99-11733. Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices; Proposed Requirement for Premarket Approval and Change in Classification of Glans Sheath Devices  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 89 (Monday, May 10, 1999)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 24967-24972]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-11733]
    
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    
    Food and Drug Administration
    
    21 CFR Part 884
    
    [Docket No. 99N-0922]
    
    
    Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices; Proposed Requirement for 
    Premarket Approval and Change in Classification of Glans Sheath Devices
    
    AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to require 
    the filing of a premarket approval application (PMA) or a notice of 
    completion of a product development protocol (PDP) for the glans sheath 
    medical device. The agency is also summarizing its proposed findings 
    regarding the degree of risk of illness or injury intended to be 
    eliminated or reduced by requiring the device to meet the statute's 
    approval requirements as well as the benefits to the public from the 
    use of the device. In addition, FDA is announcing the opportunity for 
    interested persons to request the agency to change the classification 
    of the device based on new information. This action is being taken to 
    establish that there is sufficient information to provide reasonable 
    assurance of the safety and effectiveness of this type of device.
    
    DATES: Written comments by August 9, 1999; requests for a change in 
    classification by May 26, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit written comments or requests for a change in 
    classification to the Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305), Food and 
    Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colin M. Pollard, Center for Devices 
    and Radiological Health (HFZ-470), Food and Drug Administration, 9200 
    Corporate Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850, 301-594-1180.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background
    
        Section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act) 
    (21 U.S.C. 360c) requires the classification of medical devices into 
    one of three regulatory classes: Class I (general controls), class II 
    (special controls), and class III (premarket approval). Generally, 
    devices that were on the market before May 28, 1976, the date of 
    enactment of the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 (the amendments) 
    (Pub. L. 94-295), and devices marketed on or after that date that are 
    substantially equivalent to such devices have been, or are being, 
    classified by FDA. For convenience, this preamble refers to both the 
    devices that were on the market before May 28, 1976, and the 
    substantially equivalent devices that were marketed on or after that 
    date as ``preamendments devices.''
        Section 515(b)(1) of the act (21 U.S.C. 360e(b)(1)) establishes the 
    requirement that a preamendments device that FDA has classified into 
    class III is subject to premarket approval. A preamendments class III 
    device may be commercially distributed without an approved PMA or a 
    notice of completion of a PDP until 90 days after the effective date of 
    the final rule FDA issues requiring premarket approval for the device, 
    or 30 months after final classification of the device, whichever is 
    later. Also, a preamendments device subject to the rulemaking procedure 
    under section 515(b) of the act is not required to have an approved 
    investigational device exemption (IDE) (part 812 (21 CFR part 812)) 
    contemporaneous with its interstate distribution until the date 
    identified by FDA in the final rule requiring the submission of a PMA 
    or PDP for the device. At that time, an IDE must be submitted only if a 
    PMA has not been submitted or a PDP has not been declared completed.
        Section 515(b)(2)(A) of the act provides that a proceeding to issue 
    a final rule to require premarket approval shall be initiated by 
    publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking containing: (1) The 
    proposed rule, (2) proposed findings with respect to the degree of risk 
    of illness or injury designed to be eliminated or reduced by requiring 
    the device to have an approved PMA or a declared completed PDP and the 
    benefit to the public from the use of the device, (3) an opportunity to 
    submit comments on the proposed rule and the proposed findings, and (4) 
    an opportunity to request a change in the classification of the device 
    based on new information relevant to the classification of the device.
        Section 515(b)(2)(B) of the act provides that if FDA receives a 
    request for a change in the classification of the device within 15 days 
    of the publication of the notice, FDA shall, within 60 days of the 
    publication of the notice, consult with the appropriate FDA advisory 
    committee and publish a notice denying the request for change of 
    classification or announcing its intent to initiate a proceeding to 
    reclassify the device under section 513(e) of the act. If FDA does not 
    initiate such a proceeding, section 513(b)(3) of the act provides that 
    FDA shall, after the close of the comment period on the proposed rule 
    and consideration of any comments received, issue a final rule to 
    require premarket approval, or publish a notice terminating the 
    proceeding. If FDA terminates the proceeding, FDA is required to 
    initiate reclassification of the device under section 513(e) of the 
    act, unless the reason for termination is that the device is a banned 
    device under section 516 of the act (21 U.S.C. 360f).
        If a proposed rule to require premarket approval for a 
    preamendments device is made final, section 501(f)(2)(B) of the act (21 
    U.S.C. 351(f)(2)(B)) requires that a PMA or a notice of completion of a 
    PDP for any such device be filed within 90 days after the effective 
    date of the final rule or 30 months after FDA's final classification of 
    the device under section 513 of the act, whichever is later. If a PMA 
    or a notice of completion of a PDP is not filed by the later of the two 
    dates, commercial distribution of the device is required to cease. The 
    device may, however, be distributed for investigational use if the 
    manufacturer, importer, or other sponsor of the device complies with 
    the IDE regulations. If a PMA or a notice of completion of a PDP is not 
    filed by the later of the two dates, and no IDE is in effect, the 
    device is deemed to be adulterated within the meaning of section 
    501(f)(1)(A) of the act, and subject to seizure and condemnation under 
    section 304 of the act (21 U.S.C. 334) if its distribution continues. 
    Shipment of the device in interstate commerce will be subject to 
    injunction under section 302 of the act (21 U.S.C. 332), and the 
    individuals responsible for such shipment will be subject to 
    prosecution under section 303 of the act (21 U.S.C. 333). In the past, 
    FDA has requested that manufacturers take action to prevent the further 
    use of devices for which no PMA has been filed and may determine that 
    such a request is appropriate for the glans sheath device.
        The act does not permit an extension of the 90-day period after the 
    effective date of the final rule, within which an
    
