82_FR_3617 82 FR 3609 - Microbiology Devices; Reclassification of Influenza Virus Antigen Detection Test Systems Intended for Use Directly With Clinical Specimens

82 FR 3609 - Microbiology Devices; Reclassification of Influenza Virus Antigen Detection Test Systems Intended for Use Directly With Clinical Specimens

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 8 (January 12, 2017)

Page Range3609-3619
FR Document2017-00199

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reclassifying antigen based rapid influenza virus antigen detection test systems intended to detect influenza virus directly from clinical specimens that are currently regulated as influenza virus serological reagents from class I into class II with special controls and into a new device classification regulation.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 8 (Thursday, January 12, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 8 (Thursday, January 12, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3609-3619]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00199]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Part 866

[Docket No. FDA-2014-N-0440]


Microbiology Devices; Reclassification of Influenza Virus Antigen 
Detection Test Systems Intended for Use Directly With Clinical 
Specimens

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Final order.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reclassifying 
antigen based rapid influenza virus antigen detection test systems 
intended to detect influenza virus directly from clinical specimens 
that are currently regulated as influenza virus serological reagents 
from class I into class II with special controls and into a new device 
classification regulation.

[[Page 3610]]


DATES: This order is effective February 13, 2017. See further 
discussion in section IV, ``Implementation Strategy.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stefanie Akselrod, Center for Devices 
and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New 
Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 5438, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 301-
796-6188.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Regulatory Authorities

    The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act), as amended 
by the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 (the 1976 amendments) (Pub. L. 
94-295), the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-629), the 
Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997 (FDAMA) (Pub. L. 
105-115), the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act of 2002 
(Pub. L. 107-250), the Medical Devices Technical Corrections Act (Pub. 
L. 108-214), the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 
(Pub. L. 110-85), and the Food and Drug Administration Safety and 
Innovation Act (FDASIA) (Pub. L. 112-144), among other amendments, 
established a comprehensive system for the regulation of medical 
devices intended for human use. Section 513 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 
360c) established three categories (classes) of devices, reflecting the 
regulatory controls needed to provide reasonable assurance of their 
safety and effectiveness. The three categories of devices are class I 
(general controls), class II (special controls), and class III 
(premarket approval).
    Under section 513(d) of the FD&C Act, devices that were in 
commercial distribution before the enactment of the 1976 amendments on 
May 28, 1976 (generally referred to as preamendments devices) are 
classified after FDA has: (1) Received a recommendation from a device 
classification panel (an FDA advisory committee); (2) published the 
panel's recommendation for comment, along with a proposed regulation 
classifying the device; and (3) published a final regulation 
classifying the device. FDA has classified most preamendments devices 
under these procedures.
    Devices that were not in commercial distribution prior to May 28, 
1976 (generally referred to as ``postamendments devices''), are 
automatically classified by section 513(f) of the FD&C Act into class 
III without any FDA rulemaking process. Those devices remain in class 
III and require premarket approval unless, and until, the device is 
reclassified into class I or II or FDA issues an order finding the 
device to be substantially equivalent, in accordance with section 
513(i) of the FD&C Act, to a predicate device that does not require 
premarket approval.
    Under section 513(i) of the FD&C Act, a device is substantially 
equivalent if it has the same intended use and technological 
characteristics as a predicate device, or has the same intended use as 
the predicate device and has different technological characteristics, 
but data demonstrate that the new device is as safe and effective as 
the predicate device and does not raise different questions of safety 
or effectiveness than the predicate device. The Agency determines 
whether new devices are substantially equivalent to predicate devices 
by means of premarket notification (510(k)) procedures in section 
510(k) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 360(k)) and part 807 (21 CFR part 
807).
    FDAMA added section 510(m) to the FD&C Act. Section 510(m) of the 
FD&C Act provides that a class II device may be exempted from the 
premarket notification requirements under section 510(k) of the FD&C 
Act, if the Agency determines that premarket notification is not 
necessary to assure the safety and effectiveness of the device.
    On July 9, 2012, FDASIA was enacted. Section 608(a) of FDASIA 
amended section 513(e) of the FD&C Act, changing the mechanism for 
reclassifying a device from rulemaking to an administrative order. 
Section 513(e) of the FD&C Act provides that FDA may, by administrative 
order, reclassify a device based upon ``new information.'' FDA can 
initiate a reclassification under section 513(e) of the FD&C Act or an 
interested person may petition FDA to reclassify an eligible device 
type. The term ``new information,'' as used in section 513(e) of the 
FD&C Act, includes information developed as a result of a reevaluation 
of the data before the Agency when the device was originally 
classified, as well as information not presented, not available, or not 
developed at that time. See, e.g., Holland-Rantos Co. v. U.S. Dep't of 
Health, Educ., and Welfare, 587 F.2d 1173, 1174 n.1 (D.C. Cir. 1978); 
Upjohn v. Finch, 422 F.2d 944 (6th Cir. 1970); Bell v. Goddard, 366 
F.2d 177 (7th Cir. 1966).
    Reevaluation of the data previously before the Agency is an 
appropriate basis for subsequent action where the reevaluation is made 
in light of newly available authority. See Bell, 366 F.2d at 181; 
Ethicon, Inc. v. FDA, 762 F. Supp. 382, 388-91 (D.D.C. 1991), or in 
light of changes in ``medical science'' (Upjohn, 422 F.2d at 951). 
Whether data before the Agency are old or new data, the ``new 
information'' to support reclassification under section 513(e) of the 
FD&C Act must be ``valid scientific evidence,'' as defined in section 
513(a)(3) of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR 860.7(c)(2). See, e.g., Gen. Med. 
Co. v. FDA, 770 F.2d 214 (D.C. Cir. 1985); Contact Lens Mfrs. Ass'n. v. 
FDA, 766 F.2d 592 (D.C. Cir.), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 1062 (1986).
    Section 513(e)(1) of the FD&C Act sets forth the process for 
issuing a final order for reclassifying a device under that section. 
Specifically, prior to the issuance of a final order reclassifying a 
device, the following must occur: (1) Publication of a proposed order 
in the Federal Register; (2) a meeting of a device classification panel 
described in section 513(b) of the FD&C Act; and (3) consideration of 
comments to a public docket. FDA published a proposed order to 
reclassify this device type in the Federal Register of May 22, 2014 (79 
FR 29387). FDA has held a meeting of a device classification panel 
described in section 513(b) of the FD&C Act with respect to antigen 
based rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) systems and has also 
received and considered comments on the proposed order, as discussed in 
section II. Therefore, FDA has met the requirements under section 
513(e)(1) of the FD&C Act.

II. Public Comments in Response to the Proposed Order

    On May 22, 2014, FDA published a proposed order to reclassify 
antigen based RIDTs intended to detect influenza virus antigen directly 
from clinical specimens that are currently regulated as influenza virus 
serological reagents under Sec.  866.3330 (21 CFR 866.3330) from class 
I into class II with special controls and into a new device 
classification regulation (79 FR 29387).
    The Agency received comments on the proposed order from several 
entities. Comments were received from device industry manufacturers, a 
consumer group, professional organizations, a health care organization, 
a device manufacturers association, and an individual consumer.
    To make it easier to identify comments and our responses, the word 
``Comment'' and a comment number appear in parentheses before each 
comment's description, and the word ``Response'' in parentheses 
precedes each response. Similar comments are grouped together under the 
same number. Specific issues raised by the comments and the Agency's 
responses follow.

[[Page 3611]]

A. General Comments

    (Comment 1) Commenters expressed support for the proposed order to 
reclassify antigen based RIDTs from class I to class II with special 
controls, noting that there is evidence that the currently available 
antigen based RIDTs, which are widely used in non-clinical laboratory 
settings such as physician office laboratories, are performing poorly, 
resulting in many misdiagnosed cases of influenza. Commenters noted 
that a misdiagnosis of influenza may have serious consequences, 
including: Inappropriate use of antibiotics and failure to use 
antiviral therapy, which may be critical for some patients, following 
false negative results; the unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing of 
antiviral drugs following false positive results; ineffective infection 
control measures; and an overall increased public health burden, such 
as increased rate of hospitalization and return doctor visits. Several 
commenters expressed a concern regarding frequent antigenic changes in 
the circulating strains as the influenza virus evolves and agreed with 
the new requirement that manufacturers conduct annual analytical 
testing of circulating strains in an effort to monitor the performance 
of these tests over time. Overall, there was a general consensus among 
the commenters that the proposed special controls address and mitigate 
the risks to health.
    (Response) FDA agrees that reclassification of antigen based RIDTs 
into class II as outlined in this order will help to improve the 
overall quality of testing for influenza. The new minimum performance 
requirements for these tests detecting influenza virus antigens are 
expected to lower the number of misdiagnosed influenza infections by 
increasing the number of devices that can reliably detect the influenza 
virus. In addition, the special controls requiring annual and emergency 
analytical reactivity testing provide a process for continued 
monitoring of the performance of antigen based RIDTs. As part of that 
process, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA 
will collaborate in efforts to ensure that there is an influenza virus 
analytical reactivity test panel available to all manufacturers of 
antigen based RIDTs for evaluation of the analytical reactivity of 
their assays with circulating viruses on an annual basis.
    (Comment 2) One commenter noted that under the FD&C Act, as amended 
by FDASIA, FDA is able to reclassify a device via an ``order rather 
than rulemaking,'' but the commenter expressed a concern that FDA seems 
to consider holding a panel meeting after the issuance of a proposed 
order as ``discretionary rather than mandatory.'' The commenter urged 
FDA to hold panel meetings after the issuance of proposed 
reclassification orders in order to allow the panel to discuss the 
proposal after it has been issued. The commenter stated that holding a 
panel meeting following issuance of a proposed reclassification order 
is a critical element of the process reforms enacted by Congress. In 
addition, the commenter expressed a concern that the Agency has not 
obtained sufficient feedback from physicians who commonly use the rapid 
influenza tests in their practice. Therefore, the commenter suggested 
that FDA should convene another panel meeting and include these 
physicians to provide critical expertise and perspective on the overall 
evaluation of FDA's proposed plans on test reclassification, including 
the analytical reactivity testing protocol, specifications, and 
qualification of specimens.
    (Response) The June 13, 2013, Microbiology Advisory Panel 
(``Panel'') meeting considered all relevant scientific issues 
associated with the proposed order for the antigen based RIDTs and 
recommended reclassifying these devices into class II (special 
controls). The Panel included six physicians and seven researchers who 
provided input that FDA considered for purposes of the proposed order, 
including the proposed special controls. Each of the Panel members is 
considered an authority on matters of influenza infection, treatment, 
epidemiology, and/or biology. Representatives from CDC and the 
Association of Public Health Laboratories presented extensive data on 
the use of the currently available antigen based RIDTs and the outcomes 
related to patients that support the conclusion that there has been 
poor performance of antigen based RIDTs in the medical practice. The 
Panel recommended the reclassification of antigen based RIDTs. FDA is 
not aware of any significant changes in benefits or risks relating to 
the antigen based RIDTs that have been identified since the June 13, 
2013, Panel meeting. Stakeholders had an opportunity to provide 
feedback to the proposed order in their comments, and that feedback has 
been largely positive. The public comments are addressed here and are 
also available to view by request or on https://www.regulations.gov.
    The process followed by FDA in reclassifying antigen based RIDTs is 
in accordance with the applicable statutory provisions, which were 
amended by FDASIA. Section 608 of FDASIA amended section 513(e) of the 
FD&C Act by changing the reclassification process from rulemaking to an 
administrative order process. The amendments to section 513(e) of the 
FD&C Act made by FDASIA require, in relevant part, that issuance of an 
administrative order reclassifying a device be preceded by a proposed 
order and a meeting of a device classification panel.
    As amended, section 513(e) of the FD&C Act does not prescribe when 
these two events (the panel meeting and proposed order) must occur in 
relation to each other. Therefore, under this provision, the Agency may 
hold a panel meeting either before or after the issuance of a proposed 
reclassification order. This approach is consistent with the prior 
panel provision in section 513(e) of the FD&C Act, which provided for 
FDA, at its discretion, to secure a panel recommendation prior to the 
promulgation of a reclassification rule. Generally, for future 
reclassifications under section 513(e) of the FD&C Act for which a 
meeting of a device classification panel has not yet occurred, FDA 
expects a proposed reclassification order will be issued prior to the 
panel meeting required under section 513(e).

B. Transition Period

    (Comment 3) While one commenter expressed agreement that the 
proposed 1 year timeframe should be sufficient for manufacturers to 
bring devices already on the market into compliance with the special 
controls, another commenter suggested that FDA consider providing 
additional transition time for the implementation of the final order. 
The commenter suggested that this would assist manufacturers who are 
working in good faith to meet the new requirements to prepare 
submissions in advance of the influenza season and would provide for 
product continuity among health care providers. The commenter did not 
identify why 1 year would be an insufficient period of transition time.
    (Response) The Panel recommended and FDA made the determination 
that special controls, including the new minimum performance 
requirements, are needed, in addition to general controls, to provide 
reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for antigen based 
RIDTs. We, therefore, do not believe, given the risk that poor 
performance of antigen based RIDTs pose to public health, a delay in 
implementation of more than 1 year is appropriate. FDA also understands 
the need for a balanced approach that takes into account the time it 
will take for

[[Page 3612]]

manufacturers to come into compliance with the special controls and 
seeks to avoid disruption of access to these devices. With these 
considerations in mind, FDA believes that a period of 1 year from the 
publication date of this final order is appropriate for manufacturers 
to come into compliance with the special controls and for those 
manufacturers whose currently legally marketed devices do not meet the 
minimum performance criteria to prepare and submit a 510(k) for a new 
or significantly changed or modified device. Therefore, FDA does not 
intend to enforce compliance with the special controls with respect to 
currently legally marketed antigen based RIDT devices until 1 year 
after the date of publication of this final order. FDA believes this 
approach will help ensure the efficient and effective implementation of 
the final order.

C. Clinical Performance Standards and Comparator Methods

    (Comment 4) One comment recommended a transition to one common 
reference method comparator: A molecular nucleic acid-based method. The 
reasons cited for this recommendation included: (1) A level playing 
field for all manufacturers and (2) better clarity for users, industry, 
and the Agency. Another comment raised concerns about the unreliability 
of the culture results due to non-standardized culture practices. In 
addition, a commenter cautioned that providing two minimum performance 
standards, one when compared to viral culture and another when compared 
to a nucleic acid-based method, may have unintended consequences: (1) 
Users may make false assumptions and choose a method based strictly on 
the presented estimates of sensitivity and specificity without noting 
the comparator reference method that was used to derive the performance 
measures and (2) manufacturers may elect to conduct the method 
comparison using both types of reference methods and submit the results 
in support of a 510(k) even if only one of the comparisons meets the 
minimum performance bar.
    (Response) FDA appreciates the concern over the potential 
consequences of allowing for the two performance levels based on 
different comparator methods. The Agency carefully considered the 
public feedback as well as the implications of eliminating the viral 
culture comparator method as an acceptable comparator method used in 
the evaluation of clinical performance of antigen based RIDTs. Some 
important considerations were: (1) A lack of standardization of viral 
culture methods among various laboratories, (2) an increasing 
difficulty in procuring the services of a laboratory that is equipped 
to perform viral culture procedures, (3) the wide availability of FDA-
cleared nucleic acid-based comparator methods among laboratories, (4) 
the demonstrated high sensitivity of the nucleic acid-based methods 
when compared to viral culture method (when properly performed) for the 
detection of the influenza viruses, and (5) the reliability of the 
viral culture method when performed properly.
    In addition, we recognize that performance evaluation based on two 
different comparators where each detects a different analyte (viral 
culture methods detect viable virus particles while nucleic acid-based 
methods detect the viral ribonucleic acids) requires two sets of 
performance criteria resulting in performance measures that may not 
allow for direct comparison between some devices. However, viral 
culture method, when performed correctly, has been shown historically 
to be accurate and remains a valid reference method for the detection 
of influenza viruses. There are many influenza detecting devices 
currently on the market that have been evaluated based on comparison 
with viral culture comparator methods and met the performance criteria 
set forth in Sec.  866.3328(b)(1)(ii) (21 CFR 866.3328). FDA has also 
stated expressly in the special controls that a viral culture 
comparator method used to demonstrate that a device meets the minimum 
performance criteria at Sec.  866.3328(b)(1)(ii) must be correctly 
performed.
    At this time, the only currently appropriate and FDA accepted 
comparator methods are: (1) An FDA-cleared nucleic acid-based test or 
(2) a correctly performed viral culture method. However, FDA recognizes 
that a comparator method at least as accurate as FDA-cleared nucleic 
acid-based tests in the detection of the influenza viruses may be 
established in the future. Based on that recognition and the available 
information, the final order clarifies that other comparator methods, 
if currently appropriate and FDA accepted, could be used to demonstrate 
that the performance criteria requirements in Sec.  866.3328(b)(1)(i) 
have been met. Therefore, if FDA determines at some point in the future 
that another comparator method at least as accurate as FDA-cleared 
nucleic acid-based tests has been established as a currently 
appropriate comparator method, sponsors of premarket submissions for 
antigen based RIDTs would have the option of demonstrating that their 
devices meet the minimum performance criteria at Sec.  
866.3328(b)(1)(i) based on a comparison to that additional currently 
appropriate and FDA-accepted comparator method.
    (Comment 5) Another commenter cautioned that the performance 
estimates shown in the package inserts for these tests may be biased 
due to the fact that the data have been generated under closely 
controlled clinical trial procedures that use optimal sample types, a 
time of sample collection post onset of symptoms, proper sample 
storage, and time to testing. Because these conditions are often not 
maintained in daily clinical use, the true performance of these assays 
in ``real life'' settings may be different.
    (Response) FDA acknowledges that the performance data in the device 
labeling are estimates. All assays are subject to variation under real-
life circumstances when the assays are used in clinical practice. 
However, FDA believes that premarket studies demonstrating performance 
for these devices should include a variety of testing sites 
representative of the settings in which the device will be used and 
that a sufficient number of clinical specimens should be tested to 
arrive at reasonable measures of confidence in the calculated 
performance estimates (i.e., the lower bound of the two-sided 95 
percent confidence interval (calculated by the Score method)), as 
outlined in the guidance document entitled ``Establishing the 
Performance Characteristics of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices for the 
Detection or Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses'' 
(http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm079171.htm) 
(``2011 Influenza Guidance document'').
    (Comment 6) One commenter suggested that the proposed sensitivity 
criteria for influenza A for antigen based RIDTs, when using a 
molecular method as a comparator method, are less stringent than those 
recorded in the 2011 Influenza Guidance document. The commenter stated 
that it:

    [I]s not clear . . . why the Special Controls for comparison to 
a molecular method has become less stringent (sensitivity/PPA 
estimate for Influenza A reduced from a point estimate of 90 percent 
with a 95 percent CI lower bound of 80 percent, to a point estimate 
of 80 percent with a 95 percent CI lower bound of 70 percent) when 
the intention of a Special Controls document would presumably be 
thought to make comparative criteria tighter overall.

