CDRH Industry: The 510(k) Program: Evaluating Substantial Equivalence in Premarket Notifications [510(k)] - Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff

A guidance document titled, "The 510(k) Program: Evaluating Substantial Equivalence in Premarket Notifications [510(k)]" has recently been posted.  The FDA developed this document to provide guidance to industry and FDA staff about current review practices for premarket notification (510(k)) submissions. The intent of this guidance is to identify, explain, and clarify each of the critical decision points in the decision-making process FDA uses to determine substantial equivalence. This guidance is not intended to implement significant policy changes to the current 510(k) review process. Rather, the intent of this guidance is to enhance the predictability, consistency, and transparency of the 510(k) program by describing in greater detail the regulatory framework, policies, and practices underlying FDA’s 510(k) review.  For more information, please see: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/UCM284443.pdf