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  • Writer's pictureDDREG Pharma Pvt. Ltd.

Regulatory Requirements for In-Vitro Diagnostic Devices


The global impact of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices on healthcare systems is substantial, providing valuable support in disease management, patient care, and cost-effectiveness. However, manufacturers face the challenge of navigating through diverse regulatory requirements across different countries and regions to ensure compliance and market access for their IVD devices. Regulatory authorities play a crucial role in establishing and enforcing these requirements, prioritizing the safety and quality of IVD devices worldwide.


Regulatory authorities in various countries or regions have implemented specific requirements to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and quality of IVD devices. These requirements encompass multiple aspects, including design, manufacturing, labelling, marketing, and post-market surveillance.


In the United States, The FDA, the regulatory authority in the United States, oversees the regulation of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). IVD devices are categorized into three classes (Class I, Class II, and Class III) based on the level of risk they present to patients and users. Prior to being legally marketed, most IVD devices require FDA clearance through the premarket notification (510(k)) process or approval through the premarket approval (PMA) process. For high-risk devices, the PMA application must provide substantial evidence of the device's safety and effectiveness. This involves conducting preclinical evaluations and clinical performance studies in external clinical laboratories that are representative of real-world conditions. The FDA's Medical Device Advisory Committee may offer guidance in the decision-making process, and statistical analysis is conducted to ensure the integrity of the data. Additionally, compliance with the Quality System Regulation (QSR) is evaluated before the device can be marketed. In the European Union, In May 2022, the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) replaced the previous In Vitro Diagnostic Directive (IVDD), establishing a more stringent regulatory framework. Under the IVDR, IVD devices are classified into risk-based Classes A, B, C, and D, and conformity assessment procedures must be followed. In Brazil, The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) oversees the regulatory requirements for IVD devices. Manufacturers must comply with ANVISA's regulations, including Cadastro for low-risk devices and Registro for moderate- and high-risk devices. Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices, accurate labelling, and post-market surveillance is also mandatory.


Many other countries have their own regulatory requirements, which may be based on international standards or specific national regulations. International regulatory standards, such as ISO standards, the EU's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulation (IVDR), CLSI guidelines, and WHO guidelines, provide valuable guidance for ensuring quality, safety, and effectiveness. Manufacturers must have a comprehensive understanding of and compliance with the regulatory requirements in each target market to legally market their IVD devices. Seeking guidance from regulatory experts or consulting with relevant regulatory authorities is highly recommended to navigate the specific requirements of each jurisdiction.


Regulatory authorities globally have implemented specific requirements to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and quality of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices. DDReg, a specialized regulatory consulting firm assists pharmaceutical companies in navigating the diverse regulatory landscape for IVD devices. The medical device team provide comprehensive services in device and pharmaceutical regulatory affairs such as regulatory strategy development, assistance with submissions, compliance assessments, post-market surveillance, training, and international market access support. By utilizing DDReg's regulatory solutions and expertise, companies can achieve regulatory compliance, streamline market entry, and enhance the safety and effectiveness of our IVD devices.


Summary IVD devices have a global impact on healthcare systems, aiding in disease management, patient care, and cost-effectiveness. Manufacturers encounter regulatory challenges across different regions, but regulatory authorities ensure device safety and quality. DDReg as a regulatory consulting firm can assist companies in navigating IVD device regulations, providing services to ensure compliance and facilitate market entry.

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