    The commenter made a reference to the statement in section 9.B.iii, 
pages 26-27 of the 2011 Influenza Guidance

[[Page 3613]]

document (3d bullet), that states: ``Nucleic acid-based tests should 
demonstrate at least 90% sensitivity for each analyte and each specimen 
type with a lower bound of the two-sided 95% CI greater than 80%.'' The 
commenter also questioned whether this determination was discussed and 
used to scientifically justify the different criteria for sensitive 
molecular methods, including polymerase chain reaction, which detect 
inactive virus in the absence of viable viral particles in a sample, 
and for viral detection in general when using a molecular comparative 
method.
    (Response) The quoted statement from the 2011 Influenza Guidance 
document refers to the performance of nucleic acid-based devices, while 
the performance criteria stated in the May 22, 2014, proposed order (79 
FR 29387 at 29390) (Section VIII. Special Controls: . . . If the 
manufacturer chooses to compare the device to an appropriate molecular 
comparator method: The positive percent agreement for the device when 
testing for Influenza A and Influenza B must be at least at the 80 
percent point estimate with a lower bound of the 95 percent confidence 
interval that is greater than or equal to 70 percent) refer to RIDTs 
based on antigen detection, which are historically known to have a more 
limited sensitivity due to the properties of the enzyme immunoassay 
(EIA) technology. The relevant citation pertaining to the performance 
of the rapid devices detecting influenza virus antigens may be found in 
section 9.B.iii, pages 26-27 (1st and 2d bullet) of the 2011 Influenza 
Guidance document, which states:

    For rapid devices detecting influenza A virus antigen, we 
recommend that you include a sufficient number of prospectively 
collected samples for each specimen type claimed to generate a 
sensitivity result with a lower bound of the two-sided 95% CI 
greater than 60%. . . . For rapid devices detecting influenza B 
virus antigen, we recommend that you include a sufficient number of 
samples for each claimed specimen type to generate a result for 
sensitivity with a lower bound of the two-sided 95% CI greater than 
55%.

    Nucleic acid-based assays that test for influenza are regulated 
under Sec.  866.3980, Respiratory viral panel multiplex nucleic acid 
assay, and have been held to higher performance criteria than antigen 
based RIDTs because of their demonstrated ability to reach higher 
sensitivity for viral detection. By establishing special controls with 
minimum performance criteria for antigen based RIDTs, this final order 
raises the required minimum performance criteria for viral detection by 
the EIA based tests beyond the recommendations set forth in the 2011 
Influenza Guidance Document. Nucleic acid-based tests continue to be 
subject to the document entitled ``Class II Special Controls Guidance: 
Respiratory Viral Panel Multiplex Nucleic Acid Assay'' (http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm180307.htm), except when 
the device detects and differentiates Influenza A subtype H1 and 
subtype H3, in which case they are also subject to the document 
entitled ``Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Testing for 
Detection and Differentiation of Influenza A Virus Subtypes Using 
Multiplex Nucleic Acid Assays'' (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/medicaldevices/deviceregulationandguidance/guidancedocuments/ucm180310.pdf).
    (Comment 7) One commenter criticized FDA for providing no 
specifications for how to design a clinical performance study for 
antigen based RIDT systems in terms of the proportion of samples that 
should be presented for each age group. In addition, the comment 
suggested that the performance estimates of different devices presented 
in their package inserts may be biased due to the actual proportions of 
age groups in the study (i.e., children vs. adults) and may not be 
truly reflective of the performance in the population overall. The 
commenter further suggested that the number of positive samples as well 
as sensitivity and specificity (or positive percent agreement (PPA)/
negative percent agreement (NPA)) for each age group be presented in 
each device's Instructions for Use to ensure transparency.
    (Response) FDA's current recommendations for appropriate study 
design can be found in the 2011 Influenza Guidance document, where 
section 9.B.ii mentions that there should be a representative number of 
positive samples (determined by the reference method) from each age 
group and [the data should be presented] stratified by age (e.g., 
pediatric populations aged birth to 5 years, 6 to 21 years, . . . 
adults aged 22-59, and greater than 60 years old) in addition to the 
overall data summary table.
    In addition, the 2011 Influenza Guidance document recommends 
diversifying the location of the selected clinical sites and the 
anticipated prevalence of influenza at the time of the study. Depending 
on the site selection, the age composition of the subjects will vary, 
but it is difficult to predict the different age groups at the outset 
of a study. FDA evaluates assay performance estimates stratified by age 
groups and determines whether the performance among different age 
groups is similar before making the final decision regarding 510(k) 
clearance. FDA encourages sponsors to use the pre-submission program to 
discuss the premarket submission strategy and study design for their 
specific devices. The pre-submission program is described in the 
guidance document titled ``Requests for Feedback on Medical Device 
Submissions: The Pre-Submission Program and Meetings with Food and Drug 
Administration Staff'' found on FDA's Web site at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/medicaldevices/deviceregulationandguidance/guidancedocuments/ucm311176.pdf.
    (Comment 8) A commenter also suggested that the proposed special 
controls do not clearly state that data demonstrating that a device 
meets the clinical performance criteria be obtained using prospective, 
fresh samples and that this may be easily remedied by adding a 
statement in the final special controls document indicating that 
``clinical performance studies should be carried out on fresh, 
prospective samples.''
    (Response) The 2011 Influenza Guidance Document, in section 9.B.iii 
Specimens, on p. 27, states that: ``[w]e recommend that you assess the 
ability of your device to detect influenza viruses in fresh specimens 
collected from patients suspected of having an influenza infection who 
have been sequentially enrolled in the study (all-comers study)''. The 
guidance further states that ``[f]rozen archived specimens may be 
useful for analytical performance evaluations, but are not recommended 
for studies to calculate clinical sensitivity or specificity''.
    As the incidence of influenza varies from year to year and also 
from region to region, testing of archived specimens may be acceptable 
where fresh positive specimens are difficult to obtain. Performance 
data obtained from testing retrospective archived samples are generally 
evaluated and presented separately from data obtained with 
prospectively collected specimens in the final device labeling.
    (Comment 9) A further recommendation was made that the proposed 
special controls include explicit wording to clarify that clinical 
performance criteria must be met for each sample type claimed in the 
proposed labeling submitted for clearance.
    (Response) FDA agrees with this recommendation. The proposed 
special controls have been modified to clarify that clinical 
performance criteria must be met for each specimen type claimed in the 
intended use of the device.

[[Page 3614]]

    (Comment 10) One commenter asserted that the proposed acceptance 
criteria for devices choosing to use viral culture as a comparator have 
been determined using certain generalizations that can confound the 
data. Referring to the Executive Summary document prepared for the 
Panel meeting (Ref. 1), the commenter states that, for example, all 
sample types and age ranges were included in the overall presentation 
of sensitivity for various devices. The commenter objected that the 
performance criteria, as presented in the Executive Summary document, 
appear to have been subjectively defined. The commenter further 
suggested that the purpose of tables 1 and 2 in the Executive Summary 
was to imply that any device cleared prior to 2008 is assumed to have 
variable and unacceptable performance, and that the performance 
criteria for antigen based RIDTs were chosen specifically with the 
intention of removing those devices from use. Additionally, the 
commenter stated that the information, as presented in the publicly 
available Executive Summary, did not make it clear that the data were 
confounded and created an unfair marketing advantage for some 
manufacturers.
    (Response) The summary data tables presented in the Executive 
Summary document submitted to the Panel in June 2013 were compiled to 
illustrate the range in clinical performance among the antigen based 
RIDTs available on the market in support of the reclassification effort 
and were not aimed to remove devices cleared before 2008 from the 
market, as the commenter suggests. The data for each assay presented in 
table 1 in the Executive Summary document were based on the information 
provided to FDA in support of the 510(k) submissions for those devices 
and included results from all prospectively collected samples during 
the clinical study conducted by the manufacturer, regardless of the 
specimen type or the age of the patient (Ref. 1). The information in 
this table shows a wide range of assay performances.
    The data presented in table 2 in the Executive Summary document 
were intended to illustrate the even broader range in sensitivity of 
these assays as reported in the scientific literature and derived from 
postmarket studies conducted in the field. The data in table 2 were 
also based on combined results, regardless of sample type, patient age 
and even influenza virus type. Although the commenter may consider the 
data ``confounded,'' they were not meant to demonstrate statistical 
validity but rather to illustrate that some of the currently available 
antigen based RIDTs have clinically poor sensitivity even under the 
controlled conditions of a clinical study conducted in support of a 
regulatory submission. More importantly, the clinical performance of 
these assays in the field, as reported in peer reviewed publications, 
is considerably worse for some of these assays than was demonstrated in 
the studies submitted to FDA to support their clearance. Overall, the 
data contained in the two tables were intended to help illustrate the 
sensitivity of the antigen based RIDTs available on the market, taking 
into consideration the limitations of the available technology. The 
data presented in both tables in the Executive Summary document support 
that improved influenza detection devices are needed to benefit public 
health in detection, treatment, and infection control with regard to 
the influenza viruses.
    (Comment 11) Some commenters inquired about the process for 
notifying manufacturers that their assays do not meet the new 
performance criteria and expressed concern that manufacturers should be 
allowed sufficient transition time to develop new or modified influenza 
detection devices and to submit new 510(k)s for those products.
    (Response) A manufacturer will not be individually notified that 
its product does not comply with the new special controls; each 
manufacturer of an antigen based RIDT is responsible for compliance 
with these special controls, including the minimum performance 
criteria. If an antigen based RIDT device does not meet the new 
performance criteria set forth in this final order, the device may be 
considered adulterated under section 501(f)(1)(B) of the FD&C Act (21 
U.S.C. 351(f)(1)(B)), and manufacturers must cease marketing of the 
device. However, as outlined in section IV, ``Implementation 
Strategy,'' FDA does not intend to enforce compliance with the special 
controls with respect to currently legally marketed antigen based RIDT 
devices until 1 year after the date of publication of this final order. 
A manufacturer may contact the Center for Devices and Radiological 
Health's (CDRH) Division of Microbiology Devices in the Office of In 
Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health (OIR) with any specific 
questions.
    (Comment 12) One commenter inquired whether there will be an 
appeals mechanism for manufacturers and what specific steps would be 
available for manufacturers.
    (Response) No new appeals mechanisms will be implemented for those 
manufacturers whose assays do not comply with the new special controls. 
However, there are processes available to outside stakeholders to 
request additional review of decisions or actions by the CDRH. For more 
information, see the FDA guidance document entitled ``Center for 
Devices and Radiological Health Appeals Processes--Guidance for 
Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff'' (http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm284651.htm).

D. Annual Analytical Reactivity Testing

1. Access to Strains
    (Comment 13) Commenters expressed concerns about whether all 
manufacturers, regardless of their size or resources, will have equal 
access to the samples needed to conduct the annual analytical 
reactivity testing in compliance with the new special controls. One of 
the commenters noted that there may be challenges to specimen access 
for some manufacturers under the World Health Organization (WHO) 
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework as well as potential 
impact on accessing the influenza strains sourced by the WHO Global 
Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). The commenter asked 
if manufacturers required to perform the annual testing would need to 
participate in the PIP framework to access GISRS specimens. The 
commenter further stated that unless all companies are able to access 
specimens in a fair, timely and non-cost restrictive manner to comply 
with the new postmarket requirements, some innovators may be unable to 
continue to develop new influenza diagnostics.
    (Response) CDC intends to make available an annual analytical 
reactivity test panel, which is an annual standardized seasonal 
influenza virus test panel, so that manufacturers can comply with the 
annual analytical reactivity testing requirement. If the annual strains 
are not available from CDC, FDA will identify an alternative source for 
obtaining the requisite strains. The selection of viruses in the CDC 
annual analytical reactivity test panels is expected to be largely 
based on the strains selected by WHO for the annual vaccine and will be 
distributed for annual analytical reactivity testing or analytical 
validation in support of new 510(k) submissions for antigen based RIDT 
devices. We expect that the panel will primarily consist of human 
viruses that circulated in the recent influenza seasons. FDA and CDC do 
not believe that manufacturers will need to enter

[[Page 3615]]

