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GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

Investigational Device Exemptions (IDEs) for Early Feasibility Medical Device Clinical Studies, Including Certain First in Human (FIH) Studies Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff October 2013

Download the Final Guidance Document
Final
Docket Number:
FDA-2011-D-0787
Issued by:
Guidance Issuing Office
Center for Devices and Radiological Health

This document is intended to provide guidance to FDA staff, clinicians, medical device innovators, and industry on the development and review of Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) applications for early feasibility studies of significant risk devices.1 Early feasibility studies allow for early clinical evaluation of devices to provide proof of principle and initial clinical safety data. These studies may be appropriate early in device development when clinical experience is necessary because nonclinical testing methods are not available or adequate to provide the information needed to advance the developmental process. As with all clinical studies, initiation of an early feasibility study must be justified by an appropriate benefit-risk analysis and adequate human subject protection measures.

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You can submit online or written comments on any guidance at any time (see 21 CFR 10.115(g)(5))

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Dockets Management
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

All written comments should be identified with this document's docket number: FDA-2011-D-0787.

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