Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) Regulation - FDA 510(m)(2)

The long awaited final guidance, issued July 8,- if the file is not complete, a RTF, a refusal to file
2010 by CDRH/ODE, for HDE Holders, Institutionalwill be issued and the file returned to the
Review Boards (IRBs), Clinical Investigators andsubmitter
FDA Staff is now available to interested parties.- if the file is incomplete and a RTF is issued with
The last updated draft was issued August 5,a request for additional information, the clock
2008 and a previous regulation was issued July 18,re-starts, the 75-day period is reset
2006. This document supersedes all others. The- the review time for amendments, supplements
guidance provides application and clinical submissionand additional reports is 75 days
information pertaining to Humanitarian Device- HDE amendments, supplements and additional
Exemption for Humanitarian Use Devices (HUDs)reports are subject to the same regulations as
authorized by FDA 510(m)(2) and sets forthPMAs
additional requirements for Pediatric Device Safety- there are no user fees due FDA for the filing
and Improvement.- QRS regulation applies and is focused on
An HDE is an application guided by 21 CFRmanufacturing processes relevant to the safety
814.3(n), for medical devices for intended use thatof the device
will benefit "in the treatment or diagnosis of a- an exemption from QRS regulation may be
disease or condition that affects or is manifestedrequested and considered.
in fewer than 4000 individuals in the US per year".An HDE may be regulated by CDRH or CBER or
The HDE is similar to the premarket (PMA)both. The first step, when considering a clinical
approval application, but does not requireapplication or a clinical submission for HUD or HUD
effectiveness requirements as described in the"Exemptions" is to determine which review division
guidance. Medical HUDs cannot be sold for profitand center the file will be submitted. QC must be
and only can be used for its intended use underused to ensure file-ability, completeness of
the approved direction of an IRB, except incomponents and to ensure quality of data and
certain emergencies described in the guidance.documentation, ensure previous submitted
The guidance provides distinction on when a HUDconsistency in file content and regulatory
can be "used" vs. "investigational use" / "clinicalcompliance.
investigation".HUDs and HDEs are meaningful to patients who
FDA Considerations:fall into a "special" small, treatable and/or
- FDA will approve or deny HDE applications 75diagnosed disease and/or emergent situation.
days from the date of receiptThese applications, as well can be used as
- a 30 day filing period starting at the file date, willstrategic "planning" tools.
be used by FDA to determine "completeness"