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    application or a notice is required to be filed. The House Report on 
    the amendments states that ``the thirty month `grace period' afforded 
    after classification of a device into class III * * * is sufficient 
    time for manufacturers and importers to develop the data and conduct 
    the investigations necessary to support an application for premarket 
    approval'' (H. Rept. 94-853; 94th Cong., 2d sess. 42 (1976)).
        The Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990 (the SMDA) added section 
    515(i) to the act requiring FDA to review the classification of 
    preamendments class III devices for which no final rule has been issued 
    requiring the submission of PMA's and to determine whether or not each 
    device should be reclassified into class I or class II or remain in 
    class III. For devices remaining in class III, the SMDA directed FDA to 
    develop a schedule for issuing regulations to require premarket 
    approval. The SMDA does not, however, prevent FDA from proceeding 
    immediately to rulemaking under section 515(b) of the act on specific 
    devices, in the interest of public health, independent of the 
    procedures of section 515(i) of the act. Indeed, proceeding directly to 
    rulemaking under section 515(b) of the act is consistent with Congress' 
    objective in enacting section 515(i) of the act, i.e., that 
    preamendments class III devices for which PMA's or notices of completed 
    PDP's have not been required either be reclassified to class I or class 
    II or be subject to the requirements of premarket approval. Moreover, 
    in this proposal, interested persons are being offered the opportunity 
    to request reclassification of glans sheath devices.
    
    A. Classification of the Glans Sheath Device(s)
    
        In the Federal Register of December 29, 1994 (59 FR 67185), FDA 
    issued a final rule classifying glans sheath devices into class III. 
    The preamble to the proposal to classify these devices (57 FR 42908, 
    September 17, 1992) included the recommendation of the Obstetrics-
    Gynecology Devices Panel (the Panel), an FDA advisory committee, which 
    met on March 7, 1989, regarding the classification of these devices 
    (Ref. 1). During that meeting, the Panel concluded that ``glans cap'' 
    devices, whose generic description FDA later changed to glans sheath 
    devices (59 FR 67185), were a different type of generic device than 
    were condom devices classified at 21 CFR 884.5300. The Panel 
    recommended that glans sheath devices be classified into class III, and 
    identified certain risks to health presented by the devices. The Panel 
    believed that the devices presented a potential unreasonable risk to 
    health and that insufficient information existed to determine that 
    general controls are sufficient to provide reasonable assurance of the 
    safety and effectiveness of the devices or that application of special 
    controls would provide such assurance.
        FDA agreed with the Panel's recommendations and proposed that glans 
    sheath devices be classified into class III (57 FR 42908). The proposal 
    stated that FDA believed that general controls, or special controls, 
    such as postmarket surveillance, the development of guidelines, the 
    establishment of a performance standard, or other actions, are 
    insufficient to provide reasonable assurance of the safety and 
    effectiveness of the devices. The proposal stated that FDA believes 
    that such devices present a potential unreasonable risk of illness or 
    injury and that, in the absence of valid scientific evidence in the 
    literature from published studies or test and clinical data that 
    demonstrate the biocompatibility of materials, or that measure 
    performance characteristics, such as slippage, bursting, and tearing, 
    the devices should be subject to premarket approval to ensure the 
    safety and effectiveness of the devices.
        In the Federal Register of January 6, 1989 (54 FR 550), FDA 
    published a notice of intent to initiate proceedings to require 
    premarket approval for 31 class III preamendments devices. Among other 
    items, the notice described the factors FDA takes into account in 
    establishing priorities for proceedings under section 515(b) of the act 
    for issuing final rules requiring that preamendments class III devices 
    have approved PMA's or declared completed PDP's. In the Federal 
    Register of May 6, 1994 (59 FR 23731), FDA issued a notice of 
    availability of a preamendments class III devices strategy document 
    which updated its priorities and set forth the agency's plans for 
    implementing the provisions of section 515(i) of the act for 
    preamendments class III devices for which FDA had not yet required PMA 
    approval. Although glans sheath devices were not included in the lists 
    of devices identified in these notices and the strategy paper, using 
    the factors set forth in these documents, FDA has recently determined 
    that glans sheath devices identified in Sec. 884.5320 (21 CFR 884.5320) 
    have a high priority for initiating a proceeding for requiring 
    premarket approval because the safety and effectiveness of these 
    devices have not been established by valid scientific evidence as 
    defined in (Sec. 860.7 (21 CFR 860.7)). Moreover, FDA believes that 
    insufficient information exists to assess the safety and effectiveness 
    of glans cap devices in preventing pregnancy and to derive reported 
    failure or pregnancy rates based upon usage of the devices. FDA also 
    believes that failure of the devices, which do not protect the shaft 
    and foreskin of the penis against infection, may result in the release 
    of infected semen into the vagina or otherwise result in the 
    transmission of disease. Accordingly, FDA is commencing a proceeding 
    under section 515(b) of the act to require that the glans sheath have 
    an approved PMA or declared completed PDP.
    