agreements under the PIP Framework to access influenza viral strains in 
the manner described in this final order for the sole purpose of 
conducting testing to comply with the special controls at Sec.  
866.3328(b)(3) and (4). The annual analytical reactivity test panel 
will be made available to manufacturers at the same time, including 
those that require it for the annual analytical reactivity testing as 
well as those who are developing new or modified influenza assays. CDC 
and FDA are committed to facilitating equal access for manufacturers to 
the annual analytical reactivity test panel and are prepared to 
consider any unforeseen circumstances in an equitable manner.
    (Comment 14) Another commenter expressed a concern regarding 
whether the requisite strain(s) will be made available in sufficient 
time to allow manufacturers to conduct the studies and have the data 
available in the labeling or on the manufacturer's Web site within the 
timeframe specified for both annual and emergency analytical reactivity 
testing. The comment stated that for most manufacturers, the process of 
testing and making a change in labeling would take a minimum of 90 days 
from receipt of samples.
    (Response) Under the new special controls, the results of the last 
3 years of annual analytical reactivity testing conducted from the date 
that the device was given marketing authorization by FDA must be 
incorporated into the device's labeling in the manner discussed in 
Sec.  866.3328(b)(3)(iii) by July 31 of each calendar year. CDC and FDA 
are committed to making available or designating an alternative source 
for the annual analytical reactivity test panel with sufficient time 
for all manufacturers to conduct the testing and include the results in 
their device's labeling within the required timeframe.
    Similarly, in the case of emergency analytical reactivity testing, 
as described in the special controls at Sec.  866.3328(b)(4), after CDC 
makes the viral samples available for testing, FDA will notify the 
manufacturers of the availability of the samples. The manufacturers 
will have 60 days to perform the testing of the viral samples and to 
incorporate the results into the device's labeling in the manner 
discussed in Sec.  866.3328(b)(4)(ii). If a manufacturer is concerned 
about meeting these timelines due to time needed to amend device 
labeling that physically accompanies the device, the manufacturer may 
pursue the Sec.  866.3328(b)(3)(iii)(B) and (b)(4)(ii)(B) alternatives, 
which allow manufacturers to provide the results as electronic labeling 
via the manufacturer's public Web site that can be reached via a 
hyperlink found in the device's label or in other labeling that 
physically accompanies the device. If a manufacturer chooses the option 
to post analytical reactivity testing results on its Web site, it would 
be subject to the requirements of section 502(f) of the FD&C Act (21 
U.S.C. 352(f)) that provides that required labeling for prescription 
devices intended for use in health care facilities or by a health care 
professional and required labeling for in vitro diagnostic devices 
intended for use by health care professionals or in blood 
establishments may be made available solely by electronic means as long 
as the labeling complies with the law, and that the manufacturer 
affords users the opportunity to request the labeling in paper form, 
and that after a request, promptly provides the requested information 
without additional cost.
    If a manufacturer provides the hyperlink to a public Web site at 
which annual analytical reactivity and emergency testing data may be 
viewed, generally no updates would be needed to the labeling that 
physically accompanies the device when meeting the annual analytical 
reactivity testing requirements under Sec.  866.3328(b)(3) or the 
emergency analytical reactivity testing requirements under Sec.  
866.3328(b)(4). If annual or emergency analytical reactivity testing 
reveals that the device is unable to detect one or more strains, the 
manufacturer would need to include a limitation in the device labeling, 
as further discussed in our response to Comment 21.
2. Acquisition of the Annual Analytical Reactivity Test Panel and 
Reporting of Results
    (Comment 15) Commenters expressed concern about the logistics of 
the implementation of the new requirement for the annual analytical 
reactivity testing. One commenter stated that a clear mechanism was not 
outlined in the proposed order for activities leading to the reporting 
of results.
    (Response) The activities leading to the reporting of results will 
include acquisition of the annual analytical reactivity test panel and 
analytical reactivity testing following the standardized protocol 
included with the test panel, which will be a standardized protocol 
considered and determined by FDA to be acceptable and appropriate. 
Results must be reported by updating the device's labeling in 
accordance with Sec.  866.3328(b)(3)(iii). As previously stated, CDC 
and FDA are committed to working with the manufacturers of the 
influenza tests to facilitate timely and equitable access to the 
influenza virus annual analytical reactivity test panel. CDC has 
developed a Web site (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/dxfluviruspanel/index.htm) 
where the manufacturers can affirm their need for the annual analytical 
reactivity test panel, referred to by CDC as the ``CDC Influenza Virus 
Panel,'' to comply with the annual analytical reactivity testing 
requirement. The CDC panel will be distributed along with certificates 
of analyses for the viruses and a standardized testing protocol, 
considered and determined by FDA to be acceptable and appropriate, 
instructing the user on handling and testing of the provided virus 
stocks in the test panel. There are currently no plans to post the 
analytical reactivity testing data generated by the manufacturers on 
the CDC Web site. For any questions related to the test procedure, 
manufacturers may contact CDC or FDA as specified in the information 
included with the influenza virus analytical reactivity test panel. CDC 
will serve as the contact for questions pertaining to viruses, and FDA 
will serve as the contact for all regulatory and reporting issues.
    (Comment 16) Commenters expressed concern about the continued 
availability of the test panel from CDC due to the future potential for 
limited resources at CDC or FDA.
    (Response) In a case where the influenza virus analytical 
reactivity test panel is not available from CDC due to unforeseen 
limitations in resources, an alternate source of influenza strains for 
use in conducting the annual analytical reactivity testing will be 
identified by FDA, in consultation with CDC. An example of an alternate 
source could be a commercial vendor that specializes in acquisition, 
authentication, production, and preservation of microorganisms.
    (Comment 17) Commenters suggested that the industry should be 
engaged for feedback in the development of the standardized testing 
protocol.
    (Response) A standardized protocol has been developed by CDC in 
consultation with FDA and will be provided to manufacturers with the 
annual analytical reactivity test panel. The protocol uses basic 
principles for working with virus stocks and is general enough to allow 
for use with various devices. For any questions related to the testing 
procedure, manufacturers can contact CDC or FDA. CDC will serve as the 
contact for questions pertaining to viruses, and FDA will serve as the 
contact for all regulatory and reporting issues.
    (Comment 18) One commenter inquired whether the analytical 
reactivity testing could be conducted using a modified limit of 
detection

[[Page 3616]]

(LoD) protocol, where 60 replicates are tested over 3 dilutions with 
positivity rates between 80 and 99 percent followed by linear 
regression to calculate the specific concentration that corresponds to 
a positivity rate of 95 percent.
    (Response) This approach is acceptable to use in the determination 
of a LoD of an antigen based RIDT assay. However, manufacturers must 
follow the protocol included with the influenza virus analytical 
reactivity test panel, which will be a standardized protocol considered 
and determined by FDA to be acceptable and appropriate. We believe the 
standardized protocol will be less burdensome than this commenter's 
proposal and will help ensure that the results generated allow for 
comparability between different devices, as all devices will have 
followed a common standardized testing protocol.
    (Comment 19) One commenter asked whether interested manufacturers 
would have an option to have the testing conducted by an independent 
laboratory, such as a laboratory at a university.
    (Response) Yes, a manufacturer may contract an outside laboratory 
to conduct the testing on its behalf.
    (Comment 20) One commenter raised a concern that customers without 
access to a manufacturer's Web site may not be able to access the 
annual and/or emergency analytical reactivity testing information; 
therefore, the commenter suggested that an alternate method of contact 
should be provided in the product labeling.
    (Response) All in vitro diagnostic devices are required by 
regulation to state on the label and in the product labeling the name 
and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor Sec.  
809.10(a)(8) and (b)(14) (21 CFR 809.10(a)(8) and (b)(14)), except 
where such information is not applicable, or as otherwise specified in 
a standard for a particular product class.
    In addition, in accordance with Sec.  866.3328(b)(3)(iii) the 
results of the annual analytical reactivity testing must either be in 
the Sec.  809.10(b) compliant labeling that physically accompanies the 
device or be provided as electronic labeling via the manufacturer's 
public Web site that can be reached via a hyperlink prominently found 
in the device's label or in other labeling that physically accompanies 
the device. If the manufacturer chooses the Web site option, it would 
be subject to the requirements of section 502(f) of the FD&C Act, which 
provides that required labeling for prescription devices intended for 
use in health care facilities or by a health care professional and 
required labeling for in vitro diagnostic devices intended for use by 
health care professionals or in blood establishments may be made 
available solely by electronic means, as long as the labeling complies 
with the law, and that the manufacturer affords users the opportunity 
to request the labeling in paper form, and that after a request, 
promptly provides the requested information without additional cost. 
Therefore, a manufacturer is already required to provide an opportunity 
for a health care professional to request the annual analytical 
reactivity test results in paper form.
    (Comment 21) One commenter raised a question about notifying the 
public when a test is non-reactive with any of the strains included in 
the influenza virus analytical reactivity test panel provided by CDC 
and whether the product labeling will be updated annually. In 
particular, the commenter questioned how labeling changes to reflect 
absence of reactivity would be communicated to users who have already 
purchased the test.
    (Response) This final order requires that the results of the last 3 
years of annual analytical reactivity testing conducted from the date 
that the device was given marketing authorization by FDA be included as 
part of the device's labeling by July 31 of each calendar year. 
Modification of the labeling solely to incorporate analytical 
reactivity testing results required under Sec.  866.3328(b)(3)(iii) or 
(b)(4)(ii) can be made without an official submission to FDA. In a case 
where one or more strains are shown not to be detected by the device 
during annual analytical reactivity testing under Sec.  866.3328(b)(3) 
or emergency analytical reactivity testing under Sec.  866.3328(b)(4), 
the manufacturer will need to include a limitation in the device 
labeling regarding reactivity with the specific strain(s) that were not 
detected by the device. Without such a limitation, the device would not 
meet the labeling requirements of Sec.  809.10(b).
    (Comment 22) One commenter raised a question about whether there 
will be a guidance document issued on a yearly basis to interpret the 
results of the analytical reactivity testing for that year.
    (Response) FDA does not intend to issue a guidance document on how 
to interpret the results of the analytical reactivity testing each 
year, as the result interpretations are stated in the CDC information 
sheet that will be distributed with the CDC annual analytical 
reactivity test panel. The annual analytical reactivity testing is 
intended to evaluate whether the assay detects each strain included in 
the annual analytical reactivity test panel; however, that testing does 
not provide direct information about how the assay performs when used 
with clinical specimens that are collected directly from patients. Any 
positive result obtained during analytical reactivity testing performed 
with the annual influenza virus analytical reactivity test panel, at 
any viral concentration/dilution, indicates that the assay is reactive 
with that virus; however, the minimal concentration of the virus that 
is needed for the detection (assay sensitivity) may vary. Since the 
difference in analytical reactivity does not necessarily translate into 
an appreciable difference in performance when testing clinical 
specimens, it is important to emphasize that the results should not be 
over-interpreted for clinical purposes.
    (Comment 23) One commenter suggested further collaboration between 
the Agency and influenza test manufacturers in establishing the 
regulatory process for implementing the labeling change before a final 
``Notice to Industry'' or other document is published. The commenter 
further recommended that FDA specify an interactive process, whereby 
individual manufacturers can seek guidance, particularly if they 
encounter issues that may impede timely publication of annual and 
emergency analytical reactivity testing data (e.g., if the matrix used 
in the preparation of the virus strains in the test panel causes 
invalid results with a particular device).
    (Response) Interactive communication with manufacturers is common 
practice among the reviewers and the managers in CDRH. Manufacturers 
are encouraged to contact CDRH's OIR with questions or about issues 
related to the new requirements. In addition, the CDRH pre-submission 
program is designed to allow sponsors the opportunity to obtain 
targeted FDA feedback in response to specific questions related to 
product development, including planned non-clinical evaluations, 
proposed clinical study protocols, or data requirements prior to making 
a submission to the Agency.

E. Timely Testing of Newly Emergent Strains

    (Comment 24) Similar concerns to those surrounding the annual 
reactivity testing requirement were raised in regard to the emergency 
testing of emergent strains. In addition, one comment expressed support 
for specifying a timeline for reporting the results after the samples 
become available.

[[Page 3617]]

    (Response) Section 866.3328(b)(4)(ii) requires that, in certain 
emergency or potential emergency situations involving an influenza 
viral strain, the results of analytical reactivity testing with the 
emerging virus(es) must be made available within 60 days from the date 
that FDA notifies antigen based RIDT manufacturers that characterized 
viral samples are available. The results of the influenza emergency 
analytical reactivity testing must be disclosed in a tabular format in 
a similar manner as the results of the annual analytical reactivity 
testing (i.e., either by placing the table directly in the device's 
Sec.  809.10(b) compliant labeling that physically accompanies the 
device in the section of the labeling devoted to analytical reactivity 
testing, or in a section of the device's label or in labeling that 
physically accompanies the device, by prominently providing a hyperlink 
to a part of the manufacturer's Web site where the analytical 
reactivity testing data can be found). As previously discussed, 
modification of the labeling solely to incorporate annual analytical 
reactivity testing results under Sec.  866.3328(b)(3)(iii) or emergency 
analytical reactivity testing results under Sec.  866.3328(b)(4)(ii) 
can be made without an official submission to FDA. In a case where one 
or more strains are shown not to be detected by the device during 
annual analytical reactivity testing under Sec.  866.3328(b)(3) or 
emergency analytical reactivity testing under Sec.  866.3328(b)(4), the 
manufacturer will need to include a limitation in the device labeling 
regarding reactivity with the specific strain(s) that were not detected 
by the device. Without such a limitation the device would not meet the 
labeling requirements of Sec.  809.10(b).
    FDA is also clarifying the special controls to be more precise 
regarding the situations in which emergency analytical reactivity 
testing is required. Under section 564(a)-(b) of the FD&C Act (21 
U.S.C. 360bbb-3(a)-(b)), the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
(HHS) may authorize the introduction into interstate commerce of a 
drug, device, or biologic product intended for use in an actual or 
potential emergency (referred to as ``emergency use'') after making a 
declaration, under section 564(b)(1) of the FD&C Act, that 
circumstances exist justifying the authorization. Such a declaration 
must be based on one of the following actions listed at section 
564(b)(1)(A)-(D) of the FD&C Act:
     A determination by the Secretary of Homeland Security that 
there is a domestic emergency, or a significant potential for a 
domestic emergency, involving a heightened risk of attack with a 
chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) agent or agents;
     A determination by the Secretary of Defense that there is 
a military emergency, or a significant potential for a military 
emergency, involving a heightened risk to U.S. military forces of 
attack with a CBRN agent or agents;
     A determination by the Secretary of HHS that there is a 
public health emergency, or a significant potential for a public health 
emergency, that affects, or has a significant potential to affect, 
national security or the health and security of U.S. citizens living 
abroad, and that involves a CBRN agent or agents, or a disease or 
condition that may be attributable to such agent or agents; or
     The identification of a material threat, by the Secretary 
of Homeland Security under section 319F-2 of the Public Health Service 
(PHS) Act, that is sufficient to affect national security or the health 
and security of U.S. citizens living abroad.
    If one of these four actions that can provide the basis for the 
Secretary of HHS to make a declaration under section 564(b)(1) of the 
FD&C Act occurs with respect to an influenza viral strain, then, after 
being notified that characterized viral samples are available from CDC, 
antigen based RIDT manufacturers must conduct analytical reactivity 
testing with those samples and make the results available in their 
device labeling within the timeframes set forth in Sec.  
866.3328(b)(4).
    In addition, the Secretary of HHS may determine under section 
319(a) of the PHS Act (42 U.S.C. 247d(a)) that a disease or disorder 
presents a public health emergency or that a public health emergency 
otherwise exists. In the event of such a determination under section 
319(a) of the PHS Act with respect to an influenza viral strain, then, 
after being notified that characterized viral samples are available 
from CDC, antigen based RIDT manufacturers would also need to conduct 
analytical reactivity testing with those samples and make the results 
available in their device labeling within the timeframes set forth in 
Sec.  866.3328(b)(4).
    The final order also modifies the special controls to require that 
any emergency reactivity test results added to antigen based RIDT 
device labeling under Sec.  866.3328(b)(4)(ii) remain in the labeling 
for a period of 3 years. Emerging influenza strains may still be 
circulating after the statutory actions described under section 
564(b)(1)(A)-(D) of the FD&C Act and section 319(a) of the PHS Act have 
terminated. The change will align the period that emergency analytical 
reactivity test results must remain in device labeling with the 
requirement in Sec.  866.3328(b)(3)(iii) that manufacturers provide the 
last 3 years of annual analytical reactivity testing in the device 
labeling. FDA believes that this makes the labeling requirements in the 
special controls more clear and consistent for industry.
    As discussed previously, after reviewing the comments received 
along with the proposed order and the Panel's recommendations, FDA is 
making a few clarifications and modifications to the special controls 
for antigen based RIDTs. These include: (1) Clarifying that clinical 
performance criteria must be met for each specimen type claimed in the 
intended use of the device; (2) clarifying that manufacturers of future 
antigen based RIDT devices may use a currently appropriate and FDA 
accepted comparator method other than comparison to an FDA-cleared 
nucleic acid based-test or viral culture methods to demonstrate that 
those devices meet the clinical performance criteria, if such a 
comparator method is established; (3) clarifying that a manufacturer 
choosing to provide analytical reactivity testing results via its 
public Web site must prominently provide hyperlink to that Web site in 
the device's label or in other labeling that physically accompanies the 
device; (4) clarifying the circumstances in which emergency analytical 
reactivity testing is required under Sec.  866.3328(b)(4); and (5) 
requiring results of such emergency analytical reactivity testing to 
remain in the device labeling for a period of 3 years.

III. The Final Order

    Under section 513(e) of the FD&C Act, FDA is adopting its findings 
as published in the preamble to the proposed order, with the 
modifications discussed in section II of this final order. FDA is 
issuing this final order to reclassify antigen based rapid influenza 
virus antigen detection test systems intended to detect influenza virus 
antigen directly from clinical specimens that are currently regulated 
as influenza virus serological reagents under Sec.  866.3330 from class 
I into class II with special controls and into a new device 
classification regulation for ``influenza virus antigen detection test 
systems.'' Currently, antigen based RIDTs are mostly found under 
product codes GNX and GNT. However, any antigen based rapid influenza 
virus antigen detection test system intended to detect influenza virus 
antigen directly from clinical specimens that is currently regulated as 
influenza virus serological reagents under Sec.  866.3330 is subject to 
this

[[Page 3618]]

reclassification regardless of the product code to which it is 
currently assigned.
    Section 510(m) of the FD&C Act provides that a class II device may 
be exempt from the premarket notification requirements under section 
510(k) of the FD&C Act, if the Agency determines that premarket 
notification is not necessary to provide reasonable assurance of the 
safety and effectiveness of the device. For this device, FDA believes 
that premarket notification is necessary to provide reasonable 
assurance of safety and effectiveness. Therefore, this type of device 
is not exempt from premarket notification requirements.
    In addition, FDA believes that special controls that: (1) Identify 
the minimum acceptable performance criteria; (2) require use of a 
currently appropriate and FDA accepted comparator method for 
establishing performance of new antigen based RIDTs; (3) require annual 
analytical reactivity testing of contemporary influenza strains; and 
(4) require analytical reactivity testing of newly emerging strains 
under certain situations involving an emergency or potential for an 
emergency, are necessary to provide reasonable assurance of safety and 
effectiveness of these devices.

