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IDE Clinical Investigation Decision Process and Requirements

This guidance clarifies FDA's decision-making process for Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical investigations. It explains the different types of FDA decisions (approval, approval with conditions, staged approval, disapproval) and their regulatory implications. The guidance aims to facilitate timely initiation of device clinical studies while maintaining appropriate subject protections.

  1. Submit comprehensive IDE application addressing all regulatory requirements
  2. Consider staged approval approach if additional safety data needed during study
  3. Address informed consent requirements before initiating enrollment
  4. Implement appropriate monitoring and safety reporting procedures
  5. Submit required supplements for changes and periodic reports
  6. Consider FDA’s study design recommendations if marketing application is planned
  7. Maintain compliance with manufacturing controls and facilities requirements
  8. Track enrollment limits and site restrictions per FDA approval
  9. Respond to FDA conditions within 45 days when applicable
  10. Consider Pre-Submission interaction for complex study design issues

Key Considerations

Clinical testing

  • Clinical investigations must be scientifically sound and pose reasonable scientific questions
  • Study design must adequately protect study subjects through monitoring and review
  • For pivotal studies, data from full planned cohort expected at time of marketing application
  • Staged enrollment may be appropriate to gather initial safety data before full enrollment

Non-clinical testing

  • Adequate device characterization and safety data required before human studies
  • Additional non-clinical testing may be needed concurrent with early enrollment
  • Long-term durability testing may be required for permanently implanted devices
  • Basic device evaluation needed (biocompatibility, mechanical, electrical safety, etc.)

Labelling

  • Informed consent document must meet 21 CFR Part 50 requirements
  • Major informed consent issues require FDA review before implementation
  • Minor informed consent issues can be addressed as conditions of approval

Safety

  • Risk-benefit profile must be favorable to justify enrollment
  • Adequate monitoring and protection of study subjects required
  • Safety concerns may limit initial enrollment (staged approval)
  • Unanticipated adverse device effects must be reported

Other considerations

  • 21 CFR Part 812: Investigational Device Exemptions
  • 21 CFR Part 50: Protection of Human Subjects

Original guidance

  • IDE Clinical Investigation Decision Process and Requirements
  • HTML / PDF
  • Issue date: 2014-08-19
  • Last changed date: 2021-04-26
  • Status: FINAL
  • Official FDA topics: Medical Devices, Investigational Device Exemption (IDE), Premarket
  • ReguVirta summary file ID: 9490a5c8ac8eb920a506785f886e1543
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