Detailed guidance to assist in preparing and maintaining an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE).
An IDE is a regulatory submission that permits clinical investigation of devices to determine safety and effectiveness. An FDA-approved IDE Application permits a device that otherwise would be required to comply with a performance standard or to have premarket approval to be shipped lawfully for the purpose of conducting investigations of that device (21 CFR 812.1).
Not all clinical device studies need to operate under an IDE. Use the decision tree to determine whether a proposed investigation will require IDE submission and FDA oversight.
The IDE regulations (21 CFR part 812) describe three types of device studies: significant risk (SR), nonsignificant risk (NSR), and exempt studies. For studies that are not exempt, sponsors are responsible for making the initial risk determination (SR or NSR) and presenting it to the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Preparing an IDE submission can seem daunting. Downloadable templates and detailed descriptions of IDE submission documents and electronic copies can help simplify the task. The initial IDE submission provides FDA reviewers with the information necessary to conduct a thorough evaluation of the safety and scientific merit of the investigation. The submission is divided into several sections. The summaries listed on this page provide detailed instructions to prepare a complete IDE submission.
After the IDE submission has been delivered to the FDA, it undergoes a review process and there are several possible outcomes that can occur. This page itemizes potential FDA responses and the steps an investigator should take in each situation.
Once the IDE is received and approved, the FDA still must review the investigations at least annually for safety. Additionally, the prinicipal investigator is responsible for reporting major protocol deviations (i.e. treating subjects without prior informed consent) and serious adverse events when they occur. Most changes to the investigation including protocol modifications, changes or additions to the clinical site or principal investigator, or changes to the manufacturing process must be sent to the FDA prior to enacting the change.
The type and format of the submission sent to the FDA will depend on the modification. Descriptions and instructions for each situation are listed here.
To learn more about IDE sponsor and investigator responsibilities, please view the ReGARDD Training Modules on IDE Sponsor and Investigator Responsibilities.