IV. Implementation Strategy

    The special controls identified in this final order are effective 
February 13, 2017.
     For antigen based RIDTs that have not been legally 
marketed prior to February 13, 2017, or that have been legally marketed 
but are required to submit a 510(k) under 21 CFR 807.81(a)(3) because 
the device is about to be significantly changed or modified, 
manufacturers must obtain 510(k) clearance, among other relevant 
requirements, and demonstrate compliance with the special controls 
included in this final order, before marketing their new or changed 
device. If a manufacturer markets such a device after February 13, 2017 
without obtaining 510(k) clearance and demonstrating compliance with 
the special controls included in this final order, then FDA would 
consider taking action against such a manufacturer under its usual 
enforcement policies.
     For antigen based RIDTs that have been legally marketed 
prior to February 13, 2017, FDA does not intend to enforce compliance 
with the special controls until January 12, 2018. If a manufacturer 
markets such a device after January 12, 2018, and that device does not 
comply with the special controls, then FDA would consider taking action 
against such a manufacturer under its usual enforcement policies.
    FDA believes that a period of 1 year from the publication date of 
this final order is appropriate for manufacturers to come into 
compliance with the special controls and for those manufacturers whose 
currently legally marketed devices do not meet the minimum performance 
criteria to prepare and submit a 510(k) for a new or significantly 
changed or modified device. FDA believes this approach will help ensure 
the efficient and effective implementation of the order.

V. Analysis of Environmental Impact

    The Agency has determined under 21 CFR 25.34(b) that this 
reclassification action is of a type that does not individually or 
cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. 
Therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental 
impact statement is required.

VI. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    This administrative order establishes special controls that refer 
to previously approved collections of information found in other FDA 
regulations and guidance. These collections of information are subject 
to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The collections 
of information in part 807, subpart E, regarding premarket notification 
submissions have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0120; the 
collections of information in 21 CFR part 812 regarding investigational 
device exemptions have been approved under OMB control number 0910-
0078; the collections of information in 21 CFR part 801 and Sec.  
809.10 have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0485; and the 
collections of information regarding pre-submissions have been approved 
under OMB control number 0910-0756.

VII. Codification of Orders

    Prior to the amendments by FDASIA, section 513(e) of the FD&C Act 
provided for FDA to issue regulations to reclassify devices. Although 
section 513(e) of the FD&C Act, as amended, requires FDA to issue final 
orders rather than regulations, FDASIA also provides for FDA to revoke 
previously issued regulations by order. FDA will continue to codify 
classifications and reclassifications in the Code of Federal 
Regulations (CFR). Changes resulting from final orders will appear in 
the CFR as changes to codified classification determinations or as 
newly codified orders. Therefore, under section 513(e)(1)(A)(i) of the 
FD&C Act, as amended by FDASIA, in this final order, we are codifying 
the reclassification of antigen based RIDTs into class II (special 
controls).

VIII. Reference

    The following reference is on display in the Division of Dockets 
Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, 
Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852, and is available for viewing by 
interested persons between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; it 
is also available electronically at https://www.regulations.gov. FDA 
has verified the Web site addresses, as of the date this document 
publishes in the Federal Register, but Web sites are subject to change 
over time.

1. Transcript and other meeting materials of FDA's Microbiology 
Devices Panel Meeting held on June 13, 2013, are available on FDA's 
Web site at: http://www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/ucm351035.htm.

List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 866

    Biologics, Laboratories, Medical devices.

    Therefore, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and under 
authority delegated to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, 21 CFR part 
866 is amended as follows:

PART 866--IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES

0
1. The authority citation for part 866 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 351, 360, 360c, 360e, 360j, 371.


0
2. Add Sec.  866.3328 to subpart D to read as follows:


Sec.  866.3328  Influenza virus antigen detection test system.

    (a) Identification. An influenza virus antigen detection test 
system is a device intended for the qualitative detection of influenza 
viral antigens directly from clinical specimens in patients with signs 
and symptoms of respiratory infection. The test aids in the diagnosis 
of influenza infection and provides epidemiological information on 
influenza. Due to the propensity of the virus to mutate, new strains 
emerge over time which may potentially affect the performance of these 
devices. Because influenza is highly contagious and may lead to an 
acute respiratory tract infection causing severe illness and even 
death, the accuracy of these

[[Page 3619]]

devices has serious public health implications.
    (b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special 
controls for this device are:
    (1) The device's sensitivity and specificity performance 
characteristics or positive percent agreement and negative percent 
agreement, for each specimen type claimed in the intended use of the 
device, must meet one of the following two minimum clinical performance 
criteria:
    (i) For devices evaluated as compared to an FDA-cleared nucleic 
acid based-test or other currently appropriate and FDA accepted 
comparator method other than correctly performed viral culture method:
    (A) The positive percent agreement estimate for the device when 
testing for influenza A and influenza B must be at the point estimate 
of at least 80 percent with a lower bound of the 95 percent confidence 
interval that is greater than or equal to 70 percent.
    (B) The negative percent agreement estimate for the device when 
testing for influenza A and influenza B must be at the point estimate 
of at least 95 percent with a lower bound of the 95 percent confidence 
interval that is greater than or equal to 90 percent.
    (ii) For devices evaluated as compared to correctly performed viral 
culture method as the comparator method:
    (A) The sensitivity estimate for the device when testing for 
influenza A must be at the point estimate of at least 90 percent with a 
lower bound of the 95 percent confidence interval that is greater than 
or equal to 80 percent. The sensitivity estimate for the device when 
testing for influenza B must be at the point estimate of at least 80 
percent with a lower bound of the 95 percent confidence interval that 
is greater than or equal to 70 percent.
    (B) The specificity estimate for the device when testing for 
influenza A and influenza B must be at the point estimate of at least 
95 percent with a lower bound of the 95 percent confidence interval 
that is greater than or equal to 90 percent.
    (2) When performing testing to demonstrate the device meets the 
requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a currently 
appropriate and FDA accepted comparator method must be used to 
establish assay performance in clinical studies.
    (3) Annual analytical reactivity testing of the device must be 
performed with contemporary influenza strains. This annual analytical 
reactivity testing must meet the following criteria:
    (i) The appropriate strains to be tested will be identified by FDA 
in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC) and sourced from CDC or an FDA-designated source. If the annual 
strains are not available from CDC, FDA will identify an alternative 
source for obtaining the requisite strains.
    (ii) The testing must be conducted according to a standardized 
protocol considered and determined by FDA to be acceptable and 
appropriate.
    (iii) By July 31 of each calendar year, the results of the last 3 
years of annual analytical reactivity testing must be included as part 
of the device's labeling. If a device has not been on the market long 
enough for 3 years of annual analytical reactivity testing to have been 
conducted since the device received marketing authorization from FDA, 
then the results of every annual analytical reactivity testing since 
the device received marketing authorization from FDA must be included. 
The results must be presented as part of the device's labeling in a 
tabular format, which includes the detailed information for each virus 
tested as described in the certificate of authentication, either by:
    (A) Placing the results directly in the device's Sec.  809.10(b) of 
this chapter compliant labeling that physically accompanies the device 
in a separate section of the labeling where the analytical reactivity 
testing data can be found; or
    (B) In the device's label or in other labeling that physically 
accompanies the device, prominently providing a hyperlink to the 
manufacturer's public Web site where the analytical reactivity testing 
data can be found. The manufacturer's home page, as well as the primary 
part of the manufacturer's Web site that discusses the device, must 
provide a prominently placed hyperlink to the Web page containing this 
information and must allow unrestricted viewing access.
    (4) If one of the actions listed at section 564(b)(1)(A)-(D) of the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act occurs with respect to an 
influenza viral strain, or if the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) determines, under section 319(a) of the Public Health 
Service Act, that a disease or disorder presents a public health 
emergency, or that a public health emergency otherwise exists, with 
respect to an influenza viral strain:
    (i) Within 30 days from the date that FDA notifies manufacturers 
that characterized viral samples are available for test evaluation, the 
manufacturer must have testing performed on the device with those viral 
samples in accordance with a standardized protocol considered and 
determined by FDA to be acceptable and appropriate. The procedure and 
location of testing may depend on the nature of the emerging virus.
    (ii) Within 60 days from the date that FDA notifies manufacturers 
that characterized viral samples are available for test evaluation and 
continuing until 3 years from that date, the results of the influenza 
emergency analytical reactivity testing, including the detailed 
information for the virus tested as described in the certificate of 
authentication, must be included as part of the device's labeling in a 
tabular format, either by:
    (A) Placing the results directly in the device's Sec.  809.10(b) of 
this chapter compliant labeling that physically accompanies the device 
in a separate section of the labeling where analytical reactivity 
testing data can be found, but separate from the annual analytical 
reactivity testing results; or
    (B) In a section of the device's label or in other labeling that 
physically accompanies the device, prominently providing a hyperlink to 
the manufacturer's public Web site where the analytical reactivity 
testing data can be found. The manufacturer's home page, as well as the 
primary part of the manufacturer's Web site that discusses the device, 
must provide a prominently placed hyperlink to the Web page containing 
this information and must allow unrestricted viewing access.

    Dated: January 4, 2017.
Leslie Kux,
Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-00199 Filed 1-11-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4164-01-P



                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                                3609

                                                transport of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7                  Galaxy Note 7 device unless and until                  Avenue SE., Room W12–140,
                                                device, in particular, immediately prior                the passenger divests themselves and                   Washington, DC 20590 (http://
                                                to boarding is no longer warranted, due                 carry-on or checked baggage of the                     Regulations.gov). Furthermore, a
                                                to the extensive efforts by Samsung and                 Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device.                          petition for review must state the
                                                U.S. wireless providers to recall all                      (3) Persons covered by this Amended                 material facts at issue which the
                                                Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices and to                    Order who inadvertently bring a                        petitioner believes dispute the existence
                                                make users aware the Samsung Galaxy                     prohibited Samsung Galaxy Note 7                       of an imminent hazard and must
                                                Note 7 device is forbidden from                         device aboard an aircraft must                         include all evidence and exhibits to be
                                                transportation by air. Moreover, on                     immediately power off the device, leave                considered. The petition must also state
                                                December 9, 2016, Samsung reported on                   it powered off until no longer aboard the              the relief sought. Within 30 days from
                                                its Web site that more than 93 percent                  aircraft, not use or charge the device                 the date the petition for review is filed,
                                                of all recalled Samsung Galaxy Note 7                   while aboard the aircraft, protect the                 the Secretary must approve or deny the
                                                devices had been returned to Samsung                    device from accidental activation,                     relief in writing; or find that the
                                                and that it would release a software                    including disabling any features that                  imminent hazard continues to exist, and
                                                update starting on December 19, 2016                    may turn on the device, such as alarm                  extend the original Emergency Order. In
                                                that would prevent U.S. Samsung                         clocks, and keep the device on their                   response to a petition for review, the
                                                Galaxy Note 7 devices from charging                     person and not in the overhead                         Secretary may grant the requested relief
                                                and eliminate their ability to work as                  compartment, seat back pocket, nor in                  in whole or in part; or may order other
                                                mobile devices.1 We understand that                     any carry-on baggage, for the duration of              relief as justice may require (including
                                                major U.S. wireless providers will push                 the flight.                                            the immediate assignment the case to
                                                out this update on or before January 8,                    (4) When a flight crew member                       the Office of Hearings for a formal
                                                2017. T Mobile reported that it would                   identifies that a passenger is in                      hearing on the record).
                                                push the software update on December                    possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7
                                                27, 2016.2 Verizon Wireless and AT&T                    device while the aircraft is in flight, the            Emergency Contact Official
                                                both reported that they would push the                  crew member must instruct the                            If you have any questions concerning
                                                software update on January 5, 2017,3                    passenger to power off the device, not                 this Amended Emergency Restriction/
                                                and Sprint reported that it would push                  use or charge the device while aboard                  Prohibition Order, you should call
                                                the update on January 8, 2017.4 We                      the aircraft, protect the device from                  PHMSA Hazardous Materials
                                                think that these efforts to render U.S.                 accidental activation, including                       Information Center at 1–800–467–4922
                                                Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices                           disabling any features that may turn on                or email at phmsa.hm-infocenter@
                                                inoperable, in addition to the ongoing                  the device, such as alarm clocks, and                  dot.gov.
                                                recall and notification efforts, will                   keep the device on their person and not                  Issued in Washington, DC, on January 9,
                                                decrease the likelihood that Samsung                    in the overhead compartment, seat back                 2017.
                                                Galaxy Note 7 devices will be brought                   pocket, nor in any carry-on baggage, for               Reginald C. Govan,
                                                on board aircraft. In addition, the                     the duration of the flight.
                                                                                                                                                               Chief Counsel, Federal Aviation
                                                hazardous materials regulations (HMR;
                                                49 CFR parts 171–180) provide a                         Rescission of This Amended Order                       Administration.
                                                                                                           This Amended Order remains in                       [FR Doc. 2017–00555 Filed 1–9–17; 4:15 pm]
                                                systematic framework to protect the safe
                                                transportation of hazardous materials                   effect until the Secretary determines                  BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

                                                that includes procedures for                            that an imminent hazard no longer
                                                notification, handling, and reporting of                exists or a change in applicable statute
                                                discrepancies and incidents at air                      or federal regulation occurs that
                                                                                                                                                               DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                passenger facilities and cargo facilities.              supersedes the requirements of this
                                                                                                                                                               HUMAN SERVICES
                                                                                                        Amended Order, in which case the
                                                Remedial Action                                         Secretary will issue a Rescission Order.               Food and Drug Administration
                                                   To eliminate or abate the imminent
                                                hazard:                                                 Failure To Comply
                                                                                                                                                               21 CFR Part 866
                                                   (1) Persons covered by this Amended                    Any person failing to comply with
                                                Order shall not transport, nor offer for                this Amended Order is subject to civil
                                                                                                                                                               [Docket No. FDA–2014–N–0440]
                                                transportation, via air any Samsung                     penalties of up to $179,933 for each
                                                Galaxy Note 7 device.                                   violation for each day they are found to               Microbiology Devices; Reclassification
                                                   (2) Air carriers are required to handle              be in violation (49 U.S.C. 5123). A                    of Influenza Virus Antigen Detection
                                                Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices                           person violating this Order may also be                Test Systems Intended for Use Directly
                                                consistently with other forbidden                       subject to criminal prosecution, which                 With Clinical Specimens
                                                hazardous materials under 49 CFR parts                  may result in fines under title 18,
                                                173 and 175, and to deny boarding to a                  imprisonment of up to ten years, or both               AGENCY:   Food and Drug Administration,
                                                passenger in possession of a Samsung                    (49 U.S.C. 5124).                                      HHS.
                                                                                                        Right To Review                                        ACTION:   Final order.
                                                  1 https://news.samsung.com/us/2016/12/09/

                                                samsung-taking-bold-steps-to-increase-galaxy-             Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 5121(d)(3) and                 SUMMARY:    The Food and Drug
                                                note7-device-returns/; see also http://                 in accordance with section 554 of the                  Administration (FDA) is reclassifying
                                                www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/.
                                                  2 https://explore.t-mobile.com/samsung-galaxy-        Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5                  antigen based rapid influenza virus
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                note7-recall.                                           U.S.C. 500 et seq., a review of this                   antigen detection test systems intended
                                                  3 https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/            action may be filed. Any petition                      to detect influenza virus directly from
                                                samsung-galaxy-note7-recall-faqs/; https://             seeking relief must be filed within 20                 clinical specimens that are currently
                                                www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/           calendar days of the date of this order                regulated as influenza virus serological
                                                KM1122948.
                                                  4 https://support.sprint.com/support/article/         (49 U.S.C. 5121(d)(3)), and addressed to               reagents from class I into class II with
                                                FAQs-about-the-Samsung-Galaxy-Note7-recall/             U.S. DOT Dockets, U.S. Department of                   special controls and into a new device
                                                817d4190-b2e2-43c8-b549-97b3553d5c24.                   Transportation, 1200 New Jersey                        classification regulation.


