Assyro AI
US FDAUnited StatesALApproval Letter

Approval Letter Other 209988 (Jan 1, 2023)

Issued January 1, 2023

Issued

January 1, 2023

Application

Other • 209988

Review center

Other

Stage

Final Decision

Letter type

Approval Letter

Response due January 1, 2024Product may be marketed.

Summary

This is a Complete Response letter from the FDA to scPharmaceuticals Services, Inc. for their New Drug Application (NDA) 209988 for Furoscix™ (Furosemide), a drug-device combination product. The FDA has determined that the application cannot be approved in its current form due to significant deficiencies related to device design changes, Master Access File documentation, biocompatibility testing, chemical characterization (leachables), electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility, labeling, and human factors studies. The letter outlines specific issues and provides recommendations for addressing them.

Key points

  • Submit the to-be-marketed device and all finalized documentation to support device functions safely and effectively when responding to a Complete Response or submitting a new application.
  • Clearly state testing performed on previous device versions and justify its relevance.
  • Work with the Master Access File (MAF) Holder to ensure adequate resolution of identified deficiencies.
  • Resubmit the NDA only once MAF deficiencies are resolved and adequate documentation is present in the MAF.
  • Provide particulates testing per USP <788> method 1 light obscuration method on the final finished device.
  • Clarify which method (USP <788> method 1 or 2) was used for particulates testing; if method 2 was used, provide testing per method 1.
  • Clarify which method (ISO or Direct Contact Method) was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity endpoint for the adhesive patch and provide justification for the chosen method.
  • Discuss and clarify if the sample preparation and test extract method for leachables is clinically relevant, or provide new testing under clinically relevant conditions.

Cited reasons

  • Undisclosed Significant Device Design Changes
  • Outstanding Deficiencies with MAF Holder
  • Biocompatibility Test Article Differences and Particulate Testing
  • Clarification on Particulate Testing Method
  • Clarification on Cytotoxicity Evaluation Method
  • Clinically Relevant Conditions for Leachables Testing
  • Adequacy of Methods for Volatile/Semi-Volatile Compounds
  • Inadequate Electrical Safety and EMC Labeling

Recommended actions

  • Submit the to-be-marketed device and all finalized documentation to support device functions safely and effectively when responding to a Complete Response or submitting a new application.
  • Clearly state testing performed on previous device versions and justify its relevance.
  • Work with the Master Access File (MAF) Holder to ensure adequate resolution of identified deficiencies.
  • Resubmit the NDA only once MAF deficiencies are resolved and adequate documentation is present in the MAF.
  • Provide particulates testing per USP <788> method 1 light obscuration method on the final finished device.
  • Clarify which method (USP <788> method 1 or 2) was used for particulates testing; if method 2 was used, provide testing per method 1.
  • Clarify which method (ISO or Direct Contact Method) was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity endpoint for the adhesive patch and provide justification for the chosen method.
  • Discuss and clarify if the sample preparation and test extract method for leachables is clinically relevant, or provide new testing under clinically relevant conditions.

Deficiency summary

The FDA issued a Complete Response Letter for Furoscix™ due to significant, undisclosed changes to the device design during the review cycle, outstanding deficiencies with the Master Access File (MAF) holder, and inadequate data/documentation regarding biocompatibility, chemical characterization, electrical safety, labeling, and human factors. The agency cannot determine the safety and effectiveness of the current device design.

Findings

Undisclosed Significant Device Design Changes

Severity: critical

The sponsor made significant changes to the design of the to-be-marketed device during the review cycle without the FDA’s prior knowledge. This raises questions about the safety and efficacy and the relevance of previously submitted documentation. The FDA cannot determine if the original submission supports the safety and effectiveness of the current design.

Recommended response: Resubmit with the finalized to-be-marketed device and all supporting documentation. Clearly state any testing performed on previous versions and justify its relevance.

Outstanding Deficiencies with MAF Holder

Severity: major

Significant documentation for the device constituent relies on a Master Access File (MAF). There are outstanding deficiencies communicated separately to the MAF Holder.

Recommended response: Work with the MAF Holder to resolve all identified deficiencies. Resubmit the NDA only after all deficiencies are resolved and adequate documentation is present in the MAF.

Biocompatibility Test Article Differences and Particulate Testing

Severity: major

Differences exist between the biocompatibility test article and the final finished product. Particulates testing per USP <788> method 1 light obscuration method is required on the final finished device to ensure particulate matters are within an acceptable range.

