversight Focus</td></tr></tbody></table> <h4>Examples</h4>The CDS Draft Guidance provides a number of examples where FDA works through its framework. These examples walk through the IMDRF framework while considering the intended user and whether the user can independently review the recommendation from the SaMD.Non-Device CDSFDA considers the following software to not be a device: software that compares patient signs, symptoms, or results with available practice guidelines (institutions-based or academic/clinical society-based) to recommend condition-specific diagnostic tests, investigations, or therapy to healthcare providers. In this example, the software uses practice guidelines as the basis for the recommendation and provides such guidelines to the healthcare provider to review, such that the health care provider does not rely primarily on the software’s recommendation.Enforcement DiscretionFDA plans to utilize its enforcement discretion on software that assist a patient in identifying an over-the-counter cold or allergy medication to consider purchasing based on symptoms. In this example, the software would include appropriate warnings about products with overlapping ingredients. This software is device CDS because it is intended for a patient; however, FDA does not intend to enforce compliance because the software is intended to provide options to patients for the treatment of a non-serious situation or condition and because the patient can independently review the basis for the software’s recommendations.Oversight FocusFDA plans to focus its regulatory oversight on device CDS functions intended for patients, where the software is informing clinical management of serious or critical conditions. For example, FDA intends to regulate the following as device CDS: a software function that recommends when the parent or caregiver of pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis should take a child to the emergency room by aggregating information based on patient-specific symptoms and care guidelines. This software is device CDS because a caregiver uses the software and the software informs clinical management for a critical situation or condition, particularly because of the fragility of the target population.   <h4>Conclusion</h4>Recognizing that companies with global offerings face a complexity of issues, companies should seek to leverage similarities amongst the regulatory classification of SaMD and CDS. However, companies should simultaneously be acutely attuned to the critical differences in how those frameworks are applied by the applicable regulatory bodies. There is a need for attention to these issues, particularly with the upcoming finalization of the CDS guidance in FY2021 by FDA and the MDR coming into effect on May 26, 2021.

FDA Clinical Decision Support Software vs. EU’s Medical Device Regulation

In follow-up to our colleagues recent post about the newly implemented Medical Device Regulation (“MDR”) in the European Union, this post will discuss some of t