    B. Dates New Requirements Apply
    
        In accordance with section 515(b) of the act, FDA is proposing to 
    require that a PMA or a notice of completion of a PDP be filed with the 
    agency for the glans sheath device within 90 days after the effective 
    date of any final rule issued on the basis of this proposal. An 
    applicant whose device was in commercial distribution before May 28, 
    1976, or whose device has been found by FDA to be substantially 
    equivalent to such a device, will be permitted to continue marketing 
    the glans sheath during FDA's review of the PMA or notice of completion 
    of the PDP. FDA intends to review any PMA for the device within 180 
    days, and any notice of completion of a PDP for the device within 90 
    days of the date of filing. FDA cautions that, under section 
    515(d)(1)(B)(i) of the act, FDA may not enter into an agreement to 
    extend the review period of a PMA beyond 180 days unless the agency 
    finds that ``* * * the continued availability of the device is 
    necessary for the public health.''
        FDA intends that, under Sec. 812.2(d), the preamble to any final 
    rule based on this proposal will state that, as of the date on which a 
    PMA or a notice of completion of a PDP is required to be filed, the 
    exemptions in Sec. 812.2(c)(1) and (c)(2) from the requirements of the 
    IDE regulations for preamendments class III devices will cease to apply 
    to any glans sheath device which is: (1) Not legally on the market on 
    or before that date; or (2) legally on the market on or before that 
    date but for which a PMA or notice of completion of PDP is not filed by 
    that date, or for which PMA approval has been denied or withdrawn.
        If a PMA, notice of completion of a PDP, or an IDE application for 
    a glans sheath device is not submitted to FDA within 90 days after the 
    effective date of any final rule FDA may issue requiring premarket 
    approval for the devices, commercial distribution of the devices must 
    cease. FDA , therefore, cautions that for manufacturers not planning to
    
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    submit a PMA or notice of completion of a PDP immediately, IDE 
    applications should be submitted to FDA, at least 30 days before the 
    end of the 90-day period after the effective date of the final rule 
    that is published to minimize the possibility of interrupting all 
    availability of the device. FDA considers investigations of glans 
    sheath devices to pose a significant risk as defined in the IDE 
    regulation.
    
    C. Description of the Device
    
        The glans sheath device is a sheath which covers only the glans 
    penis or part thereof, and may also cover the area in the immediate 
    proximity thereof, the corona and frenulum, but not the entire shaft of 
    the penis. It is indicated only for the prevention of pregnancy and not 
    for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's).
        FDA considers the use of glans sheath devices for preventing the 
    transmission of STD's, such as, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome 
    (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from HIV-
    infected semen or vaginal secretions, to constitute investigational use 
    of the device. Any glans sheath device in interstate commerce that is 
    used, or that is labeled or promoted to be used, for preventing the 
    transmission of STD's must already have in effect an approved IDE, or 
    an approved PMA or declared completed PDP.
    
