Microtest white paper guides medical device manufacturers in applying new FDA regulations to combination products

A new free, white paper that guides medical device manufacturers in the complicated process of applying new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations to combination products embedded with pharmaceutical or biologic components is now available from Microtest Laboratories (http://www.microtestlabs.com/combination-products-20/)

Combination products are a large and growing segment of the medical device market, with some analysts estimating they represent over 30% of all new product submissions to the FDA. As the market continues to grow, it is further compounded by the introduction of human tissue and cellular products (HCT/Ps) incorporated in combination products, which in turn, raise a host of new challenges for testing, sterilization, and contamination avoidance.

Over the past 12 months, the FDA has addressed the dichotomy of dual quality systems by developing streamlined regulations for Good Manufacturing Compliance. These regulations, designated as 21 CFR Part IV, are anticipated to become law by the end of 2010.

Once promulgated, manufacturers will be held accountable for compliance and the FDA will use it as a legal document for enforcement. In the new white paper titled, "Combination Products 2.0: Applying the New FDA Regulations," Steven Richter, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of Microtest Laboratories, Inc., addresses the implications for manufacturers. (Download from: http://www.microtestlabs.com/combination-products-20/). In the white paper, Dr. Richter discusses:

• The New Regulations
• Determining Principal Mode of Action -- Device or Drug?
• Stem Cells & Human Tissue in Combination Products
• The Implications for Testing and Validation
• An Example: Drug-Eluting Stents

"The new FDA regulations governing combination products are a major step forward for the industry. They apply to parts of both the QSR and GMP quality systems in a way that makes sense for the unique characteristics of each combination product. 21 CFR Part IV closes the gaps in the 2004 guidelines and succinctly clarifies the process for establishing quality systems that ensure compliance and patient health and safety. The ability of manufacturers to understand, establish, implement reliable testing procedures will be critical in complying with these new requirements," Dr. Richter said.

Download a free copy of "Combination Products 2.0: Applying the New FDA Regulations" from http://www.microtestlabs.com/combination-products-20/.