The preceding articles of this <a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-a-Medical-Device-in-Europe--New-Regulatory-Regime-About-to-Enter-into-Force--Part-1-of-6.html">series </a>laid out how the new EU Medical Device Regulation 2017/745 (“MDR”) leads to a broader coverage of medical devices and an overall deeper level of regulation in areas already regulated before.  This episode will put the spotlight on a feature introduced to the European market of medical devices for the first time: the Unique Device Identification (“UDI”) system, also referred to as the bar-code system for medical devices.<h4>INTRODUCTION</h4>Following the lifecycle approach of the MDR, the identification system aims to enhance the effectiveness of the post-market safety-related activities. The system brings about two key obligations: device labeling and data submission requirements.  If this does not sound at all novel, it might be for other medical device markets, such as the U.S., that have had similar rules in place for quite some time.  The UDI is obtained through officially designated entities, some of which are entrusted by both EU and U.S. authorities.  The data submissions will have to be made to the European Databank on Medical Devices (“<a href="https://eudamed.eu/" target="_blank">EUDAMED</a>”), which is in the process of being set up. Submissions of UDI data to EUDAMED will be mandatory beginning November 26, 2022. However, providers of medical device software (“MDSW”) can start the process of obtaining a UDI immediately.<h4>1. UDI FORMATS</h4>The MDR requires a medical device to be labelled with a certain UDI, which allows for a clear and unambiguous identification of specific medical devices and facilitates their traceability on the market. What is visible, is called the “UDI-carrier,” which can either be an automatic identification and data capture (“AIDC”) (i.e., bar codes, smart cards, biometrics, etc.) or a human-readable interpretation (“HRI”) (a series of numeric or alphanumeric characters). All of the issuing entities, currently <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/38582?locale=en" target="_blank">GS1</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/38564?locale=en" target="_blank">HIBCC</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/38566?locale=en" target="_blank">ICCBBA</a>, and <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/38581?locale=en" target="_blank">IFA GmbH</a>, have their own algorithm to create UDIs. The format is based on guidelines (<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/md_sector/docs/md_mdcg_2019_1_budi_rules_ie_en.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>) but will be specific to the issuing entity.  An example of a human-readable UDI assigned by IFA GmbH could be “(9N)1101234568(S)ABC123.”According to Article 27 of the MDR, the UDI comprises of a Device Identifier (“UDI-DI”), which is specific to a manufacturer and a device, and the Production Identifier (“UDI-PI”), which identifies the unit of device production.The UDI-DI is linked to a so-called Basic UDI-DI that connects devices with the same intended purpose, risk class, and essential design and manufacturing characteristics, identifying a certain group of devices. The Basic UDI-DI itself will not be placed on the product but has to be provided to EUDAMED.<h4>2. UDI FOR MDSW</h4>Annex VI Part C Point 6.5 of the MDR addresses the UDI assignment on MDSW specifically. Some guidance on the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/md_sector/docs/md_mdcg_2018_5_software_en.pdf" target="_blank">UDI assignment to MDSW</a> provided by the Medical Device Coordination Group is provided <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/md_sector/docs/md_mdcg_2018_5_software_en.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>, according to which UDI-DI shall be assigned to stand-alone MDSW (available on its own and software that constitutes a device in itself) at the system level of such MDSW. If MDSW is sold on a physical medium, every level of packaging needs to display UDI in AIDC format and HRI format. Software comprising a user interface must display the UDI easily accessible in plain-text format, while software without a user interface needs to be able to transfer the UDI by API.Upon substantial changes to the MDSW, a new UDI-DI is required (Annex VI Part C Point 6.5.2 of the MDR). Guidance on changes can be found <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/40322" target="_blank">here</a>. Such new UDI-DI requirements are also triggered upon a change to Basic UDI-DI that impacts the original performance, safety, or the interpretation of data or to the name or trade name, version or model number, critical warnings or contraindications, or user interface language. Minor software revisions, such as bug fixes, usability enhancements that are not for safety purposes, security patches, or operating efficiency, shall require a new UDI-PI and not a new UDI‑DI.<h4>3. CONCLUDING REMARKS</h4>With the introduction of the UDI system, the MDR steps up the post-market transparency and levels with what seems to have become an international regulatory standard. For providers of MDSW, this means to plan for additional steps before placing their products on the market. From a regulatory perspective, it is necessary to obtain a UDI and provide data to EUDAMED, while practically a labeling concept has to be developed.Against this background, manufacturers of medical devices should bear in mind the timeline regarding the obligation of UDI assignment, which depends on the device class. High-risk devices in Class III start on May 26, 2021, followed by Class IIa and IIb devices, which are due on May 26, 2023. The low-risk devices in Class I are due on May 26, 2025. Links to previous articles in the series: <a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-a-Medical-Device-in-Europe--New-Regulatory-Regime-About-to-Enter-into-Force--Part-1-of-6.html">SOFTWARE AS A MEDICAL DEVICE IN EUROPE – NEW REGULATORY REGIME ABOUT TO ENTER INTO FORCE – (PART 1 OF 6)</a><a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-Medical-Device-in-Eu--New-Reg-Enter-into-Force--Part-2-of-6.html">SOFTWARE AS A MEDICAL DEVICE IN EUROPE – NEW REGULATORY REGIME ABOUT TO ENTER INTO FORCE – (PART 2 OF 6)</a><a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-Medical-Device-in-Europe-New-Reg-Regime-to-Enter-into-Force-Part-3.html">SOFTWARE AS A MEDICAL DEVICE IN EUROPE – NEW REGULATORY REGIME ABOUT TO ENTER INTO FORCE – (PART 3 OF 6)</a><a target="_blank" href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/topics/Software-as-a-Medical-Device-in-Europe--New-Regulatory-Regime-About-to-Enter-into-Force-Part-4-of-6.html">SOFTWARE AS A MEDICAL DEVICE IN EUROPE – NEW REGULATORY REGIME ABOUT TO ENTER INTO FORCE – (PART 4 OF 6)</a>