Recommended response: Provide particulates testing per USP <788> method 1 light obscuration method on the final finished device. Address the differences between the test article and the final product.

Cited: USP <788>

Clarification on Particulate Testing Method

Severity: major

Particulate testing was stated to be conducted per USP <788>, but it's unclear if Method 1 (Light Obscuration) or Method 2 (Microscopic) was used. For infusion devices, Method 1 is recommended.

Recommended response: Clarify which USP <788> method was used. If Method 2 was used, provide new testing per USP <788> method 1 light obscuration method.

Cited: USP <788>

Clarification on Cytotoxicity Evaluation Method

Severity: minor

Inconsistent information regarding the method used to evaluate cytotoxicity for the adhesive patch (ISO vs. ISO Direct Contact Method). Justification for the chosen method is required.

Recommended response: Clarify which method was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity endpoint for the adhesive patch and provide justification for this method.

Cited: ISO

Clinically Relevant Conditions for Leachables Testing

Severity: major

The sample preparation for leachable testing used a specific method, but it is unclear if the extraction occurred under clinically relevant conditions.

Recommended response: Discuss and clarify if the sample preparation and test extract method is clinically relevant. Alternatively, provide new testing under clinically relevant conditions.

Adequacy of Methods for Volatile/Semi-Volatile Compounds

Severity: major

In GC/MS direct injection results for leachables, spike recoveries were reported, but it's unclear how the sponsor ensures detection of semi-volatile and volatile compounds.

Recommended response: Provide a rationale justifying that the methods are appropriate for detecting semi-volatile and volatile compounds or provide new testing using appropriate methods.

Inadequate Electrical Safety and EMC Labeling

Severity: major

Labeling does not contain adequate electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility information as recommended by IEC 60601-1 series. Specific issues include insufficient EMC warning text, missing essential performance information, and missing battery specifications.

Recommended response: Revise labeling to include adequate EMC warnings (e.g., specific distance for RF communications equipment), essential performance information, and battery specifications (type, rated voltage, power) as recommended by IEC 60601-1 series.

Cited: IEC 60601-1-2:2014, IEC 60601-1

Incomplete Labeling Updates and Missing Warnings

Severity: major

The sponsor failed to update labeling as previously requested and it lacks critical warnings and information. Specific missing items include electrical safety/EMC symbols, software version, accuracy factors, residual volume, warnings for CT/ultrasound/X-ray environments, and adherence to home-use and infusion pump guidance.

Recommended response: Provide all originally requested labeling updates. Ensure labeling contains all specified warnings and information, including electrical safety/EMC symbols, software version, accuracy factors, residual volume, and warnings for various environments. Ensure compliance with referenced FDA guidance documents.

Insufficient Evidence for Home Use Validation

Severity: major

The sponsor stated the infusor was validated for clinic or home settings but provided insufficient evidence, and the response to IR #2a remains incomplete.

Recommended response: Update the device's Instructions for Use and provide sufficient evidence to support validation for home use.

Inadequate Human Factors Risk Analysis and IFU for Exclusion Criteria

Severity: major

The human factors/usability use-related risk analysis does not assess risks for patients with specific exclusion criteria (e.g., chronic skin conditions, allergies to adhesives, recent medication use, skin conditions on abdomen). The proposed Instructions for Use (IFU) also lacks adequate information beyond a general statement.

Recommended response: Submit an updated use-related risk analysis assessing risks for patients with the listed characteristics. If critical tasks are identified, update IFU with risk mitigations (contraindications, warnings) and submit supplemental human factors validation study data or justification. Add appropriate contraindications to the Prescribing Information (PI) or justify omission.

Human Factors Study Not Conducted with To-Be-Marketed Device

Severity: critical

The human factors (HF) study report was included with the resubmission, but a subsequent Device Improvement Report indicates the device was modified after the HF study. The FDA expects the HF validation study to be conducted with the to-be-marketed device.

Recommended response: Conduct a new human factors validation study with the finalized, to-be-marketed device.

Regulatory context

Submission stage
final decision
Regulatory pathway
section 505(b)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

Impact

Impact score
0.95
Estimated delay
365 days
Estimated rework cost
$0
Subsequent action
resubmission

Strategic insights

The primary themes are a lack of transparency and control over device design changes, insufficient data to support the safety and efficacy of the modified device, and critical gaps in documentation, testing, and labeling, particularly concerning the device component of this combination product.

Regulatory change impact: Pending sponsor mitigation plan

Approval likelihood after response: 5%

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