Now that the US FDA has published its final rule regulating lab developed tests, litigation challenging the rule and the FDA’s authority to enact it is sure to follow. And the central argument will likely focus on whether the tests are defined as medical devices, which the agency regulates without question.

A novel robotic-assisted therapy could improve the lives of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, real-world data presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association suggests.

This week, Philips Respironics reached a $1.1b settlement affecting CPAP and other breathing devices. Toku announced it received US FDA breakthrough device designation for its MyKidneyAI technology. This May, the FDA will hold its REdI conference focusing on innovation in medical product development and hold another townhall focusing on considerations for selecting a sterilization modality.

The US FDA has cleared a glucose monitoring system from Senseonics. The authorization of the implantable insulin delivery system creates a new pathway for like devices.

In this month’s Digital Health Roundup, Medtech Insight’s Marion Webb highlights key interviews with Philips’ CEO Roy Jakobs on NAM’s framework on AI, BD’s CTO Beth McCombs R&D initiatives and HSS spine co-chair Sheeraz Qureshi on his vision for integrating AI tech. Hannah Daniel discusses the FDA’s new initiative to create an idea lab for medical device use at home and a new feature on the Apple Watch to help people with Parkinson's disease overcome freezing gait.   

The US FDA's controversial final rule places laboratory developed tests under same regulatory purview as other in vitro diagnostics. While the agency opted to include an exemption for LDTs already on the market, it did not provide an exemption for tests developed in academic medical centers.