BiocompCHATibility

BiocompCHATibility

BiocompCHATibility Podcast, Presented by NAMSA Unforeseen challenges and roadblocks are often present when managing and conducting medical device biological safety programs. Join NAMSA for a first-of-its-type podcast series, “BiocompCHATibility,” as each episode features leading industry experts and discussion on how to proactively address specific medical device evaluation scenarios, regulatory expectations and new testing methodologies.

  1. 07/08/2024

    Exploring Equivalency in Biocompatibility

    n this episode of NAMSA’s BiocompCHATibility podcast, we welcome back Dr. Phil Smiraldo (Principal Toxicologist, NAMSA) for his third appearance as an honorary host. The discussion centers on the complexities of equivalency in biocompatibility, examining how equivalency can range from simple to complex and how a predicate device does not always equal equivalency. Listen in as we explore these topics with Dr. Smiraldo and gain insights into the intricate world of biocompatibility and the challenges faced when trying to establish equivalence between medical devices.   “The world of equivalency runs the spectrum from incredibly simple to probably way too complex.” – Don Pohl “When we do these types of extractions on, we'll say prior devices and change to device, we're going to have variability within our experiments.” – Phil Smiraldo “You know whether you call it an equivalency assessment or change control assessment. Whatever you want to call it, I mean [10993] part one tells us if there's a change, you have to evaluate it.” – Don Pohl “I guess long story short, you could theoretically go through this whole exercise and end up with the two devices that are equivalent from a systemic toxicity perspective and that's it.” – Phil Smiraldo  Key Discussion Points Importance of confirming identical materials of construction, device categorization, and the IFU to ensure that the device remains equivalentThe detailed process required to establish proof of equivalenceThe critical role of adhering to standards in biocompatibility assessments

    40 min
  2. 11/14/2023

    Chemistry with the MFDS

    In this episode, our hosts are joined by Charles Ducker, PhD (NAMSA's Senior Director of Analytical Services) who recently returned from Korea, where he provided training to the MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) about ISO 10993-18. Throughout this discussion, we review the use of the standard and how it is adopted by Korean authorities. We also explore the challenges that lie ahead for device developers and testing labs. “I think they [MFDS] were maybe surprised at the complexity. Laying out the information you have on your materials and the knowledge that you already have that may not lead to doing testing.” – Dr. Charles Ducker “They were interested in how to apply ISO 10993-1 and how you apply ISO 10993-18 to the standard. And they want to know how to assess whether a laboratory has conducted the test appropriately.” – Dr. Charles Ducker “One of the things I thought was very interesting… around Part 18, was what is different now versus the outdated version, and what changes came about. We had a lot of discussion about what is required and one of the big ones was AET [Analytical Evaluation Threshold] and how we calculate it.” – Dr. Charles Ducker “Also, about how we qualify methods, what components go into that and what data you have to have behind the scenes to support the fact that your methods are appropriate for the intended use.” – Dr. Charles Ducker Topics include: Korea’s current position with the use of ISO 10993-18Qualification of a laboratory for chemical characterization testingSolvents and temperatures, and the justifications for each

    35 min
  3. 03/28/2022

    FDA Thoughts On Chemical Characterization

    In this episode, our hosts are joined by NAMSA Associate, Dr. Darin Kent, and second-time guest, Dr Ted Heise, to discuss the new paper released by the FDA and the American Chemical Society. The intention of this latest FDA publication is to examine specific topics that promote continuous discussion around the disparities between where the industry currently stands and how alignment and proper development may occur. Listen in as these industry experts explore the topics covered by the FDA within this document, as well as the challenges faced by medical device manufacturers and testing laboratories regarding chemical characterization testing. They also examine how the FDA fared in the attempt to answer many industry questions. Discussion points include: Thoughts on where to go from hereFDA’s perspective on alignment in the industry“State-of-the-art” and where that has us today with the chemical characterization of medical devices “The paper really is more about what is being done in devices and what is known about the work in devices.” – Ted Heise “It’s striking really, the lack of literature out there about how these technologies and ideas could be used in an NTA [non-targeted analysis] type situation.” – Darin Kent “There’s a fundamental need for basic research.” – Darin Kent “In terms of giving solutions of how to deal with the challenges, I think it’s less true and part of that is simply that the state-of-the-art is just not well enough developed.” – Ted Heise “It provides arrows pointing to potential solutions.” – Darin Kent “Does current state-of-the-art product devices that are safe or are there areas we have not uncovered yet?” – Don Pohl “What we do better in characterizing medical devices has to bring additional value.” – Ted Heise “One of the concerns is the level of burden that is imposed by the expectations wrapped up in this work.” – Ted Heise You can access the full FDA publication for a fee through here: Chemical Characterization and Non-targeted Analysis of Medical Device Extracts: A Review of Current Approaches, Gaps, and Emerging Practices.

    35 min
4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

BiocompCHATibility Podcast, Presented by NAMSA Unforeseen challenges and roadblocks are often present when managing and conducting medical device biological safety programs. Join NAMSA for a first-of-its-type podcast series, “BiocompCHATibility,” as each episode features leading industry experts and discussion on how to proactively address specific medical device evaluation scenarios, regulatory expectations and new testing methodologies.