Biocompatibility and the Pre-Submission Meeting – The Devil is in the Details

Operating room with monitor

Published:

BiocompCHATibility

A NAMSA podcast series that addresses specific medical device evaluation scenarios and challenges.


In this episode, Deanna Porter and Kent Grove from Abbott join our hosts to review the U.S. FDA pre-submission meeting process as it pertains to the biocompatibility of medical devices. The group will not only examine the current procedure for a pre-submission meeting, but also discuss how this opportunity to obtain feedback from the U.S. FDA prior to an intended submission can save valuable time, especially for programs containing chemical characterization or other complex testing protocols.

“When you see 3 responses in a week with 15-17 questions about biocomp, it makes you wonder if there’s a way to make this process more effective.” – Don Pohl

“We focus the pre-subs and take advantage of this meeting with the [U.S.] FDA” – Kent Grove

“We like to focus the meeting on a specific need, so that we can really zero in on the responses and the guidance that we specifically need.” – Deanna Porter

“Little things can make a difference in profile.” – Kent Grove

“The key to a successful pre-sub is knowing what you know and what you don’t know so you put the right detail into the pre-sub.” – Don Pohl

“Have very pointed questions, not presenting a lot of ambiguity, making sure you understand what you want to get out of them, what answer you are seeking, so that it speaks specifically to the input that you are requiring them to provide.” – Deanna Porter

Discussion points include:

  • How a pre-submission meeting is useful in evaluating the biological safety of medical devices
  • Effective questions to include in a pre-submission meeting
  • What the U.S. FDA may provide in a pre-submission meeting
  • How to ensure data from the extractables/leachables program will be efficient

*Please note that the opinions discussed throughout the podcast are their own and do not reflect that of their current or former employers.

Also be sure to check out our Biocompatibility Strategy Navigator.

Sheri Krajewski

Sheri Krajewski

Sheri joined NAMSA in 2003 and currently serves as Senior Global Product Marketing Manager of Biological Safety. Sheri has supported customers in a variety of commercial operations and management roles, and was an integral leader in the development of NAMSA’s Biological Safety Consulting business. Additionally, she created the much sought-after NAMSA Training Series (NTS) for the iological evaluation of medical devices. Prior to NAMSA, Sheri was the marketing lead for a mechanical fatigue laboratory and consulting business where she worked primarily with cardiovascular implant manufacturers. Sheri holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska.

Don Pohl

Don Pohl

Don Pohl is currently the Manager of Biological Safety & Validation at NAMSA. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University. Don has over 20 years of experience in the pre-clinical evaluation of medical devices for biological safety. During his career, he has held a variety of positions ranging from laboratory supervision/management, GLP Study Director, Technical Specialist for Laboratory Information Management System, Technical Specialist and project manager for Biological safety and biological risk assessment consultation. He has specific expertise in the evaluation process outlined in ISO 10993-1 as well as the expectations of the USFDA and other countries in their interpretation of the biological safety evaluation of medical devices.

Kent Grove, MS

Kent Grove, MS

Kent Grove is responsible for providing complex biocompatibility testing strategies and technical support for medical device regulatory submissions. He has a combined experience of 10+ years in the field of Toxicology and Biocompatibility. Prior to joining the Abbott team, his professional experience had been primarily working in contract research organizations (CROs) where he served as a Director of Biocompatibility Services for American Preclinical Services and as a Study Director for WuXi AppTec. Mr. Grove has worked extensively in area of hemocompatibility with multiple publications relating to improving the current test methods used to assess blood-contacting devices.