Role of the ACMD in the TGA's regulatory decision making process
The Advisory Committee on Medical Devices (ACMD) is a statutory advisory committee established by the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990. The committee provides independent expert advice on specific scientific and technical matters in order to aid the TGA's decision making and other regulatory processes.
While the advice provided by the ACMD is an important element in the undertaking of the TGA's regulatory functions it forms only part of the information that is available to delegates when they make a regulatory decision under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. It is important to note that while appropriate consideration will always be given to such advice, the TGA is not obliged to follow the specific recommendations and advice given by the committee.
It should also be noted that information about advice provided by the committee may not become publicly available for some time after the committee has provided that advice. The purpose of this Meeting Statement is to describe in general terms the matters considered by the committee at each meeting and for it to be available as soon as reasonably practical after the relevant meeting.
Update on matters where the committee previously provided advice and a TGA decision has been made
A Spinal Stimulator Kit, considered at ACMD 29 and ACMD 39, has had the ARTG entry cancelled.
A recombinant bone graft and spinal interbody fusion cage, considered at ACMD 46, has had the application withdrawn by the Sponsor.
A Woven Vascular Prosthesis, considered at ACMD 50, was included in the ARTG.
An implantable biological mesh, considered at ACMD 50, has had the application renewed without Instructions for Use changes.
An abdominal hernia mesh, considered at ACMD 46, has had additional conditions placed on the ARTG inclusion.
There were no other decisions made for items previously considered by the committee.
Overview of the medical devices referred for advice
At the 56th ACMD meeting the committee considered applications for the following devices:
- A peri-urethral bulking agent to treat stress incontinence;
- An novel ophthalmic implant;
- Recombinant origin absorbable meshes for breast surgery; and
- A topical, beta-decay radiotherapy skin cancer treatment.
The committee considered whether the benefits outweighed the risks for the devices and whether adequate evidence has been provided to demonstrate safety and performance through compliance with the Essential Principles.
Further information
Meeting statements are made publicly available after each meeting.
For further information on the ACMD, please visit the ACMD web page or contact the ACMD Secretariat by phone on 02 6232 8665 or email: acmd.secretariat@health.gov.au.