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A knee arthroplasty system, considered at ACMD 57, has had the application withdrawn by the sponsor.
A knee replacement system, considered at ACMD 57, has had its application approved.
A stroke prevention device, considered at ACMD 57, has had the application withdrawn by the sponsor.
A system to treat intestinal failure, considered at ACMD 58, has had the application withdrawn by the sponsor.
A vascular tear repair device, considered at ACMD 57, has had its application approved.
Several knee inserts and prostheses for a total knee system were considered at ACMD 58, they have had their applications approved.
A heart plug device, considered at ACMD 59, has had its application approved.
There were no other decisions made for items previously considered by the committee.
Overview of the medical devices referred for advice
At the 61st ACMD meeting the committee considered the following devices:
- Several surgical masks;
- A balloon catheter system for coronary arteries;
- A catheter to treat abnormal heart rhythms;
- A valve repair system;
- A shoulder system; and
- A tissue anchoring system.
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 6289 6880 or email: acmd.secretariat@health.gov.au.