    D. Proposed Findings with Respect to Risks and Benefits
    
        As required by section 515(b) of the act, FDA is publishing its 
    proposed findings regarding: (1) The degree of risk of illness or 
    injury designed to be eliminated or reduced by requiring the glans 
    sheath to have an approved PMA or a declared completed PDP, and (2) the 
    benefits to the public from the use of the device.
    
    E. Risk Factors
    
        Glans sheath devices are associated with the following risks:
        1. Pregnancy
        Undesired pregnancy could occur if the device leaks, breaks, or 
    dislodges during intercourse. For women for whom pregnancy is 
    contraindicated due to medical conditions such as heart disease or 
    diabetes mellitus, the risk of an unwanted pregnancy can be severe, 
    even life threatening (Ref. 2). A search of the literature found no 
    published studies or controlled clinical data which demonstrated the 
    safety and effectiveness of the glans sheath device, or the expected 
    failure or pregnancy rates for use of the glans sheath. Additionally, 
    no testing or clinical study data were available regarding leakage, 
    breakage, or dislodgement of glans sheaths during intercourse. 
    References to this type of device in the literature described it as an 
    unsafe method of contraception (Refs. 3 and 4).
        2. Transmission of Diseases
        If the device fails due to leakage, breakage, or dislodgement 
    during intercourse, contact with infected semen or vaginal secretions 
    containing infectious agents could result in the transmission of STD's, 
    including AIDS, hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus infection, syphilis, and 
    disseminated gonorrhea (Refs. 5 through 8). Organisms causing these 
    systemic infections remain viable in the blood stream rendering almost 
    all body fluids and semen infectious. The HIV virus causing AIDS has 
    been isolated from infected blood, saliva, vaginal secretions, and 
    semen. Semen from infected persons has been shown to be an important 
    vehicle in spreading the disease (Refs. 5 through 8).
        3. Adverse Tissue Reaction
        Materials and substances that comprise the glans sheath could cause 
    local tissue irritation and sensitization or systemic toxicity when the 
    device contacts the glans penis or vaginal and cervical mucosa. Because 
    of such intended contact, testing the biocompatibility of materials and 
    substances that comprise the glans sheath is essential to provide 
    reasonable assurance of the device's safety.
    
    F. Benefits of the Device
    
        The glans sheath covers only the glans penis or part thereof, and 
    may also cover the area in the immediate proximity thereof, the corona 
    and frenulum, so it may be acceptable to those individuals who would 
    not otherwise use a full-sheath condom. The glans sheath may be an 
    alternate preferred method of contraception which, arguably, may serve 
    to increase penile stimulation by reducing the degree of interference 
    and loss of sensitivity attributed to the use of contraceptives, in 
    particular, in comparison to the use of full-sheath condoms. FDA has 
    concluded from a review of the scientific literature that the safety 
    and effectiveness of the glans sheath device for contraceptive use for 
    the prevention of pregnancy have not been established by valid 
    scientific evidence as defined in Sec. 860.7.
    
    II. PMA Requirements
    
        A PMA for the glans sheath device must include the information 
    required by section 515(c)(1) of the act and Sec. 814.20 (21 CFR 
    814.20) of the procedural regulations for PMA's. Such a PMA should 
    include a detailed discussion of the risks as well as a discussion of 
    the effectiveness of the device for which premarket approval is sought. 
    In addition, a PMA must include all data and information on: (1) Any 
    risks known, or that should be reasonably known, to the applicant that 
    have not been identified in the proposal (57 FR 42908); (2) the 
    effectiveness of the specific glans sheath that is the subject of the 
    application; and (3) full reports of all preclinical and clinical 
    information from investigations on the safety and effectiveness of the 
    device for which premarket approval is sought.
        A PMA should include valid scientific evidence as defined in 
    Sec. 860.7 and should be obtained from well-controlled clinical 
    studies, with detailed data, in order to provide reasonable assurance 
    of the safety and effectiveness of the particular glans sheath for its 
    intended use. In addition to the basic requirements described in 
    Sec. 814.20(b)(6)(ii) for a PMA, it is recommended that such studies 
    employ a protocol that meets the criteria described in the following 
    paragraphs.
        Applicants should submit any PMA in accordance with FDA's 
    ``Premarket Approval Manual.'' This manual is available on the world 
    wide web at ``http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/manuals.html''.
    
