FDA Launches Medical Device Innovation Initiative

In a May 22, 2006 press release, the FDA announced the launching of the Medical Device Innovation Initiative to facilitate the development and availability of medical devices in order to make new medical devices available more quickly for patients.  The initiative is intended to promote early interaction between industry and the FDA to optimize review times and foster innovation.  According to the press release, "[t]he Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) will expand current efforts to promote scientific innovation in product development, focus device research on cutting edge science, modernize the review of innovative devices, and facilitate a least burdensome approach to clinical trials" by building "on CDRH's strong scientific foundation and additional resources for the device review program provided under the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act of 2002 (MDUFMA)."

MKS