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00009   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1


                                                3610              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                DATES: This order is effective February                 device to be substantially equivalent, in              ‘‘new information’’ to support
                                                13, 2017. See further discussion in                     accordance with section 513(i) of the                  reclassification under section 513(e) of
                                                section IV, ‘‘Implementation Strategy.’’                FD&C Act, to a predicate device that                   the FD&C Act must be ‘‘valid scientific
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        does not require premarket approval.                   evidence,’’ as defined in section
                                                Stefanie Akselrod, Center for Devices                      Under section 513(i) of the FD&C Act,               513(a)(3) of the FD&C Act and 21 CFR
                                                and Radiological Health, Food and Drug                  a device is substantially equivalent if it             860.7(c)(2). See, e.g., Gen. Med. Co. v.
                                                Administration, 10903 New Hampshire                     has the same intended use and                          FDA, 770 F.2d 214 (D.C. Cir. 1985);
                                                Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 5438, Silver Spring,                technological characteristics as a                     Contact Lens Mfrs. Ass’n. v. FDA, 766
                                                MD 20993–0002, 301–796–6188.                            predicate device, or has the same                      F.2d 592 (D.C. Cir.), cert. denied, 474
                                                                                                        intended use as the predicate device                   U.S. 1062 (1986).
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                        and has different technological
                                                I. Regulatory Authorities                               characteristics, but data demonstrate                     Section 513(e)(1) of the FD&C Act sets
                                                                                                        that the new device is as safe and                     forth the process for issuing a final order
                                                   The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic                                                                        for reclassifying a device under that
                                                Act (the FD&C Act), as amended by the                   effective as the predicate device and
                                                                                                        does not raise different questions of                  section. Specifically, prior to the
                                                Medical Device Amendments of 1976                                                                              issuance of a final order reclassifying a
                                                                                                        safety or effectiveness than the predicate
                                                (the 1976 amendments) (Pub. L. 94–                                                                             device, the following must occur: (1)
                                                                                                        device. The Agency determines whether
                                                295), the Safe Medical Devices Act of                                                                          Publication of a proposed order in the
                                                                                                        new devices are substantially equivalent
                                                1990 (Pub. L. 101–629), the Food and                                                                           Federal Register; (2) a meeting of a
                                                                                                        to predicate devices by means of
                                                Drug Administration Modernization Act                                                                          device classification panel described in
                                                                                                        premarket notification (510(k))
                                                of 1997 (FDAMA) (Pub. L. 105–115), the                                                                         section 513(b) of the FD&C Act; and (3)
                                                                                                        procedures in section 510(k) of the
                                                Medical Device User Fee and                                                                                    consideration of comments to a public
                                                                                                        FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 360(k)) and part
                                                Modernization Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107–
                                                                                                        807 (21 CFR part 807).                                 docket. FDA published a proposed order
                                                250), the Medical Devices Technical                        FDAMA added section 510(m) to the                   to reclassify this device type in the
                                                Corrections Act (Pub. L. 108–214), the                  FD&C Act. Section 510(m) of the FD&C                   Federal Register of May 22, 2014 (79 FR
                                                Food and Drug Administration                            Act provides that a class II device may                29387). FDA has held a meeting of a
                                                Amendments Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110–                    be exempted from the premarket                         device classification panel described in
                                                85), and the Food and Drug                              notification requirements under section
                                                Administration Safety and Innovation                                                                           section 513(b) of the FD&C Act with
                                                                                                        510(k) of the FD&C Act, if the Agency                  respect to antigen based rapid influenza
                                                Act (FDASIA) (Pub. L. 112–144), among                   determines that premarket notification
                                                other amendments, established a                                                                                diagnostic test (RIDT) systems and has
                                                                                                        is not necessary to assure the safety and              also received and considered comments
                                                comprehensive system for the regulation                 effectiveness of the device.
                                                of medical devices intended for human                                                                          on the proposed order, as discussed in
                                                                                                           On July 9, 2012, FDASIA was enacted.                section II. Therefore, FDA has met the
                                                use. Section 513 of the FD&C Act (21                    Section 608(a) of FDASIA amended
                                                U.S.C. 360c) established three categories                                                                      requirements under section 513(e)(1) of
                                                                                                        section 513(e) of the FD&C Act,
                                                (classes) of devices, reflecting the                                                                           the FD&C Act.
                                                                                                        changing the mechanism for
                                                regulatory controls needed to provide                   reclassifying a device from rulemaking                 II. Public Comments in Response to the
                                                reasonable assurance of their safety and                to an administrative order. Section                    Proposed Order
                                                effectiveness. The three categories of                  513(e) of the FD&C Act provides that
                                                devices are class I (general controls),                 FDA may, by administrative order,                         On May 22, 2014, FDA published a
                                                class II (special controls), and class III              reclassify a device based upon ‘‘new                   proposed order to reclassify antigen
                                                (premarket approval).                                   information.’’ FDA can initiate a                      based RIDTs intended to detect
                                                   Under section 513(d) of the FD&C Act,                reclassification under section 513(e) of               influenza virus antigen directly from
                                                devices that were in commercial                         the FD&C Act or an interested person                   clinical specimens that are currently
                                                distribution before the enactment of the                may petition FDA to reclassify an                      regulated as influenza virus serological
                                                1976 amendments on May 28, 1976                         eligible device type. The term ‘‘new                   reagents under § 866.3330 (21 CFR
                                                (generally referred to as preamendments                 information,’’ as used in section 513(e)               866.3330) from class I into class II with
                                                devices) are classified after FDA has: (1)              of the FD&C Act, includes information                  special controls and into a new device
                                                Received a recommendation from a                        developed as a result of a reevaluation                classification regulation (79 FR 29387).
                                                device classification panel (an FDA                     of the data before the Agency when the                    The Agency received comments on
                                                advisory committee); (2) published the                  device was originally classified, as well              the proposed order from several entities.
                                                panel’s recommendation for comment,                     as information not presented, not                      Comments were received from device
                                                along with a proposed regulation                        available, or not developed at that time.              industry manufacturers, a consumer
                                                classifying the device; and (3) published               See, e.g., Holland-Rantos Co. v. U.S.
                                                                                                                                                               group, professional organizations, a
                                                a final regulation classifying the device.              Dep’t of Health, Educ., and Welfare, 587
                                                                                                                                                               health care organization, a device
                                                FDA has classified most                                 F.2d 1173, 1174 n.1 (D.C. Cir. 1978);
                                                                                                                                                               manufacturers association, and an
                                                preamendments devices under these                       Upjohn v. Finch, 422 F.2d 944 (6th Cir.
                                                                                                                                                               individual consumer.
                                                procedures.                                             1970); Bell v. Goddard, 366 F.2d 177
                                                   Devices that were not in commercial                  (7th Cir. 1966).                                          To make it easier to identify
                                                distribution prior to May 28, 1976                         Reevaluation of the data previously                 comments and our responses, the word
                                                (generally referred to as                               before the Agency is an appropriate                    ‘‘Comment’’ and a comment number
                                                ‘‘postamendments devices’’), are                        basis for subsequent action where the                  appear in parentheses before each
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                automatically classified by section                     reevaluation is made in light of newly                 comment’s description, and the word
                                                513(f) of the FD&C Act into class III                   available authority. See Bell, 366 F.2d at             ‘‘Response’’ in parentheses precedes
                                                without any FDA rulemaking process.                     181; Ethicon, Inc. v. FDA, 762 F. Supp.                each response. Similar comments are
                                                Those devices remain in class III and                   382, 388–91 (D.D.C. 1991), or in light of              grouped together under the same
                                                require premarket approval unless, and                  changes in ‘‘medical science’’ (Upjohn,                number. Specific issues raised by the
                                                until, the device is reclassified into class            422 F.2d at 951). Whether data before                  comments and the Agency’s responses
                                                I or II or FDA issues an order finding the              the Agency are old or new data, the                    follow.


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00010   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1


                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                          3611

                                                A. General Comments                                     expressed a concern that FDA seems to                  provisions, which were amended by
                                                   (Comment 1) Commenters expressed                     consider holding a panel meeting after                 FDASIA. Section 608 of FDASIA
                                                support for the proposed order to                       the issuance of a proposed order as                    amended section 513(e) of the FD&C Act
                                                reclassify antigen based RIDTs from                     ‘‘discretionary rather than mandatory.’’               by changing the reclassification process
                                                class I to class II with special controls,              The commenter urged FDA to hold                        from rulemaking to an administrative
                                                noting that there is evidence that the                  panel meetings after the issuance of                   order process. The amendments to
                                                currently available antigen based RIDTs,                proposed reclassification orders in order              section 513(e) of the FD&C Act made by
                                                which are widely used in non-clinical                   to allow the panel to discuss the                      FDASIA require, in relevant part, that
                                                laboratory settings such as physician                   proposal after it has been issued. The                 issuance of an administrative order
                                                office laboratories, are performing                     commenter stated that holding a panel                  reclassifying a device be preceded by a
                                                poorly, resulting in many misdiagnosed                  meeting following issuance of a                        proposed order and a meeting of a
                                                cases of influenza. Commenters noted                    proposed reclassification order is a                   device classification panel.
                                                                                                        critical element of the process reforms                   As amended, section 513(e) of the
                                                that a misdiagnosis of influenza may
                                                                                                        enacted by Congress. In addition, the                  FD&C Act does not prescribe when
                                                have serious consequences, including:
                                                                                                        commenter expressed a concern that the                 these two events (the panel meeting and
                                                Inappropriate use of antibiotics and                                                                           proposed order) must occur in relation
                                                                                                        Agency has not obtained sufficient
                                                failure to use antiviral therapy, which                                                                        to each other. Therefore, under this
                                                                                                        feedback from physicians who
                                                may be critical for some patients,                                                                             provision, the Agency may hold a panel
                                                                                                        commonly use the rapid influenza tests
                                                following false negative results; the                                                                          meeting either before or after the
                                                                                                        in their practice. Therefore, the
                                                unnecessary or inappropriate                                                                                   issuance of a proposed reclassification
                                                                                                        commenter suggested that FDA should
                                                prescribing of antiviral drugs following                                                                       order. This approach is consistent with
                                                                                                        convene another panel meeting and
                                                false positive results; ineffective                                                                            the prior panel provision in section
                                                                                                        include these physicians to provide
                                                infection control measures; and an                      critical expertise and perspective on the              513(e) of the FD&C Act, which provided
                                                overall increased public health burden,                 overall evaluation of FDA’s proposed                   for FDA, at its discretion, to secure a
                                                such as increased rate of hospitalization               plans on test reclassification, including              panel recommendation prior to the
                                                and return doctor visits. Several                       the analytical reactivity testing protocol,            promulgation of a reclassification rule.
                                                commenters expressed a concern                          specifications, and qualification of                   Generally, for future reclassifications
                                                regarding frequent antigenic changes in                 specimens.                                             under section 513(e) of the FD&C Act for
                                                the circulating strains as the influenza                   (Response) The June 13, 2013,                       which a meeting of a device
                                                virus evolves and agreed with the new                   Microbiology Advisory Panel (‘‘Panel’’)                classification panel has not yet
                                                requirement that manufacturers conduct                  meeting considered all relevant                        occurred, FDA expects a proposed
                                                annual analytical testing of circulating                scientific issues associated with the                  reclassification order will be issued
                                                strains in an effort to monitor the                     proposed order for the antigen based                   prior to the panel meeting required
                                                performance of these tests over time.                   RIDTs and recommended reclassifying                    under section 513(e).
                                                Overall, there was a general consensus                  these devices into class II (special
                                                among the commenters that the                                                                                  B. Transition Period
                                                                                                        controls). The Panel included six
                                                proposed special controls address and                   physicians and seven researchers who                     (Comment 3) While one commenter
                                                mitigate the risks to health.                           provided input that FDA considered for                 expressed agreement that the proposed
                                                   (Response) FDA agrees that                           purposes of the proposed order,                        1 year timeframe should be sufficient for
                                                reclassification of antigen based RIDTs                 including the proposed special controls.               manufacturers to bring devices already
                                                into class II as outlined in this order                 Each of the Panel members is                           on the market into compliance with the
                                                will help to improve the overall quality                considered an authority on matters of                  special controls, another commenter
                                                of testing for influenza. The new                       influenza infection, treatment,                        suggested that FDA consider providing
                                                minimum performance requirements for                    epidemiology, and/or biology.                          additional transition time for the
                                                these tests detecting influenza virus                   Representatives from CDC and the                       implementation of the final order. The
                                                antigens are expected to lower the                      Association of Public Health                           commenter suggested that this would
                                                number of misdiagnosed influenza                        Laboratories presented extensive data                  assist manufacturers who are working in
                                                infections by increasing the number of                  on the use of the currently available                  good faith to meet the new requirements
                                                devices that can reliably detect the                    antigen based RIDTs and the outcomes                   to prepare submissions in advance of
                                                influenza virus. In addition, the special               related to patients that support the                   the influenza season and would provide
                                                controls requiring annual and                           conclusion that there has been poor                    for product continuity among health
                                                emergency analytical reactivity testing                 performance of antigen based RIDTs in                  care providers. The commenter did not
                                                provide a process for continued                         the medical practice. The Panel                        identify why 1 year would be an
                                                monitoring of the performance of                        recommended the reclassification of                    insufficient period of transition time.
                                                antigen based RIDTs. As part of that                    antigen based RIDTs. FDA is not aware                    (Response) The Panel recommended
                                                process, the Centers for Disease Control                of any significant changes in benefits or              and FDA made the determination that
                                                and Prevention (CDC) and FDA will                       risks relating to the antigen based RIDTs              special controls, including the new
                                                collaborate in efforts to ensure that there             that have been identified since the June               minimum performance requirements,
                                                is an influenza virus analytical                        13, 2013, Panel meeting. Stakeholders                  are needed, in addition to general
                                                reactivity test panel available to all                  had an opportunity to provide feedback                 controls, to provide reasonable
                                                manufacturers of antigen based RIDTs                    to the proposed order in their                         assurance of safety and effectiveness for
                                                for evaluation of the analytical reactivity             comments, and that feedback has been                   antigen based RIDTs. We, therefore, do
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                of their assays with circulating viruses                largely positive. The public comments                  not believe, given the risk that poor
                                                on an annual basis.                                     are addressed here and are also                        performance of antigen based RIDTs
                                                   (Comment 2) One commenter noted                      available to view by request or on                     pose to public health, a delay in
                                                that under the FD&C Act, as amended                     https://www.regulations.gov.                           implementation of more than 1 year is
                                                by FDASIA, FDA is able to reclassify a                     The process followed by FDA in                      appropriate. FDA also understands the
                                                device via an ‘‘order rather than                       reclassifying antigen based RIDTs is in                need for a balanced approach that takes
                                                rulemaking,’’ but the commenter                         accordance with the applicable statutory               into account the time it will take for


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00011   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1


                                                3612              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                manufacturers to come into compliance                   among various laboratories, (2) an                     devices meet the minimum performance
                                                with the special controls and seeks to                  increasing difficulty in procuring the                 criteria at § 866.3328(b)(1)(i) based on a
                                                avoid disruption of access to these                     services of a laboratory that is equipped              comparison to that additional currently
                                                devices. With these considerations in                   to perform viral culture procedures, (3)               appropriate and FDA-accepted
                                                mind, FDA believes that a period of 1                   the wide availability of FDA-cleared                   comparator method.
                                                year from the publication date of this                  nucleic acid-based comparator methods                     (Comment 5) Another commenter
                                                final order is appropriate for                          among laboratories, (4) the                            cautioned that the performance
                                                manufacturers to come into compliance                   demonstrated high sensitivity of the                   estimates shown in the package inserts
                                                with the special controls and for those                 nucleic acid-based methods when                        for these tests may be biased due to the
                                                manufacturers whose currently legally                   compared to viral culture method (when                 fact that the data have been generated
                                                marketed devices do not meet the                        properly performed) for the detection of               under closely controlled clinical trial
                                                minimum performance criteria to                         the influenza viruses, and (5) the                     procedures that use optimal sample
                                                prepare and submit a 510(k) for a new                   reliability of the viral culture method                types, a time of sample collection post
                                                or significantly changed or modified                    when performed properly.                               onset of symptoms, proper sample
                                                device. Therefore, FDA does not intend                    In addition, we recognize that                       storage, and time to testing. Because
                                                to enforce compliance with the special                  performance evaluation based on two                    these conditions are often not
                                                controls with respect to currently legally              different comparators where each                       maintained in daily clinical use, the
                                                marketed antigen based RIDT devices                     detects a different analyte (viral culture             true performance of these assays in ‘‘real
                                                until 1 year after the date of publication              methods detect viable virus particles                  life’’ settings may be different.
                                                of this final order. FDA believes this                  while nucleic acid-based methods                          (Response) FDA acknowledges that
                                                approach will help ensure the efficient                 detect the viral ribonucleic acids)                    the performance data in the device
                                                and effective implementation of the                     requires two sets of performance criteria              labeling are estimates. All assays are
                                                final order.                                            resulting in performance measures that                 subject to variation under real-life
                                                                                                        may not allow for direct comparison                    circumstances when the assays are used
                                                C. Clinical Performance Standards and                   between some devices. However, viral
                                                Comparator Methods                                                                                             in clinical practice. However, FDA
                                                                                                        culture method, when performed                         believes that premarket studies
                                                  (Comment 4) One comment                               correctly, has been shown historically to              demonstrating performance for these
                                                recommended a transition to one                         be accurate and remains a valid                        devices should include a variety of
                                                common reference method comparator:                     reference method for the detection of                  testing sites representative of the
                                                A molecular nucleic acid-based method.                  influenza viruses. There are many                      settings in which the device will be
                                                The reasons cited for this                              influenza detecting devices currently on               used and that a sufficient number of
                                                recommendation included: (1) A level                    the market that have been evaluated                    clinical specimens should be tested to
                                                playing field for all manufacturers and                 based on comparison with viral culture                 arrive at reasonable measures of
                                                (2) better clarity for users, industry, and             comparator methods and met the                         confidence in the calculated
                                                the Agency. Another comment raised                      performance criteria set forth in                      performance estimates (i.e., the lower
                                                concerns about the unreliability of the                 § 866.3328(b)(1)(ii) (21 CFR 866.3328).                bound of the two-sided 95 percent
                                                culture results due to non-standardized                 FDA has also stated expressly in the                   confidence interval (calculated by the
                                                culture practices. In addition, a                       special controls that a viral culture                  Score method)), as outlined in the
                                                commenter cautioned that providing                      comparator method used to demonstrate                  guidance document entitled
                                                two minimum performance standards,                      that a device meets the minimum                        ‘‘Establishing the Performance
                                                one when compared to viral culture and                  performance criteria at                                Characteristics of In Vitro Diagnostic
                                                another when compared to a nucleic                      § 866.3328(b)(1)(ii) must be correctly                 Devices for the Detection or Detection
                                                acid-based method, may have                             performed.                                             and Differentiation of Influenza
                                                unintended consequences: (1) Users                        At this time, the only currently                     Viruses’’ (http://www.fda.gov/
                                                may make false assumptions and choose                   appropriate and FDA accepted                           RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/
                                                a method based strictly on the presented                comparator methods are: (1) An FDA-                    ucm079171.htm) (‘‘2011 Influenza
                                                estimates of sensitivity and specificity                cleared nucleic acid-based test or (2) a               Guidance document’’).
                                                without noting the comparator reference                 correctly performed viral culture                         (Comment 6) One commenter
                                                method that was used to derive the                      method. However, FDA recognizes that                   suggested that the proposed sensitivity
                                                performance measures and (2)                            a comparator method at least as accurate               criteria for influenza A for antigen based
                                                manufacturers may elect to conduct the                  as FDA-cleared nucleic acid-based tests                RIDTs, when using a molecular method
                                                method comparison using both types of                   in the detection of the influenza viruses              as a comparator method, are less
                                                reference methods and submit the                        may be established in the future. Based                stringent than those recorded in the
                                                results in support of a 510(k) even if                  on that recognition and the available                  2011 Influenza Guidance document.
                                                only one of the comparisons meets the                   information, the final order clarifies that            The commenter stated that it:
                                                minimum performance bar.                                other comparator methods, if currently
                                                  (Response) FDA appreciates the                        appropriate and FDA accepted, could be                   [I]s not clear . . . why the Special Controls
                                                concern over the potential consequences                 used to demonstrate that the                           for comparison to a molecular method has
                                                of allowing for the two performance                                                                            become less stringent (sensitivity/PPA
                                                                                                        performance criteria requirements in                   estimate for Influenza A reduced from a point
                                                levels based on different comparator                    § 866.3328(b)(1)(i) have been met.                     estimate of 90 percent with a 95 percent CI
                                                methods. The Agency carefully                           Therefore, if FDA determines at some                   lower bound of 80 percent, to a point
                                                considered the public feedback as well                  point in the future that another                       estimate of 80 percent with a 95 percent CI
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                as the implications of eliminating the                  comparator method at least as accurate                 lower bound of 70 percent) when the
                                                viral culture comparator method as an                   as FDA-cleared nucleic acid-based tests                intention of a Special Controls document
                                                acceptable comparator method used in                    has been established as a currently                    would presumably be thought to make
                                                the evaluation of clinical performance of               appropriate comparator method,                         comparative criteria tighter overall.
                                                antigen based RIDTs. Some important                     sponsors of premarket submissions for                    The commenter made a reference to
                                                considerations were: (1) A lack of                      antigen based RIDTs would have the                     the statement in section 9.B.iii, pages
                                                standardization of viral culture methods                option of demonstrating that their                     26–27 of the 2011 Influenza Guidance