    A. General Protocol Requirements
    
        Glans sheath devices should be evaluated in a prospective, 
    randomized, clinical trial that uses adequate controls. The study must 
    attempt to answer all of the questions concerning safety and 
    effectiveness of the devices, including the risk to benefit ratio. The 
    questions should relate to the pathophysiologic effects which the 
    devices produce, as well as the primary and secondary variables 
    analyzed to evaluate safety and effectiveness. Study endpoints and 
    study success must be defined.
        Biocompatibility testing for new material and/or the finished 
    devices should be performed according to the Office of Device 
    Evaluation (ODE) blue book memorandum #G95-1 entitled ``Use of 
    International Standard ISO-10993, `Biological Evaluation of Medical 
    Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing''' (Ref. 9). This memorandum 
    includes the FDA-modified matrix that designates the type of testing 
    needed for various medical devices. The memorandum is available upon 
    request from CDRH's Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance (address 
    above) and is also available on the world wide web at ``http://
    www.fda.gov/cdrh/g951.html''. The following tests should be considered: 
    Cytotoxicity, sensitization, mucosal irritation, acute systemic
    
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    toxicity, mutagenicity, and implantation (90 day).
        Specific considerations include the following:
        1. The selection of materials to be used in device manufacture and 
    their toxicological evaluation should initially take into account a 
    full characterization of the materials, such as chemical composition of 
    components, known and suspected impurities, and processing. Any surface 
    coatings to be applied are to be fully characterized, including 
    materials, physical specifications, and application processes.
        2. The materials of manufacture, the final product, and possible 
    leachable chemicals or degradation products should be considered for 
    their relevance to the overall toxicological evaluation of the devices.
        3. Any in vitro or in vivo experiments or tests must be conducted 
    according to recognized good laboratory practices followed by an 
    evaluation by competent informed persons.
        4. Any change in chemical composition, manufacturing process, 
    physical configuration or intended use of the devices must be evaluated 
    with respect to possible changes in toxicological effects and the need 
    for additional testing.
        5. The biocompatibility evaluation performed in accordance with the 
    guidance should be considered in conjunction with other information 
    from other nonclinical studies and postmarket experiences for an 
    overall safety assessment.
        Guidance concerning the type of information that should be provided 
    regarding materials, finished product, processing, testing, and 
    labeling may be found in the Office of Device Evaluation's draft 
    guidance entitled ``Testing Guidance For Male Condoms Made From New 
    Material,'' June 29, 1995 (Ref. 10). This guidance is available upon 
    request from CDRH's Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance and is 
    also available on the world wide web at ``http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/
    oderp455.html''. The following types of information should be provided:
        1. The identity of resin manufacturers.
        2. The chemical composition and specifications for raw materials, 
    including molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, and a 
    description of the quality control testing performed.
        3. A complete description of the chemical composition and 
    specifications for the finished device, including the molar ratio of 
    component monomers for fabricating the finished material(s), physical 
    characteristics (length, width, thickness, etc.).
        4. The chemical composition and specifications for any retention 
    ring materials, lubricants, or dusting agent.
        5. Details on the processes used to manufacture the finished device 
    to include: A flow diagram for all aspects of manufacturing and points 
    where in-process quality assurance testing is performed, and 
    descriptions of process control parameters, handling and/or reworking 
    procedures for product that fails in-process quality assurance tests, 
    procedures for adding lubricants and/or dusting agents, and packaging 
    procedures.
        6. Data from physical testing conducted on the finished device 
    using appropriate sampling procedures and established performance 
    limits and tolerances, to include tensile strength, force at break 
    (vulnerability to puncture), elongation (elasticity), tear resistance, 
    and other measures of flexural characteristics.
        7. If a shelf-life period or expiration date is stated in device 
    labeling, data from accelerated and/or real time testing of the 
    packaged product, including lubricants and other agents, demonstrating 
    the physical and mechanical integrity of the device for the shelf-life 
    or expiration date period claimed in labeling.
        8. Labeling providing: A complete description of the device, 
    indications, adequate directions for use, and full disclosure of the 
    safety and effectiveness findings from preclinical and clinical 
    studies, including the recommended use of a pregnancy rate table and 
    the disclosure that the product does not protect against HIV infection 
    and other STD's. (See FDA guidance entitled ``Uniform Contraceptive 
    Labeling,'' July 23, 1998, which is available from CDRH's Division of 
    Small Manufacturers Assistance (address above) and is also available on 
    the world wide web at ``http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/contrlab.html''.)
        Examples of questions to be addressed by the clinical studies 
    include, but are not limited to, the following:
        1. What are the findings of preliminary studies conducted to 
    evaluate the clinical performance (slippage and breakage) and the 
    acceptability for use of the glans sheath device, including incidents 
    of genital irritation or other adverse occurrences?
        2. What breakage, slippage, partial slippage, dislodgement and 
    adverse reaction data and rates are derived from the clinical trial(s) 
    studying slippage and breakage, and what are the design and statistical 
    analysis particulars of the trial(s), including whether the study 
    followed a randomized, cross-over design and what patient population, 
    inclusion/exclusion criteria, sample size, and statistical analysis 
    models were chosen?
        3. What pregnancy, breakage, slippage, and adverse event data and 
    rates are derived from the clinical trial(s) evaluating the safety, 
    effectiveness, and ease of use of the glans sheath device, and what are 
    the design and statistical analysis particulars of the clinical 
    study(ies), including whether the study(ies) followed a randomized 
    controlled design, and what number of menstrual cycles of product use, 
    population size, inclusion/exclusion criteria, sample size, and 
    statistical analysis models were chosen?
        Statistically valid investigations should include a clear statement 
    of the objectives, method of selection of subjects, nature of the 
    control group, effectiveness and/or safety parameters, method of 
    analysis, and presentation of statistical results of the study. 
    Appropriate rationale, supported by background literature on previous 
    uses of the particular glans sheath device and proposed mechanisms for 
    its effect, should be presented as justification for the questions to 
    be answered, and the definitions of study endpoints and success. Clear 
    study hypotheses should be formulated based on this information.
    
