Glossary

What is Pharmacokinetic Software as a Medical Device (SaMD)?

Precision Dosing
Personalized Medicine
Software as a Medical Device

Turning a PK model into a medical device requires regulatory approval from agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA), depending on the intended market. The regulatory pathway would depend on the intended use of the PK model, the level of risk associated with its use, and the regulatory requirements for medical devices in the target market.

To turn a PK model into a medical device, the following steps may be required:

  1. Determine the Intended Use and Target Population: The intended use of the PK model would need to be defined, along with the target patient population. This would help determine the regulatory pathway and the level of evidence required to support the device.

  2. Develop the PK(-PD) Model: The PK model would need to be developed and validated using appropriate data sources, such as clinical trial data or real-world data. The model would also need to be documented and thoroughly tested to ensure its reliability and accuracy.

  3. Develop the Software Application: The PK model would need to be incorporated into a software application that is user-friendly and meets regulatory requirements for medical devices. The application would need to be tested and validated to ensure that it is safe, effective, and reliable.

  4. Conduct Clinical Validation Study(ies): Depending on the intended use of the device and the regulatory requirements, clinical validation studies may be required to demonstrate the device’s safety and effectiveness. These studies would need to be designed and conducted according to regulatory guidelines and would typically involve a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or a real-world evidence study.

  5. Prepare Regulatory Submission: The regulatory submission would need to be prepared and submitted to the appropriate regulatory agency. The submission would need to include detailed documentation of the device, its intended use, its clinical evidence, and its manufacturing processes.

  6. Obtain Regulatory Approval: Once the regulatory submission is reviewed and approved, regulatory clearance or approval would be granted, and the device could be marketed and sold as a medical device.

In summary, turning a PK model into a medical device would require the development of a software application that incorporates the model, clinical validation studies, and regulatory approval from the appropriate regulatory agency. The process would be similar to that of developing any other medical device, with a focus on demonstrating the safety, effectiveness, and reliability of the device.