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00012   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1


                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                          3613

                                                document (3d bullet), that states:                      by the EIA based tests beyond the                      performance among different age groups
                                                ‘‘Nucleic acid-based tests should                       recommendations set forth in the 2011                  is similar before making the final
                                                demonstrate at least 90% sensitivity for                Influenza Guidance Document. Nucleic                   decision regarding 510(k) clearance.
                                                each analyte and each specimen type                     acid-based tests continue to be subject                FDA encourages sponsors to use the pre-
                                                with a lower bound of the two-sided                     to the document entitled ‘‘Class II                    submission program to discuss the
                                                95% CI greater than 80%.’’ The                          Special Controls Guidance: Respiratory                 premarket submission strategy and
                                                commenter also questioned whether this                  Viral Panel Multiplex Nucleic Acid                     study design for their specific devices.
                                                determination was discussed and used                    Assay’’ (http://www.fda.gov/Regulatory                 The pre-submission program is
                                                to scientifically justify the different                 Information/Guidances/                                 described in the guidance document
                                                criteria for sensitive molecular methods,               ucm180307.htm), except when the                        titled ‘‘Requests for Feedback on
                                                including polymerase chain reaction,                    device detects and differentiates                      Medical Device Submissions: The Pre-
                                                which detect inactive virus in the                      Influenza A subtype H1 and subtype H3,                 Submission Program and Meetings with
                                                absence of viable viral particles in a                  in which case they are also subject to                 Food and Drug Administration Staff’’
                                                sample, and for viral detection in                      the document entitled ‘‘Class II Special               found on FDA’s Web site at http://www.
                                                general when using a molecular                          Controls Guidance Document: Testing                    fda.gov/downloads/medicaldevices/
                                                comparative method.                                     for Detection and Differentiation of                   deviceregulationandguidance/guidance
                                                   (Response) The quoted statement from                 Influenza A Virus Subtypes Using                       documents/ucm311176.pdf.
                                                the 2011 Influenza Guidance document                    Multiplex Nucleic Acid Assays’’ (http://                  (Comment 8) A commenter also
                                                refers to the performance of nucleic                    www.fda.gov/downloads/medical                          suggested that the proposed special
                                                acid-based devices, while the                           devices/deviceregulationandguidance/                   controls do not clearly state that data
                                                performance criteria stated in the May                  guidancedocuments/ucm180310.pdf).                      demonstrating that a device meets the
                                                22, 2014, proposed order (79 FR 29387                      (Comment 7) One commenter                           clinical performance criteria be obtained
                                                at 29390) (Section VIII. Special Controls:              criticized FDA for providing no                        using prospective, fresh samples and
                                                . . . If the manufacturer chooses to                    specifications for how to design a                     that this may be easily remedied by
                                                compare the device to an appropriate                    clinical performance study for antigen                 adding a statement in the final special
                                                molecular comparator method: The                        based RIDT systems in terms of the                     controls document indicating that
                                                positive percent agreement for the                      proportion of samples that should be                   ‘‘clinical performance studies should be
                                                device when testing for Influenza A and                 presented for each age group. In                       carried out on fresh, prospective
                                                Influenza B must be at least at the 80                  addition, the comment suggested that                   samples.’’
                                                percent point estimate with a lower                     the performance estimates of different                    (Response) The 2011 Influenza
                                                bound of the 95 percent confidence                      devices presented in their package                     Guidance Document, in section 9.B.iii
                                                interval that is greater than or equal to               inserts may be biased due to the actual                Specimens, on p. 27, states that: ‘‘[w]e
                                                70 percent) refer to RIDTs based on                     proportions of age groups in the study                 recommend that you assess the ability of
                                                antigen detection, which are historically               (i.e., children vs. adults) and may not be             your device to detect influenza viruses
                                                known to have a more limited                            truly reflective of the performance in the             in fresh specimens collected from
                                                sensitivity due to the properties of the                population overall. The commenter                      patients suspected of having an
                                                enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technology.                    further suggested that the number of                   influenza infection who have been
                                                The relevant citation pertaining to the                 positive samples as well as sensitivity                sequentially enrolled in the study (all-
                                                performance of the rapid devices                        and specificity (or positive percent                   comers study)’’. The guidance further
                                                detecting influenza virus antigens may                  agreement (PPA)/negative percent                       states that ‘‘[f]rozen archived specimens
                                                                                                        agreement (NPA)) for each age group be                 may be useful for analytical
                                                be found in section 9.B.iii, pages 26–27
                                                                                                        presented in each device’s Instructions                performance evaluations, but are not
                                                (1st and 2d bullet) of the 2011 Influenza
                                                                                                        for Use to ensure transparency.                        recommended for studies to calculate
                                                Guidance document, which states:
                                                                                                           (Response) FDA’s current                            clinical sensitivity or specificity’’.
                                                   For rapid devices detecting influenza A              recommendations for appropriate study                     As the incidence of influenza varies
                                                virus antigen, we recommend that you                    design can be found in the 2011                        from year to year and also from region
                                                include a sufficient number of prospectively                                                                   to region, testing of archived specimens
                                                                                                        Influenza Guidance document, where
                                                collected samples for each specimen type
                                                claimed to generate a sensitivity result with           section 9.B.ii mentions that there should              may be acceptable where fresh positive
                                                a lower bound of the two-sided 95% CI                   be a representative number of positive                 specimens are difficult to obtain.
                                                greater than 60%. . . . For rapid devices               samples (determined by the reference                   Performance data obtained from testing
                                                detecting influenza B virus antigen, we                 method) from each age group and [the                   retrospective archived samples are
                                                recommend that you include a sufficient                 data should be presented] stratified by                generally evaluated and presented
                                                number of samples for each claimed                      age (e.g., pediatric populations aged                  separately from data obtained with
                                                specimen type to generate a result for                  birth to 5 years, 6 to 21 years, . . .                 prospectively collected specimens in
                                                sensitivity with a lower bound of the two-              adults aged 22–59, and greater than 60                 the final device labeling.
                                                sided 95% CI greater than 55%.                                                                                    (Comment 9) A further
                                                                                                        years old) in addition to the overall data
                                                  Nucleic acid-based assays that test for               summary table.                                         recommendation was made that the
                                                influenza are regulated under                              In addition, the 2011 Influenza                     proposed special controls include
                                                § 866.3980, Respiratory viral panel                     Guidance document recommends                           explicit wording to clarify that clinical
                                                multiplex nucleic acid assay, and have                  diversifying the location of the selected              performance criteria must be met for
                                                been held to higher performance criteria                clinical sites and the anticipated                     each sample type claimed in the
                                                than antigen based RIDTs because of                     prevalence of influenza at the time of                 proposed labeling submitted for
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                their demonstrated ability to reach                     the study. Depending on the site                       clearance.
                                                higher sensitivity for viral detection. By              selection, the age composition of the                     (Response) FDA agrees with this
                                                establishing special controls with                      subjects will vary, but it is difficult to             recommendation. The proposed special
                                                minimum performance criteria for                        predict the different age groups at the                controls have been modified to clarify
                                                antigen based RIDTs, this final order                   outset of a study. FDA evaluates assay                 that clinical performance criteria must
                                                raises the required minimum                             performance estimates stratified by age                be met for each specimen type claimed
                                                performance criteria for viral detection                groups and determines whether the                      in the intended use of the device.


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00013   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1


                                                3614              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                   (Comment 10) One commenter                           currently available antigen based RIDTs                those manufacturers whose assays do
                                                asserted that the proposed acceptance                   have clinically poor sensitivity even                  not comply with the new special
                                                criteria for devices choosing to use viral              under the controlled conditions of a                   controls. However, there are processes
                                                culture as a comparator have been                       clinical study conducted in support of                 available to outside stakeholders to
                                                determined using certain                                a regulatory submission. More                          request additional review of decisions
                                                generalizations that can confound the                   importantly, the clinical performance of               or actions by the CDRH. For more
                                                data. Referring to the Executive                        these assays in the field, as reported in              information, see the FDA guidance
                                                Summary document prepared for the                       peer reviewed publications, is                         document entitled ‘‘Center for Devices
                                                Panel meeting (Ref. 1), the commenter                   considerably worse for some of these                   and Radiological Health Appeals
                                                states that, for example, all sample types              assays than was demonstrated in the                    Processes—Guidance for Industry and
                                                and age ranges were included in the                     studies submitted to FDA to support                    Food and Drug Administration Staff’’
                                                overall presentation of sensitivity for                 their clearance. Overall, the data                     (http://www.fda.gov/Regulatory
                                                various devices. The commenter                          contained in the two tables were                       Information/Guidances/
                                                objected that the performance criteria,                 intended to help illustrate the                        ucm284651.htm).
                                                as presented in the Executive Summary                   sensitivity of the antigen based RIDTs
                                                document, appear to have been                           available on the market, taking into                   D. Annual Analytical Reactivity Testing
                                                subjectively defined. The commenter                     consideration the limitations of the                   1. Access to Strains
                                                further suggested that the purpose of                   available technology. The data                            (Comment 13) Commenters expressed
                                                tables 1 and 2 in the Executive                         presented in both tables in the
                                                                                                                                                               concerns about whether all
                                                Summary was to imply that any device                    Executive Summary document support
                                                                                                                                                               manufacturers, regardless of their size or
                                                cleared prior to 2008 is assumed to have                that improved influenza detection
                                                                                                                                                               resources, will have equal access to the
                                                variable and unacceptable performance,                  devices are needed to benefit public
                                                                                                                                                               samples needed to conduct the annual
                                                and that the performance criteria for                   health in detection, treatment, and
                                                                                                                                                               analytical reactivity testing in
                                                antigen based RIDTs were chosen                         infection control with regard to the
                                                                                                                                                               compliance with the new special
                                                specifically with the intention of                      influenza viruses.
                                                                                                           (Comment 11) Some commenters                        controls. One of the commenters noted
                                                removing those devices from use.
                                                                                                        inquired about the process for notifying               that there may be challenges to
                                                Additionally, the commenter stated that
                                                                                                        manufacturers that their assays do not                 specimen access for some manufacturers
                                                the information, as presented in the
                                                publicly available Executive Summary,                   meet the new performance criteria and                  under the World Health Organization
                                                did not make it clear that the data were                expressed concern that manufacturers                   (WHO) Pandemic Influenza
                                                confounded and created an unfair                        should be allowed sufficient transition                Preparedness (PIP) Framework as well
                                                marketing advantage for some                            time to develop new or modified                        as potential impact on accessing the
                                                manufacturers.                                          influenza detection devices and to                     influenza strains sourced by the WHO
                                                   (Response) The summary data tables                   submit new 510(k)s for those products.                 Global Influenza Surveillance and
                                                presented in the Executive Summary                         (Response) A manufacturer will not                  Response System (GISRS). The
                                                document submitted to the Panel in                      be individually notified that its product              commenter asked if manufacturers
                                                June 2013 were compiled to illustrate                   does not comply with the new special                   required to perform the annual testing
                                                the range in clinical performance among                 controls; each manufacturer of an                      would need to participate in the PIP
                                                the antigen based RIDTs available on the                antigen based RIDT is responsible for                  framework to access GISRS specimens.
                                                market in support of the reclassification               compliance with these special controls,                The commenter further stated that
                                                effort and were not aimed to remove                     including the minimum performance                      unless all companies are able to access
                                                devices cleared before 2008 from the                    criteria. If an antigen based RIDT device              specimens in a fair, timely and non-cost
                                                market, as the commenter suggests. The                  does not meet the new performance                      restrictive manner to comply with the
                                                data for each assay presented in table 1                criteria set forth in this final order, the            new postmarket requirements, some
                                                in the Executive Summary document                       device may be considered adulterated                   innovators may be unable to continue to
                                                were based on the information provided                  under section 501(f)(1)(B) of the FD&C                 develop new influenza diagnostics.
                                                to FDA in support of the 510(k)                         Act (21 U.S.C. 351(f)(1)(B)), and                         (Response) CDC intends to make
                                                submissions for those devices and                       manufacturers must cease marketing of                  available an annual analytical reactivity
                                                included results from all prospectively                 the device. However, as outlined in                    test panel, which is an annual
                                                collected samples during the clinical                   section IV, ‘‘Implementation Strategy,’’               standardized seasonal influenza virus
                                                study conducted by the manufacturer,                    FDA does not intend to enforce                         test panel, so that manufacturers can
                                                regardless of the specimen type or the                  compliance with the special controls                   comply with the annual analytical
                                                age of the patient (Ref. 1). The                        with respect to currently legally                      reactivity testing requirement. If the
                                                information in this table shows a wide                  marketed antigen based RIDT devices                    annual strains are not available from
                                                range of assay performances.                            until 1 year after the date of publication             CDC, FDA will identify an alternative
                                                   The data presented in table 2 in the                 of this final order. A manufacturer may                source for obtaining the requisite
                                                Executive Summary document were                         contact the Center for Devices and                     strains. The selection of viruses in the
                                                intended to illustrate the even broader                 Radiological Health’s (CDRH) Division                  CDC annual analytical reactivity test
                                                range in sensitivity of these assays as                 of Microbiology Devices in the Office of               panels is expected to be largely based on
                                                reported in the scientific literature and               In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological                  the strains selected by WHO for the
                                                derived from postmarket studies                         Health (OIR) with any specific                         annual vaccine and will be distributed
                                                conducted in the field. The data in table               questions.                                             for annual analytical reactivity testing or
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                2 were also based on combined results,                     (Comment 12) One commenter                          analytical validation in support of new
                                                regardless of sample type, patient age                  inquired whether there will be an                      510(k) submissions for antigen based
                                                and even influenza virus type. Although                 appeals mechanism for manufacturers                    RIDT devices. We expect that the panel
                                                the commenter may consider the data                     and what specific steps would be                       will primarily consist of human viruses
                                                ‘‘confounded,’’ they were not meant to                  available for manufacturers.                           that circulated in the recent influenza
                                                demonstrate statistical validity but                       (Response) No new appeals                           seasons. FDA and CDC do not believe
                                                rather to illustrate that some of the                   mechanisms will be implemented for                     that manufacturers will need to enter


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00014   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1


                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                          3615