    B. Study Sample Requirements
    
        The subject population should be well defined. Ideally, the study 
    population should be as homogeneous as possible in order to minimize 
    selection bias and reduce variability. Otherwise, a large population 
    may be necessary to achieve statistical significance. Justification 
    must be provided for the sample size used to show that a sufficient 
    number of patients were enrolled to attain statistically and clinically 
    meaningful results. Eligibility criteria for the subject population 
    should include the subject's potential for benefit, the ability to 
    detect a benefit in the subject, the absence of both contraindications 
    and any competing risk, and assurance of subject compliance. In a 
    heterogeneous sample, stratification of the patient groups 
    participating in the multi-center clinical study may be necessary to 
    analyze homogeneous subgroups and thereby minimize potential bias. All 
    endpoint variables should be identified, and a sufficient number of 
    patients from each subgroup analysis should be included to allow for 
    stratification by pertinent demographic characteristics.
        The investigations should include an evaluation of comparability 
    between
    
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    treatment groups and control groups (including historical controls). 
    Baseline (e.g., age, gender, etc.) and other variables should be 
    measured and compared between the treatment and control groups. The 
    baseline variables should be measured at the time of treatment 
    assignment, not during the course of the study. Other variables should 
    be measured during the study as needed to completely characterize the 
    particular device's safety and effectiveness.
    
    C. Study Design
    
        All potential sources of error, including selection bias, 
    information bias, misclassification bias, comparison bias, or other 
    potential biases should be evaluated and minimized. The study should 
    clearly measure any possible placebo effect. Treatment effects should 
    be based on objective measurements. The validity of these measurement 
    scales should be shown to ensure that the treatment effect being 
    measured reflects the intended uses of the particular device.
        Adherence to the protocol by subjects, investigators, and all other 
    individuals involved is essential and requires monitoring to assure 
    compliance by both patients and practitioners. Subject exclusion due to 
    dropout or loss to followup greater than 20 percent may invalidate the 
    study due to bias potential; therefore, initial patient screening and 
    compliance of the final subject population will be needed to minimize 
    the dropout rate. All dropouts must be accounted for and the 
    circumstances and procedures used to ensure patient compliance must be 
    well documented.
        Endpoint assessment cannot be based solely on statistical value. 
    Instead, the clinical outcome must be carefully defined to distinguish 
    between the evaluation of the proper function of the device versus its 
    benefit to the subject. Statistical significance and effectiveness of 
    the device must be demonstrated by the statistical results. However, 
    under certain restricted circumstances, a clinically significant result 
    may be documented without statistical significance.
        Observation of all potential adverse effects must be recorded and 
    monitored throughout the study and the followup period. All adverse 
    effects must be documented and evaluated.
    
    D. Statistical Analysis Plan
    
        The involvement of a biostatistician is recommended to provide 
    proper guidance in the planning, design, conduct, and analysis of a 
    clinical study. There must be sufficient documentation of the 
    statistical analysis and results including comparison group selection, 
    sample size justification, stated hypothesis test(s), population 
    demographics, study site pooling justification, description of 
    statistical tests applied, clear presentation of data, and a clear 
    discussion of the statistical results and conclusions.
        In addition to this generalized guidance, the investigator or 
    sponsor is expected to incorporate additional requirements necessary 
    for a well-controlled scientific study. These additional requirements 
    are dependent on what the investigator or sponsor intends to measure or 
    what the expected treatment effect is based on each device's intended 
    use.
    
