Company: PSTV
Filing Date: 2025-03-31
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0000950170-25-047698
Chunk: 44

Company: PLUS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Filing Date: 2025-03-31
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1
Chunk 44
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 device in accordance with de novo classification process. This procedure allows a de novo requester whose novel device is automatically classified into Class III to request down-classification of its medical device into Class I or Class II on the basis that the device presents low or moderate risk, rather than requiring the submission and approval of a PMA. A requestor may submit a de novo request for classification after receiving a “not substantially 

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equivalent” determination in response to a 510(k) submission or, absent the prior submission of a 510(k), when the sponsor determines that there is no legally marketed device upon which to base a determination of substantial equivalence. 

The FDA may reject the de novo request if it identifies a legally marketed predicate device that would be appropriate for a 510(k) or determines that the device is not low to moderate risk or that general controls would be inadequate, and special controls cannot be developed, to control the risks. In the event the FDA determines that the data and information submitted demonstrate that general controls or general and special controls are adequate to provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness, the FDA will grant the de novo request and a classification regulation will be established for the device type. When the FDA grants a de novo request for classification, the device is granted marketing authorization and can further serve as a predicate device for a future 510(k) submissions of that device type. 

PMA Process

Class III devices include devices deemed by FDA to pose the greatest risk, such as life-supporting or life-sustaining devices, or implantable devices. With a few exceptions for certain types of devices classified into Class III that were in commercial distribution in the U.S. before May 28, 1976, Class III devices are subject to the pre-market approval (“PMA”) process which requires the manufacturer to independently demonstrate that a medical device is safe and effective for its intended use. This process is generally much more time-consuming and expensive than the 510(k) or de novo processes. The PMA process involves a complex and lengthy testing process that is subject to review by the FDA and may require several years to complete. The sponsor may need to first obtain an investigational device exemption (for significant risk devices), known as an IDE, in order to conduct extensive clinical testing of the device to obtain the necessary clinical data for submission to the FDA. Prior to obtaining approval, the manufacturer typically undergoes a bioresearch monitoring (“BIMO”) audit of the supporting clinical trial and a manufacturing audit, which may raise concerns that could lengthen