                                                agreements under the PIP Framework to                   Web site that can be reached via a                     annual analytical reactivity test panel.
                                                access influenza viral strains in the                   hyperlink found in the device’s label or               CDC has developed a Web site (http://
                                                manner described in this final order for                in other labeling that physically                      www.cdc.gov/flu/dxfluviruspanel/
                                                the sole purpose of conducting testing to               accompanies the device. If a                           index.htm) where the manufacturers can
                                                comply with the special controls at                     manufacturer chooses the option to post                affirm their need for the annual
                                                § 866.3328(b)(3) and (4). The annual                    analytical reactivity testing results on its           analytical reactivity test panel, referred
                                                analytical reactivity test panel will be                Web site, it would be subject to the                   to by CDC as the ‘‘CDC Influenza Virus
                                                made available to manufacturers at the                  requirements of section 502(f) of the                  Panel,’’ to comply with the annual
                                                same time, including those that require                 FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 352(f)) that                       analytical reactivity testing requirement.
                                                it for the annual analytical reactivity                 provides that required labeling for                    The CDC panel will be distributed along
                                                testing as well as those who are                        prescription devices intended for use in               with certificates of analyses for the
                                                developing new or modified influenza                    health care facilities or by a health care             viruses and a standardized testing
                                                assays. CDC and FDA are committed to                    professional and required labeling for in              protocol, considered and determined by
                                                facilitating equal access for                           vitro diagnostic devices intended for use              FDA to be acceptable and appropriate,
                                                manufacturers to the annual analytical                  by health care professionals or in blood               instructing the user on handling and
                                                reactivity test panel and are prepared to               establishments may be made available                   testing of the provided virus stocks in
                                                consider any unforeseen circumstances                   solely by electronic means as long as the              the test panel. There are currently no
                                                in an equitable manner.                                 labeling complies with the law, and that               plans to post the analytical reactivity
                                                   (Comment 14) Another commenter                       the manufacturer affords users the                     testing data generated by the
                                                expressed a concern regarding whether                   opportunity to request the labeling in                 manufacturers on the CDC Web site. For
                                                the requisite strain(s) will be made                    paper form, and that after a request,                  any questions related to the test
                                                available in sufficient time to allow                   promptly provides the requested                        procedure, manufacturers may contact
                                                manufacturers to conduct the studies                    information without additional cost.                   CDC or FDA as specified in the
                                                and have the data available in the                        If a manufacturer provides the                       information included with the influenza
                                                labeling or on the manufacturer’s Web                   hyperlink to a public Web site at which                virus analytical reactivity test panel.
                                                site within the timeframe specified for                 annual analytical reactivity and                       CDC will serve as the contact for
                                                both annual and emergency analytical                    emergency testing data may be viewed,                  questions pertaining to viruses, and
                                                reactivity testing. The comment stated                  generally no updates would be needed                   FDA will serve as the contact for all
                                                that for most manufacturers, the process                to the labeling that physically                        regulatory and reporting issues.
                                                of testing and making a change in                       accompanies the device when meeting                       (Comment 16) Commenters expressed
                                                labeling would take a minimum of 90                     the annual analytical reactivity testing               concern about the continued availability
                                                days from receipt of samples.                           requirements under § 866.3328(b)(3) or                 of the test panel from CDC due to the
                                                   (Response) Under the new special                     the emergency analytical reactivity                    future potential for limited resources at
                                                controls, the results of the last 3 years               testing requirements under                             CDC or FDA.
                                                of annual analytical reactivity testing                 § 866.3328(b)(4). If annual or emergency                  (Response) In a case where the
                                                conducted from the date that the device                 analytical reactivity testing reveals that             influenza virus analytical reactivity test
                                                was given marketing authorization by                    the device is unable to detect one or                  panel is not available from CDC due to
                                                FDA must be incorporated into the                       more strains, the manufacturer would                   unforeseen limitations in resources, an
                                                device’s labeling in the manner                         need to include a limitation in the                    alternate source of influenza strains for
                                                discussed in § 866.3328(b)(3)(iii) by July              device labeling, as further discussed in               use in conducting the annual analytical
                                                31 of each calendar year. CDC and FDA                   our response to Comment 21.                            reactivity testing will be identified by
                                                are committed to making available or                                                                           FDA, in consultation with CDC. An
                                                designating an alternative source for the               2. Acquisition of the Annual Analytical                example of an alternate source could be
                                                annual analytical reactivity test panel                 Reactivity Test Panel and Reporting of                 a commercial vendor that specializes in
                                                with sufficient time for all                            Results                                                acquisition, authentication, production,
                                                manufacturers to conduct the testing                       (Comment 15) Commenters expressed                   and preservation of microorganisms.
                                                and include the results in their device’s               concern about the logistics of the                        (Comment 17) Commenters suggested
                                                labeling within the required timeframe.                 implementation of the new requirement                  that the industry should be engaged for
                                                   Similarly, in the case of emergency                  for the annual analytical reactivity                   feedback in the development of the
                                                analytical reactivity testing, as described             testing. One commenter stated that a                   standardized testing protocol.
                                                in the special controls at                              clear mechanism was not outlined in                       (Response) A standardized protocol
                                                § 866.3328(b)(4), after CDC makes the                   the proposed order for activities leading              has been developed by CDC in
                                                viral samples available for testing, FDA                to the reporting of results.                           consultation with FDA and will be
                                                will notify the manufacturers of the                       (Response) The activities leading to                provided to manufacturers with the
                                                availability of the samples. The                        the reporting of results will include                  annual analytical reactivity test panel.
                                                manufacturers will have 60 days to                      acquisition of the annual analytical                   The protocol uses basic principles for
                                                perform the testing of the viral samples                reactivity test panel and analytical                   working with virus stocks and is general
                                                and to incorporate the results into the                 reactivity testing following the                       enough to allow for use with various
                                                device’s labeling in the manner                         standardized protocol included with the                devices. For any questions related to the
                                                discussed in § 866.3328(b)(4)(ii). If a                 test panel, which will be a standardized               testing procedure, manufacturers can
                                                manufacturer is concerned about                         protocol considered and determined by                  contact CDC or FDA. CDC will serve as
                                                meeting these timelines due to time                     FDA to be acceptable and appropriate.                  the contact for questions pertaining to
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                needed to amend device labeling that                    Results must be reported by updating                   viruses, and FDA will serve as the
                                                physically accompanies the device, the                  the device’s labeling in accordance with               contact for all regulatory and reporting
                                                manufacturer may pursue the                             § 866.3328(b)(3)(iii). As previously                   issues.
                                                § 866.3328(b)(3)(iii)(B) and (b)(4)(ii)(B)              stated, CDC and FDA are committed to                      (Comment 18) One commenter
                                                alternatives, which allow manufacturers                 working with the manufacturers of the                  inquired whether the analytical
                                                to provide the results as electronic                    influenza tests to facilitate timely and               reactivity testing could be conducted
                                                labeling via the manufacturer’s public                  equitable access to the influenza virus                using a modified limit of detection


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00015   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1


                                                3616              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                (LoD) protocol, where 60 replicates are                 or by a health care professional and                   detects each strain included in the
                                                tested over 3 dilutions with positivity                 required labeling for in vitro diagnostic              annual analytical reactivity test panel;
                                                rates between 80 and 99 percent                         devices intended for use by health care                however, that testing does not provide
                                                followed by linear regression to                        professionals or in blood establishments               direct information about how the assay
                                                calculate the specific concentration that               may be made available solely by                        performs when used with clinical
                                                corresponds to a positivity rate of 95                  electronic means, as long as the labeling              specimens that are collected directly
                                                percent.                                                complies with the law, and that the                    from patients. Any positive result
                                                   (Response) This approach is                          manufacturer affords users the                         obtained during analytical reactivity
                                                acceptable to use in the determination                  opportunity to request the labeling in                 testing performed with the annual
                                                of a LoD of an antigen based RIDT assay.                paper form, and that after a request,                  influenza virus analytical reactivity test
                                                However, manufacturers must follow                      promptly provides the requested                        panel, at any viral concentration/
                                                the protocol included with the influenza                information without additional cost.                   dilution, indicates that the assay is
                                                virus analytical reactivity test panel,                 Therefore, a manufacturer is already                   reactive with that virus; however, the
                                                which will be a standardized protocol                   required to provide an opportunity for                 minimal concentration of the virus that
                                                considered and determined by FDA to                     a health care professional to request the              is needed for the detection (assay
                                                be acceptable and appropriate. We                       annual analytical reactivity test results              sensitivity) may vary. Since the
                                                believe the standardized protocol will                  in paper form.                                         difference in analytical reactivity does
                                                be less burdensome than this                               (Comment 21) One commenter raised                   not necessarily translate into an
                                                commenter’s proposal and will help                      a question about notifying the public                  appreciable difference in performance
                                                ensure that the results generated allow                 when a test is non-reactive with any of                when testing clinical specimens, it is
                                                for comparability between different                     the strains included in the influenza                  important to emphasize that the results
                                                devices, as all devices will have                       virus analytical reactivity test panel                 should not be over-interpreted for
                                                followed a common standardized testing                  provided by CDC and whether the                        clinical purposes.
                                                protocol.                                               product labeling will be updated                          (Comment 23) One commenter
                                                   (Comment 19) One commenter asked                     annually. In particular, the commenter                 suggested further collaboration between
                                                whether interested manufacturers                        questioned how labeling changes to                     the Agency and influenza test
                                                would have an option to have the                        reflect absence of reactivity would be                 manufacturers in establishing the
                                                testing conducted by an independent                     communicated to users who have                         regulatory process for implementing the
                                                laboratory, such as a laboratory at a                   already purchased the test.                            labeling change before a final ‘‘Notice to
                                                university.                                                (Response) This final order requires                Industry’’ or other document is
                                                   (Response) Yes, a manufacturer may                   that the results of the last 3 years of                published. The commenter further
                                                contract an outside laboratory to                       annual analytical reactivity testing                   recommended that FDA specify an
                                                conduct the testing on its behalf.                      conducted from the date that the device                interactive process, whereby individual
                                                   (Comment 20) One commenter raised                    was given marketing authorization by                   manufacturers can seek guidance,
                                                a concern that customers without access                 FDA be included as part of the device’s                particularly if they encounter issues that
                                                to a manufacturer’s Web site may not be                 labeling by July 31 of each calendar                   may impede timely publication of
                                                able to access the annual and/or                        year. Modification of the labeling solely              annual and emergency analytical
                                                emergency analytical reactivity testing                 to incorporate analytical reactivity                   reactivity testing data (e.g., if the matrix
                                                information; therefore, the commenter                   testing results required under                         used in the preparation of the virus
                                                suggested that an alternate method of                   § 866.3328(b)(3)(iii) or (b)(4)(ii) can be             strains in the test panel causes invalid
                                                contact should be provided in the                       made without an official submission to                 results with a particular device).
                                                product labeling.                                       FDA. In a case where one or more                          (Response) Interactive communication
                                                   (Response) All in vitro diagnostic                   strains are shown not to be detected by                with manufacturers is common practice
                                                devices are required by regulation to                   the device during annual analytical                    among the reviewers and the managers
                                                state on the label and in the product                   reactivity testing under § 866.3328(b)(3)              in CDRH. Manufacturers are encouraged
                                                labeling the name and place of business                 or emergency analytical reactivity                     to contact CDRH’s OIR with questions or
                                                of the manufacturer, packer, or                         testing under § 866.3328(b)(4), the                    about issues related to the new
                                                distributor § 809.10(a)(8) and (b)(14) (21              manufacturer will need to include a                    requirements. In addition, the CDRH
                                                CFR 809.10(a)(8) and (b)(14)), except                   limitation in the device labeling                      pre-submission program is designed to
                                                where such information is not                           regarding reactivity with the specific                 allow sponsors the opportunity to
                                                applicable, or as otherwise specified in                strain(s) that were not detected by the                obtain targeted FDA feedback in
                                                a standard for a particular product class.              device. Without such a limitation, the                 response to specific questions related to
                                                   In addition, in accordance with                      device would not meet the labeling                     product development, including
                                                § 866.3328(b)(3)(iii) the results of the                requirements of § 809.10(b).                           planned non-clinical evaluations,
                                                annual analytical reactivity testing must                  (Comment 22) One commenter raised                   proposed clinical study protocols, or
                                                either be in the § 809.10(b) compliant                  a question about whether there will be                 data requirements prior to making a
                                                labeling that physically accompanies                    a guidance document issued on a yearly                 submission to the Agency.
                                                the device or be provided as electronic                 basis to interpret the results of the
                                                labeling via the manufacturer’s public                  analytical reactivity testing for that year.           E. Timely Testing of Newly Emergent
                                                Web site that can be reached via a                         (Response) FDA does not intend to                   Strains
                                                hyperlink prominently found in the                      issue a guidance document on how to                      (Comment 24) Similar concerns to
                                                device’s label or in other labeling that                interpret the results of the analytical                those surrounding the annual reactivity
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                physically accompanies the device. If                   reactivity testing each year, as the result            testing requirement were raised in
                                                the manufacturer chooses the Web site                   interpretations are stated in the CDC                  regard to the emergency testing of
                                                option, it would be subject to the                      information sheet that will be                         emergent strains. In addition, one
                                                requirements of section 502(f) of the                   distributed with the CDC annual                        comment expressed support for
                                                FD&C Act, which provides that required                  analytical reactivity test panel. The                  specifying a timeline for reporting the
                                                labeling for prescription devices                       annual analytical reactivity testing is                results after the samples become
                                                intended for use in health care facilities              intended to evaluate whether the assay                 available.


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00016   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1


                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                           3617

                                                   (Response) Section 866.3328(b)(4)(ii)                involving a heightened risk of attack                  emergency analytical reactivity test
                                                requires that, in certain emergency or                  with a chemical, biological, radiological,             results must remain in device labeling
                                                potential emergency situations                          or nuclear (CBRN) agent or agents;                     with the requirement in
                                                involving an influenza viral strain, the                   • A determination by the Secretary of               § 866.3328(b)(3)(iii) that manufacturers
                                                results of analytical reactivity testing                Defense that there is a military                       provide the last 3 years of annual
                                                with the emerging virus(es) must be                     emergency, or a significant potential for              analytical reactivity testing in the device
                                                made available within 60 days from the                  a military emergency, involving a                      labeling. FDA believes that this makes
                                                date that FDA notifies antigen based                    heightened risk to U.S. military forces of             the labeling requirements in the special
                                                RIDT manufacturers that characterized                   attack with a CBRN agent or agents;                    controls more clear and consistent for
                                                viral samples are available. The results                   • A determination by the Secretary of               industry.
                                                of the influenza emergency analytical                   HHS that there is a public health                         As discussed previously, after
                                                reactivity testing must be disclosed in a               emergency, or a significant potential for              reviewing the comments received along
                                                tabular format in a similar manner as                   a public health emergency, that affects,               with the proposed order and the Panel’s
                                                the results of the annual analytical                    or has a significant potential to affect,              recommendations, FDA is making a few
                                                reactivity testing (i.e., either by placing             national security or the health and                    clarifications and modifications to the
                                                the table directly in the device’s                      security of U.S. citizens living abroad,               special controls for antigen based
                                                § 809.10(b) compliant labeling that                     and that involves a CBRN agent or                      RIDTs. These include: (1) Clarifying that
                                                physically accompanies the device in                    agents, or a disease or condition that                 clinical performance criteria must be
                                                the section of the labeling devoted to                  may be attributable to such agent or                   met for each specimen type claimed in
                                                analytical reactivity testing, or in a                  agents; or                                             the intended use of the device; (2)
                                                section of the device’s label or in                        • The identification of a material                  clarifying that manufacturers of future
                                                labeling that physically accompanies                    threat, by the Secretary of Homeland                   antigen based RIDT devices may use a
                                                the device, by prominently providing a                  Security under section 319F–2 of the                   currently appropriate and FDA accepted
                                                hyperlink to a part of the manufacturer’s               Public Health Service (PHS) Act, that is               comparator method other than
                                                Web site where the analytical reactivity                sufficient to affect national security or              comparison to an FDA-cleared nucleic
                                                testing data can be found). As                          the health and security of U.S. citizens               acid based-test or viral culture methods
                                                previously discussed, modification of                   living abroad.                                         to demonstrate that those devices meet
                                                the labeling solely to incorporate annual                  If one of these four actions that can               the clinical performance criteria, if such
                                                analytical reactivity testing results                   provide the basis for the Secretary of                 a comparator method is established; (3)
                                                under § 866.3328(b)(3)(iii) or emergency                HHS to make a declaration under                        clarifying that a manufacturer choosing
                                                analytical reactivity testing results                   section 564(b)(1) of the FD&C Act occurs               to provide analytical reactivity testing
                                                under § 866.3328(b)(4)(ii) can be made                  with respect to an influenza viral strain,             results via its public Web site must
                                                without an official submission to FDA.                  then, after being notified that                        prominently provide hyperlink to that
                                                In a case where one or more strains are                 characterized viral samples are available              Web site in the device’s label or in other
                                                shown not to be detected by the device                  from CDC, antigen based RIDT                           labeling that physically accompanies
                                                during annual analytical reactivity                     manufacturers must conduct analytical                  the device; (4) clarifying the
                                                testing under § 866.3328(b)(3) or                       reactivity testing with those samples                  circumstances in which emergency
                                                emergency analytical reactivity testing                 and make the results available in their                analytical reactivity testing is required
                                                under § 866.3328(b)(4), the                             device labeling within the timeframes                  under § 866.3328(b)(4); and (5) requiring
                                                manufacturer will need to include a                     set forth in § 866.3328(b)(4).                         results of such emergency analytical
                                                limitation in the device labeling                          In addition, the Secretary of HHS may               reactivity testing to remain in the device
                                                regarding reactivity with the specific                  determine under section 319(a) of the                  labeling for a period of 3 years.
                                                strain(s) that were not detected by the                 PHS Act (42 U.S.C. 247d(a)) that a
                                                                                                        disease or disorder presents a public                  III. The Final Order
                                                device. Without such a limitation the
                                                device would not meet the labeling                      health emergency or that a public health                  Under section 513(e) of the FD&C Act,
                                                requirements of § 809.10(b).                            emergency otherwise exists. In the event               FDA is adopting its findings as
                                                   FDA is also clarifying the special                   of such a determination under section                  published in the preamble to the
                                                controls to be more precise regarding                   319(a) of the PHS Act with respect to an               proposed order, with the modifications
                                                the situations in which emergency                       influenza viral strain, then, after being              discussed in section II of this final
                                                analytical reactivity testing is required.              notified that characterized viral samples              order. FDA is issuing this final order to
                                                Under section 564(a)–(b) of the FD&C                    are available from CDC, antigen based                  reclassify antigen based rapid influenza
                                                Act (21 U.S.C. 360bbb–3(a)–(b)), the                    RIDT manufacturers would also need to                  virus antigen detection test systems
                                                Secretary of Health and Human Services                  conduct analytical reactivity testing                  intended to detect influenza virus
                                                (HHS) may authorize the introduction                    with those samples and make the results                antigen directly from clinical specimens
                                                into interstate commerce of a drug,                     available in their device labeling within              that are currently regulated as influenza
                                                device, or biologic product intended for                the timeframes set forth in                            virus serological reagents under
                                                use in an actual or potential emergency                 § 866.3328(b)(4).                                      § 866.3330 from class I into class II with
                                                (referred to as ‘‘emergency use’’) after                   The final order also modifies the                   special controls and into a new device
                                                making a declaration, under section                     special controls to require that any                   classification regulation for ‘‘influenza
                                                564(b)(1) of the FD&C Act, that                         emergency reactivity test results added                virus antigen detection test systems.’’
                                                circumstances exist justifying the                      to antigen based RIDT device labeling                  Currently, antigen based RIDTs are
                                                authorization. Such a declaration must                  under § 866.3328(b)(4)(ii) remain in the               mostly found under product codes GNX
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                be based on one of the following actions                labeling for a period of 3 years.                      and GNT. However, any antigen based
                                                listed at section 564(b)(1)(A)–(D) of the               Emerging influenza strains may still be                rapid influenza virus antigen detection
                                                FD&C Act:                                               circulating after the statutory actions                test system intended to detect influenza
                                                   • A determination by the Secretary of                described under section 564(b)(1)(A)–                  virus antigen directly from clinical
                                                Homeland Security that there is a                       (D) of the FD&C Act and section 319(a)                 specimens that is currently regulated as
                                                domestic emergency, or a significant                    of the PHS Act have terminated. The                    influenza virus serological reagents
                                                potential for a domestic emergency,                     change will align the period that                      under § 866.3330 is subject to this


