Medical device product development is both a complex and highly difficult process. The developer must have a vision of the desired outcome before they conduct research, development and marketing of the product and begin regulatory compliance.
Because of their nature of use, regulation and approval of the product must be met before the product’s release. The FDA’s regulation process can include a number of production “kinks” at first. The public’s safety is the FDA’s number one concern and the efficacy of the device is the second. An approval process can include an evaluation of potential risk, manufacturing processes, potential harm the device may cause, pre-market evaluation and approval, and post market evaluation. The FDA will then classify the product as a Tier I, II, or III. The device then must be put through the IDE and IRB processes. The Investigation Device Exemption allows the device developer to test the unreleased product by using it as it has been intended. The data from this test will then reveal important information which will be evaluated by a review board before entering clinical trials.
After the review board sets up a comparable clinical testing environment, the trials can then begin. The clinical trial process is divided into two sets, pivotal and pilot. The pilot phase is less stringent, testing the basic safety of use of the product. The pilot phase sets the stage for the pivotal trials which use a larger group of testers with a more extensive type of safety testing and use testing. After the product passes these regulatory phases mass development can begin.
Product launches are a key milestone and require a great deal of risk management strategy for success. It is important to work with an insurance and risk management firm that is knowledgeable about the life sciences industry and understands how to make risk control an important component of your overall program. Working with a TechAssure Association member can help your firm stay protected through the rigorous regulatory process of medical device development and a new device launch.
Please contact us to learn more about developing a comprehensive insurance and risk management program for your product development and launches.