    E. Clinical Analysis
    
        The analysis which results from the study should include a complete 
    description of all the statistical procedures employed, including 
    assumption verification, pooling justification, population selection, 
    statistical model selection, etc. If any procedures are uncommon or 
    derived by the investigator or sponsor for the specific analysis, an 
    adequate description must be provided of the procedure for FDA to 
    assess its utility and adequacy. Data analysis and interpretations from 
    the clinical investigation should relate to the medical claims.
    
    F. Monitoring
    
        Rigorous monitoring is required to assure that the study procedures 
    are collected in accordance with the study protocol. Attentive 
    monitors, who have appropriate credentials and who are not aligned with 
    patient management or otherwise biased, contribute prominently to a 
    successful study.
    
    III. PDP Requirements
    
        A PDP for any of these devices may be submitted in lieu of a PMA 
    and must follow the procedures outlined in section 515(f) of the act. A 
    PDP should provide: (1) A description of the device; (2) preclinical 
    trial information (if any); (3) clinical trial information (if any); 
    (4) a description of the manufacturing and processing of the device; 
    (5) the labeling of the device; and (6) all other relevant information 
    about the device. In addition, the PDP must include progress reports 
    and records of the trials conducted under the protocol on the safety 
    and effectiveness of the device for which the completed PDP is sought. 
    FDA's current thinking on the PDP process and the relative duties and 
    responsibilities of the agency and applicant is provided in the draft 
    guidance entitled ``Guidance for Industry--Contents of a Product 
    Development Protocol; Draft.'' This draft guidance is available on the 
    world wide web at ``http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdp/pdp.html''.
    
    IV. Opportunity to Request a Change in Classification
    
        Before requiring the filing of a PMA or a notice of completion of a 
    PDP for a device, FDA is required by section 515(b)(2)(A)(i) through 
    (iv) of the act and 21 CFR 860.132 to provide an opportunity for 
    interested persons to request a change in the classification of the 
    device based on new information relevant to its classification. Any 
    proceeding to reclassify the device will be under authority of section 
    513(e) of the act.
        A request for a change in the classification of the glans sheath 
    device is to be in the form of a reclassification petition containing 
    the information required by Sec. 860.123 (21 CFR 860.123), including 
    information relevant to the classification of the device, and shall, 
    under section 515(b)(2)(B) of the act, be submitted by May 26, 1999.
        The agency advises that, to ensure timely filing of any such 
    petition, any request should be submitted to the Dockets Management 
    Branch (address above) and not to the address provided in 
    Sec. 860.123(b)(1). If a timely request for a change in the 
    classification of the glans sheath is submitted, FDA will, by July 9, 
    1999 after consultation with the appropriate FDA advisory committee and 
    by an order published in the Federal Register, either deny the request 
    or give notice of its intent to initiate a change in the classification 
    of the device in accordance with section 513(e) of the act and 21 CFR 
    860.130 of the regulations.
    
    V. References
    
        The following references have been placed on display in the Dockets 
    Management Branch (address above) and may be seen by interested persons 
    between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
        1. Transcripts of the Obstetrics-Gynecology Devices Panel 
    meeting, March 7, 1989.
        2. Willson, J., and E. Carrington, Obstetrics and Gynecology, C. 
    V. Mosby Co., chs. 22 and 27, 1987.
        3. ``Other Methods, Past, Present and Future * * * American, or 
    Grecian Tips,'' in ``Sex With Health The Which? Guide to 
    Contraceptives, Abortion and Sex-related Diseases,'' published by 
    Consumers' Association (British), November 1974.
        4. Peel, J., and M. Potts, ``The Condom,'' in ``Textbook of 
    Contraceptive Practice,'' Cambridge University Press, p. 58, 1969.
        5. ``Leads from the MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report * 
    * * `Heterosexual
    
    [[Page 24972]]
    
    Transmission of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type III/Lymphadenopathy-
    Associated Virus,''' Journal of the American Medical Association, 
    254(15): pp. 2051 to 2054, 1985.
        6. Winklestein, Jr., W. et al., ``Sexual Practices and Risk of 
    Infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus,'' Journal of the 
    American Medical Association, 253(3): pp. 321 to 325, 1987.
        7. Stone, K. M. et al., ``Primary Prevention of Sexually 
    Transmitted Diseases,'' Journal of the American Medical Association, 
    255(13): pp. 1763 to 1766, 1986.
        8. Peterman, T. A., and J. W. Curran, ``Sexual Transmission of 
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus,'' Journal of the American Medical 
    Association, 256(16): pp. 2222 to 2226, 1986.
        9. ``Use of International Standard ISO-10993, `Biological 
    Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing,''' ODE 
    ``Blue Book,'' General Program Memorandum #G95-1, FDA, Center for 
    Devices and Radiological Health, Office of Device Evaluation, 
    Rockville, MD 20857, May 1, 1995.
        10. ``Testing Guidance for Male Condoms Made From New 
    Materials,'' FDA, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Office 
    of Device Evaluation, Obstetrics-Gynecology Devices Branch, 
    Rockville, MD 20857, June 29, 1995.
    
