The FDA has finalized its 2025 guidance for sponsors on safety reporting in IND and BA/BE studies. Learn what manufacturers must update and how it affects your trials.

The FDA has released its final guidance on Computer Software Assurance (CSA) for production and quality system software, introducing a risk-based, streamlined approach to validating software used in manufacturing and quality operations. The updated framework helps manufacturers reduce unnecessary documentation, focus validation efforts on functions that impact product quality and patient safety, and accelerate the adoption of automated and digital technologies while remaining fully compliant with FDA requirements.

The FDA has issued a new draft guidance that updates the scientific principles for demonstrating biosimilarity. The document clarifies when strong analytical similarity data, supported by comparative human pharmacokinetic and immunogenicity assessments, may be sufficient to demonstrate biosimilarity without requiring a comparative clinical efficacy study. This updated approach can help manufacturers reduce development timelines and costs, while placing greater emphasis on robust analytical packages, sensitive PK study designs and a clear, risk-based justification aligned with FDA expectations.

The FDA has released a draft guidance aligning U.S. Quality Management System (QMS) requirements with ISO 13485:2016. This change simplifies compliance for medical device and IVD manufacturers and distributors, ensuring global harmonization and streamlined FDA premarket submissions effective February 2026.

The latest FDA guidance on decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) marks a significant development for IVD and medical device manufacturers. By incorporating digital health technologies, remote monitoring, and home-based device usage, DCTs allow for enhanced trial flexibility and patient accessibility. This guidance clarifies regulatory expectations, especially around investigational product distribution, informed consent, and oversight, supporting innovation while maintaining compliance.

A FDA lançou novas especificações técnicas para submissão de dados clínicos em leucemias agudas, definindo padrões rigorosos de qualidade e interoperabilidade.

A FDA publicou a orientação final sobre Garantia de Software Informático (CSA) para software de produção e sistemas de qualidade. Esta abordagem baseada no risco ajuda os fabricantes a garantir a conformidade, concentrar os esforços de validação onde são mais necessários e adotar tecnologias inovadoras, como automação, IA e sistemas em nuvem — melhorando, em última análise, a qualidade dos dispositivos médicos e a segurança dos pacientes.

A FDA publicou uma nova orientação sobre políticas de enforcement aplicáveis a testes de diagnóstico in vitro durante emergências de saúde pública, ao abrigo da secção 564 do FD&C Act. O guia define os critérios para o início e término destas políticas, oferecendo previsibilidade aos fabricantes em situações críticas, sem comprometer a segurança pública.

A FDA publicou a versão final do guia ICH E6(R3) sobre Boas Práticas Clínicas (GCP), que substitui a versão anterior e estabelece novos requisitos para ensaios clínicos. O documento reforça a abordagem baseada no risco, a integração tecnológica e a proteção dos participantes, promovendo qualidade, ética e harmonização internacional nos dados clínicos submetidos a processos regulamentares.

A FDA publicou uma nova orientação para a qualificação como pequena empresa no âmbito do MDUFA, permitindo a fabricantes de dispositivos médicos e IVDs acederem a reduções nas taxas regulamentares, incluindo submissões 510(k), PMA e De Novo.

A nova orientação da FDA sobre cibersegurança na produção de dispositivos médicos alerta para os riscos associados à tecnologia operacional (OT) utilizada em ambientes industriais. A FDA recomenda o mapeamento das redes conectadas, a implementação de arquiteturas seguras e a integração de normas como IEC 62443 e NIST SP 800-82.

O novo guia preliminar da FDA sobre UDI em produtos combinados descreve requisitos detalhados para a rotulagem, identificação e submissão ao GUDID. Esta orientação afeta fabricantes de dispositivos médicos e medicamentos combinados, que deverão avaliar se os seus produtos requerem UDI, NDC ou ambos, conforme o tipo de componente principal.

A nova orientação da FDA sobre cibersegurança em dispositivos médicos define como os fabricantes devem incorporar práticas de segurança digital desde o design até à submissão pré-mercado. A abordagem inclui modelação de ameaças, utilização de um Secure Product Development Framework (SPDF) e a apresentação de um Software Bill of Materials (SBOM).

The new Revision 3 of NIST SP 800-61, published in April 2025, redefines incident response as an integral part of cyber risk management, now aligned with the Cybersecurity Framework 2.0. The guide covers everything from preparation and detection to recovery and continuous improvement. Smart MDR supports medical device manufacturers and SaMDs in implementing incident response processes in line with the requirements of the MDR, IVDR, FDA and international standards such as NIST.

The new FDA guidance proposes improvements in the labeling of surgical hernia mesh, with the aim of reducing adverse events and facilitating device selection by healthcare professionals. Among the recommended data are mesh composition, physical characteristics and mechanical properties. The initiative applies to devices specifically indicated for hernia repair and encourages manufacturers to update the labeling in their submissions to the FDA.

The FDA's new M11 technical specification, developed within the framework of ICH, defines a structured and harmonized electronic template for clinical protocols - CeSHarP. This document promotes the international standardization of clinical trial documentation, facilitating electronic submission and regulatory interoperability between agencies such as the FDA, EMA and PMDA.

The FDA has published a new draft guidance on the transfer of 510(k) clearances, focusing on situations that do not require a new submission but do require compliance with registration, device listing and labeling update requirements. The document clarifies that the new holder must register in the FURLS/DRLM system, ensure that the 510(k) number is correctly associated with their name, and comply with UDI requirements.

The FDA has published a draft guidance establishing the mandatory use of the eSTAR electronic template for all Q-Submissions, including Pre-Submissions, within the scope of medical device regulation. This proposal aims to improve the quality, consistency and traceability of submissions made to the FDA, progressively replacing free formats with a structured, digital template.

The FDA 's new guidance on the Q-Submission Program offers practical guidelines for manufacturers who intend to request formal feedback or technical meetings during the planning or review of regulatory submissions for medical devices and IVDs.

The FDA 's recent decision to expand the use of unannounced inspections at manufacturing facilities outside the United States has relevant implications for medical device and drug manufacturers exporting to the US market. This approach requires manufacturers to maintain robust quality systems, permanently updated documentation and a culture of continuous compliance.