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2014 Hot Spots: Top 4 Device Quality & Regulatory Topics

This article was originally published in The Silver Sheet

Executive Summary

Big changes are afoot for inspections, and device stakeholders kept a sharp eye on those issues in 2014, according to "Silver Sheet" readership data. From a CDRH/ORA plan to create a specialized unit of device-focused field investigators, to IMDRF's mostly untested internationally harmonized single-audit approach, readers (and podcast listeners) couldn't get enough news and tips about inspection activities. Further, FDA is "looking at whether information presented on FDA-483s can be organized in a way that better reflects what we consider to be highest priority quality system deviations that require the most significant attention,” CDRH compliance chief Steven Silverman said. Rounding out the top industry issues last year were device recalls, Unique Device Identification, warning letters and CAPA. A recap of in-depth "Silver Sheet" coverage from the year, including updated expert commentary, follows.

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A CDRH report recently showed that a majority of recalled devices are older, yet the center has provided little insight into how it came to its conclusion. FDA’s relative silence on the matter has left several industry insiders to deduce for themselves why aging product types struggle more with recalls than younger ones. One such expert believes a failure by manufacturers to understand their own products and evolving international standards play a role in the substantial number of older-device recalls. “I don’t think there’s any one thing you can say is causing this problem,” said Monica Wilkins, divisional VP of QA/RA for device-maker Abbott Labs. But in a time of increased global manufacturing and troubles keeping an eye on supply chains, it’s a safe bet that poor supplier control is a culprit.

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