    VI. Environmental Impact
    
        The agency has determined under 21 CFR 25.30(h) that this 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.
    
    VII. Analysis of Impacts
    
        FDA has examined the impacts of the proposed rule under Executive 
    Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) (as 
    amended by subtitle D of the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Act of 
    1996 (Pub. L. 104-121) and the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
    (Pub. L. 104-4)). Executive Order 12866 directs agencies to assess all 
    costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when 
    regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
    net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
    health and safety, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and 
    equity). The agency believes that this proposed rule is consistent with 
    the regulatory philosophy and principles identified in the Executive 
    Order. In addition, the proposed rule is not a significant regulatory 
    action as defined by the Executive Order and so is not subject to 
    review under the Executive Order.
        The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires agencies to analyze 
    regulatory options that would minimize any significant impact of a rule 
    on small entities. FDA believes that only one firm, which previously 
    distributed a glans sheath type of device in 1989, may be affected and 
    required to submit a PMA at a cost of approximately $1.2 million. 
    However, because this type device has been classified into class III 
    since December 29, 1994, and any manufacturer of this device that was 
    legally in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or found by FDA 
    to be substantially equivalent to such a device, will be permitted to 
    continue marketing during FDA's review of the PMA or notice of 
    completion of the PDP, the agency certifies that the proposed rule will 
    not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
    entities. Therefore, under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, no further 
    analysis is required.
    
    VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    
        This proposed rule contains information collection provisions that 
    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 
    burden hours required for Sec. 884.5320(c) are included in the 
    collection entitled ``Premarket Approval of Medical Devices--21 CFR 
    Part 814,'' submitted on January 27, 1999 (64 FR 4112), for OMB 
    approval.
    
    IX. Submission of Comments with Data
    
        Interested persons may, on or before August 9, 1999, submit to the 
    Dockets Management Branch (address above) written comments regarding 
    this proposal. Two copies of any comments are to be submitted, except 
    that individuals may submit one copy. Interested persons may, on or 
    before May 26, 1999 submit to the Dockets Management Branch a written 
    request to change the classification of the glans sheath. Two copies of 
    any request are to be submitted except that individuals may submit one 
    copy. Comments or requests are to be identified with the docket number 
    found in brackets in the heading of this document. Received comments 
    and requests may be seen in the office above between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
    Monday through Friday.
    
    List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 884
    
        Medical devices.
        Therefore, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and under 
    authority delegated to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, it is 
    proposed that 21 CFR part 884 be amended as follows:
    
    PART 884--OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL DEVICES
    
        1. The authority citation for 21 CFR part 884 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 21 U.S.C. 351, 360, 360c, 360e, 360j, 371.
        2. Section 884.5320 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 884.5320  Glans sheath.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) Date premarket approval application (PMA) or notice of 
    completion of a product development protocol (PDP) is required. A PMA 
    or a notice of completion of a PDP is required to be filed with the 
    Food and Drug Administration on or before (date 90 days after date of 
    publication of the final rule in the Federal Register), for any glans 
    sheath that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or that 
    has, on or before (date 90 days after date of publication of the final 
    rule in the Federal Register) been found to be substantially equivalent 
    to a glans sheath that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 
    1976. Any other glans sheath shall have an approved PMA or a declared 
    completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution.
    
        Dated: April 30, 1999.
    Linda S. Kahan,
    Deputy Director for Regulations Policy, Center for Devices and 
    Radiological Health.
    [FR Doc. 99-11733 Filed 5-7-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4160-01-F
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
05/10/1999
Department:
Food and Drug Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
99-11733
Dates:
Written comments by August 9, 1999; requests for a change in classification by May 26, 1999.
Pages:
24967-24972 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 99N-0922
PDF File:
99-11733.pdf
CFR: (4)
21 CFR 860.123(b)(1)
21 CFR 814.20(b)(6)(ii)
21 CFR 860.7
21 CFR 884.5320