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00017   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1


                                                3618              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                reclassification regardless of the product              manufacturer under its usual                           determinations or as newly codified
                                                code to which it is currently assigned.                 enforcement policies.                                  orders. Therefore, under section
                                                   Section 510(m) of the FD&C Act                         FDA believes that a period of 1 year                 513(e)(1)(A)(i) of the FD&C Act, as
                                                provides that a class II device may be                  from the publication date of this final                amended by FDASIA, in this final order,
                                                exempt from the premarket notification                  order is appropriate for manufacturers                 we are codifying the reclassification of
                                                requirements under section 510(k) of the                to come into compliance with the                       antigen based RIDTs into class II
                                                FD&C Act, if the Agency determines that                 special controls and for those                         (special controls).
                                                premarket notification is not necessary                 manufacturers whose currently legally
                                                                                                        marketed devices do not meet the                       VIII. Reference
                                                to provide reasonable assurance of the
                                                safety and effectiveness of the device.                 minimum performance criteria to                          The following reference is on display
                                                For this device, FDA believes that                      prepare and submit a 510(k) for a new                  in the Division of Dockets Management
                                                premarket notification is necessary to                  or significantly changed or modified                   (HFA–305), Food and Drug
                                                provide reasonable assurance of safety                  device. FDA believes this approach will                Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm.
                                                and effectiveness. Therefore, this type of              help ensure the efficient and effective                1061, Rockville, MD 20852, and is
                                                device is not exempt from premarket                     implementation of the order.                           available for viewing by interested
                                                notification requirements.                              V. Analysis of Environmental Impact                    persons between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
                                                   In addition, FDA believes that special                                                                      Monday through Friday; it is also
                                                                                                          The Agency has determined under 21                   available electronically at https://
                                                controls that: (1) Identify the minimum
                                                                                                        CFR 25.34(b) that this reclassification                www.regulations.gov. FDA has verified
                                                acceptable performance criteria; (2)
                                                                                                        action is of a type that does not                      the Web site addresses, as of the date
                                                require use of a currently appropriate
                                                                                                        individually or cumulatively have a                    this document publishes in the Federal
                                                and FDA accepted comparator method
                                                                                                        significant effect on the human                        Register, but Web sites are subject to
                                                for establishing performance of new
                                                                                                        environment. Therefore, neither an                     change over time.
                                                antigen based RIDTs; (3) require annual
                                                                                                        environmental assessment nor an
                                                analytical reactivity testing of                                                                               1. Transcript and other meeting materials of
                                                                                                        environmental impact statement is
                                                contemporary influenza strains; and (4)                                                                             FDA’s Microbiology Devices Panel
                                                                                                        required.                                                   Meeting held on June 13, 2013, are
                                                require analytical reactivity testing of
                                                newly emerging strains under certain                    VI. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995                         available on FDA’s Web site at: http://
                                                situations involving an emergency or                                                                                www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/
                                                                                                          This administrative order establishes                     ucm351035.htm.
                                                potential for an emergency, are                         special controls that refer to previously
                                                necessary to provide reasonable                         approved collections of information                    List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 866
                                                assurance of safety and effectiveness of                found in other FDA regulations and
                                                these devices.                                          guidance. These collections of                           Biologics, Laboratories, Medical
                                                                                                        information are subject to review by the               devices.
                                                IV. Implementation Strategy
                                                                                                        Office of Management and Budget                          Therefore, under the Federal Food,
                                                   The special controls identified in this              (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction                    Drug, and Cosmetic Act and under
                                                final order are effective February 13,                  Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520). The                 authority delegated to the Commissioner
                                                2017.                                                   collections of information in part 807,                of Food and Drugs, 21 CFR part 866 is
                                                   • For antigen based RIDTs that have                  subpart E, regarding premarket                         amended as follows:
                                                not been legally marketed prior to                      notification submissions have been
                                                February 13, 2017, or that have been                    approved under OMB control number                      PART 866—IMMUNOLOGY AND
                                                legally marketed but are required to                    0910–0120; the collections of                          MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES
                                                submit a 510(k) under 21 CFR                            information in 21 CFR part 812
                                                807.81(a)(3) because the device is about                                                                       ■ 1. The authority citation for part 866
                                                                                                        regarding investigational device
                                                to be significantly changed or modified,                                                                       continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                        exemptions have been approved under
                                                manufacturers must obtain 510(k)                        OMB control number 0910–0078; the                        Authority: 21 U.S.C. 351, 360, 360c, 360e,
                                                clearance, among other relevant                         collections of information in 21 CFR                   360j, 371.
                                                requirements, and demonstrate                           part 801 and § 809.10 have been                        ■ 2. Add § 866.3328 to subpart D to read
                                                compliance with the special controls                    approved under OMB control number                      as follows:
                                                included in this final order, before                    0910–0485; and the collections of
                                                marketing their new or changed device.                  information regarding pre-submissions                  § 866.3328 Influenza virus antigen
                                                If a manufacturer markets such a device                                                                        detection test system.
                                                                                                        have been approved under OMB control
                                                after February 13, 2017 without                         number 0910–0756.                                        (a) Identification. An influenza virus
                                                obtaining 510(k) clearance and                                                                                 antigen detection test system is a device
                                                demonstrating compliance with the                       VII. Codification of Orders                            intended for the qualitative detection of
                                                special controls included in this final                    Prior to the amendments by FDASIA,                  influenza viral antigens directly from
                                                order, then FDA would consider taking                   section 513(e) of the FD&C Act provided                clinical specimens in patients with
                                                action against such a manufacturer                      for FDA to issue regulations to reclassify             signs and symptoms of respiratory
                                                under its usual enforcement policies.                   devices. Although section 513(e) of the                infection. The test aids in the diagnosis
                                                   • For antigen based RIDTs that have                  FD&C Act, as amended, requires FDA to                  of influenza infection and provides
                                                been legally marketed prior to February                 issue final orders rather than                         epidemiological information on
                                                13, 2017, FDA does not intend to                        regulations, FDASIA also provides for                  influenza. Due to the propensity of the
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                enforce compliance with the special                     FDA to revoke previously issued                        virus to mutate, new strains emerge over
                                                controls until January 12, 2018. If a                   regulations by order. FDA will continue                time which may potentially affect the
                                                manufacturer markets such a device                      to codify classifications and                          performance of these devices. Because
                                                after January 12, 2018, and that device                 reclassifications in the Code of Federal               influenza is highly contagious and may
                                                does not comply with the special                        Regulations (CFR). Changes resulting                   lead to an acute respiratory tract
                                                controls, then FDA would consider                       from final orders will appear in the CFR               infection causing severe illness and
                                                taking action against such a                            as changes to codified classification                  even death, the accuracy of these


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00018   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1


                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                                3619

                                                devices has serious public health                       consultation with the Centers for                      be acceptable and appropriate. The
                                                implications.                                           Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)                   procedure and location of testing may
                                                  (b) Classification. Class II (special                 and sourced from CDC or an FDA-                        depend on the nature of the emerging
                                                controls). The special controls for this                designated source. If the annual strains               virus.
                                                device are:                                             are not available from CDC, FDA will                      (ii) Within 60 days from the date that
                                                  (1) The device’s sensitivity and                      identify an alternative source for                     FDA notifies manufacturers that
                                                specificity performance characteristics                 obtaining the requisite strains.                       characterized viral samples are available
                                                or positive percent agreement and                          (ii) The testing must be conducted                  for test evaluation and continuing until
                                                negative percent agreement, for each                    according to a standardized protocol                   3 years from that date, the results of the
                                                specimen type claimed in the intended                   considered and determined by FDA to                    influenza emergency analytical
                                                use of the device, must meet one of the                 be acceptable and appropriate.                         reactivity testing, including the detailed
                                                following two minimum clinical                             (iii) By July 31 of each calendar year,             information for the virus tested as
                                                performance criteria:                                   the results of the last 3 years of annual              described in the certificate of
                                                  (i) For devices evaluated as compared                 analytical reactivity testing must be                  authentication, must be included as part
                                                to an FDA-cleared nucleic acid based-                   included as part of the device’s labeling.             of the device’s labeling in a tabular
                                                test or other currently appropriate and                 If a device has not been on the market                 format, either by:
                                                FDA accepted comparator method other                    long enough for 3 years of annual                         (A) Placing the results directly in the
                                                than correctly performed viral culture                  analytical reactivity testing to have been             device’s § 809.10(b) of this chapter
                                                method:                                                 conducted since the device received                    compliant labeling that physically
                                                  (A) The positive percent agreement                    marketing authorization from FDA, then                 accompanies the device in a separate
                                                estimate for the device when testing for                the results of every annual analytical                 section of the labeling where analytical
                                                influenza A and influenza B must be at                  reactivity testing since the device                    reactivity testing data can be found, but
                                                the point estimate of at least 80 percent               received marketing authorization from                  separate from the annual analytical
                                                with a lower bound of the 95 percent                    FDA must be included. The results must                 reactivity testing results; or
                                                confidence interval that is greater than                be presented as part of the device’s                      (B) In a section of the device’s label
                                                or equal to 70 percent.                                 labeling in a tabular format, which                    or in other labeling that physically
                                                  (B) The negative percent agreement                    includes the detailed information for                  accompanies the device, prominently
                                                estimate for the device when testing for                each virus tested as described in the                  providing a hyperlink to the
                                                influenza A and influenza B must be at                  certificate of authentication, either by:              manufacturer’s public Web site where
                                                the point estimate of at least 95 percent                  (A) Placing the results directly in the
                                                                                                                                                               the analytical reactivity testing data can
                                                with a lower bound of the 95 percent                    device’s § 809.10(b) of this chapter
                                                                                                                                                               be found. The manufacturer’s home
                                                confidence interval that is greater than                compliant labeling that physically
                                                                                                                                                               page, as well as the primary part of the
                                                or equal to 90 percent.                                 accompanies the device in a separate
                                                                                                                                                               manufacturer’s Web site that discusses
                                                  (ii) For devices evaluated as compared                section of the labeling where the
                                                                                                                                                               the device, must provide a prominently
                                                to correctly performed viral culture                    analytical reactivity testing data can be
                                                                                                        found; or                                              placed hyperlink to the Web page
                                                method as the comparator method:                                                                               containing this information and must
                                                  (A) The sensitivity estimate for the                     (B) In the device’s label or in other
                                                                                                        labeling that physically accompanies                   allow unrestricted viewing access.
                                                device when testing for influenza A
                                                must be at the point estimate of at least               the device, prominently providing a                      Dated: January 4, 2017.
                                                90 percent with a lower bound of the 95                 hyperlink to the manufacturer’s public                 Leslie Kux,
                                                percent confidence interval that is                     Web site where the analytical reactivity               Associate Commissioner for Policy.
                                                greater than or equal to 80 percent. The                testing data can be found. The                         [FR Doc. 2017–00199 Filed 1–11–17; 8:45 am]
                                                sensitivity estimate for the device when                manufacturer’s home page, as well as                   BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
                                                testing for influenza B must be at the                  the primary part of the manufacturer’s
                                                point estimate of at least 80 percent                   Web site that discusses the device, must
                                                with a lower bound of the 95 percent                    provide a prominently placed hyperlink
                                                                                                        to the Web page containing this                        DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
                                                confidence interval that is greater than                                                                       URBAN DEVELOPMENT
                                                or equal to 70 percent.                                 information and must allow unrestricted
                                                  (B) The specificity estimate for the                  viewing access.                                        24 CFR Part 15
                                                device when testing for influenza A and                    (4) If one of the actions listed at
                                                influenza B must be at the point                        section 564(b)(1)(A)–(D) of the Federal                [Docket No. FR–5986–F–01]
                                                estimate of at least 95 percent with a                  Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act occurs
                                                                                                        with respect to an influenza viral strain,             RIN 2501–AD81
                                                lower bound of the 95 percent
                                                confidence interval that is greater than                or if the Secretary of Health and Human                Revision of Freedom of Information
                                                or equal to 90 percent.                                 Services (HHS) determines, under                       Act Regulation
                                                  (2) When performing testing to                        section 319(a) of the Public Health
                                                demonstrate the device meets the                        Service Act, that a disease or disorder                AGENCY:    Office of the Secretary, HUD.
                                                requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of this                presents a public health emergency, or                 ACTION:   Final rule.
                                                section, a currently appropriate and                    that a public health emergency
                                                FDA accepted comparator method must                     otherwise exists, with respect to an                   SUMMARY:   This final rule amends HUD’s
                                                be used to establish assay performance                  influenza viral strain:                                Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
                                                in clinical studies.                                       (i) Within 30 days from the date that               regulation to implement the FOIA
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                  (3) Annual analytical reactivity testing              FDA notifies manufacturers that                        Improvement Act of 2016. The FOIA
                                                of the device must be performed with                    characterized viral samples are available              Improvement Act enacted a range of
                                                contemporary influenza strains. This                    for test evaluation, the manufacturer                  procedural issues, including
                                                annual analytical reactivity testing must               must have testing performed on the                     requirements that agencies establish a
                                                meet the following criteria:                            device with those viral samples in                     minimum of 90 days for requesters to
                                                  (i) The appropriate strains to be tested              accordance with a standardized protocol                file an administrative appeal, and
                                                will be identified by FDA in                            considered and determined by FDA to                    codifies the foreseeable harm standard.


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00019   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM   12JAR1



Document Created: 2017-03-21 14:40:07
Document Modified: 2017-03-21 14:40:07
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal order.
DatesThis order is effective February 13, 2017. See further discussion in section IV, ``Implementation Strategy.''
ContactStefanie Akselrod, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 5438, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 301- 796-6188.
FR Citation82 FR 3609 
CFR AssociatedBiologics; Laboratories and Medical Devices

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR