WARNING LETTER
Merete Medical GmbH
MARCS-CMS 571091 —
December 31, 2018
Delivery Method:
VIA UNITED PARCEL SERVICE
Product:
Medical Devices
Recipient:
Recipient Name
Alexia Anapliotis
Recipient Title
CEO
Merete Medical GmbH
Alt-Lankwitz 102
12247
Berlin
Germany
Issuing Office:
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring
,
MD
20993-0002
United States
December 31, 2018
WARNING LETTER
Dear Alexia Anapliotis:
During an inspection of your firm located in Alt-Lankwitz, Berlin, Germany, on August 27, 2018 through August 29, 2018, an investigator from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that your firm manufactures Intrablock Bioball Hip System. Under section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act), 21 U.S.C. § 321(h), these products are devices because they are intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or to affect the structure or function of the body.
This inspection revealed that these devices are adulterated within the meaning of section 501(h) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 351(h), in that the methods used in, or the facilities or controls used for, their manufacture, packing, storage, or installation are not in conformity with the current good manufacturing practice requirements of the Quality System regulation found at Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 820.
We received a response from you dated September 20, 2018 and October 17, 2018 concerning our investigator’s observations noted on the Form FDA 483, List of Inspectional Observations, which was issued to your firm. Your firm’s response dated December 18, 2018 was not reviewed. This response will be evaluated along with any other written material provided in response to the violations cited in this Warning Letter.
We address your firm’s September 20, 2018 and October 17, 2018 response below, in relation to each of the noted violations. These violations include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Failure to establish and maintain procedures for implementing corrective and preventive action (CAPA), as required by 21 CFR 820.100(a). For example, your firm received recurring complaints (7 total from April 2017-May 2018) of infections following the implantation of the hip replacement device that necessitated medical or surgical intervention. These complaints were escalated to a CAPA 17-004. According to the CAPA report, “the complaints involved different products from different batches.” However, your firm’s CAPA investigation failed to assess different products. Additionally, your firm did not evaluate the potential causes of infection. For instance, your firm’s transportation and distribution simulation studies conducted in 2017 failed to evaluate package integrity following transportation to ensure the devices arrive in sterile condition and within specification to minimize potential device-related infection. The test condition (e.g., climate) chosen was not the worst-case condition.
We reviewed your firm’s response and conclude that it is not adequate. Your firm opened a CAPA 18-008 to reevaluate all CAPAs from 2015-2017 to ensure that the transferability is assessed for other devices. However, your firm has not provided any information related to criteria utilized to assess transferability.
According to your firm’s root cause analysis, package failure was not considered a reason for the infection as limited number of affected products were noted over a wide period of time. This analysis appears inadequate since package failures are typically event related rather than time related. Your firm submitted a transport validation report (test report
(b)(4)
), which states distribution simulation was conducted in accordance to ASTM D4169, distribution cycle 13 and Assurance level I. However, several deviations were noted.
(b)(4)
the predefined acceptance criteria. Additionally, it is unclear if the distribution simulation was followed by package integrity testing. This is important to ensure that after distribution the package maintained the integrity of the sterile barrier. Your firm should conduct package performance testing that includes worst case shipping and handling simulations in accordance to FDA-recognized standards, e.g., ASTM D4169 using the worst case device (of equal or greater mass and equal or more challenging surface geometry) followed by package integrity testing (e.g., dye penetration test).S Your firm’s test results should demonstrate the package can maintain sterile barrier after shipping.
2. Failure to establish and maintain design validation procedures to ensure that devices conform to defined user needs and intended uses and shall include testing of production units under actual or simulated use conditions, as required by 21 CFR 820.30(g). For example:
a. At the time of investigation, the firm’s representative confirmed that the firm did not perform design validation of the Intrablock Bioball Hip System (IBBHS) using production units or their equivalent under actual or simulated use conditions, and the firm relied on postmarket surveillance data to confirm the design was adequately validated. The IBBHS includes multiple components such as Adapter, Delta Ceramic Head, IntrablockTwin stem, Multicup, Locking Pressfit Cup, Multicup Locking Screw, Multicup PE Inlay, and Multicup Threaded Plug. However, the firm did not have documentation demonstrating that the design validation was conducted using all the components of the device.
We reviewed your firm’s response and conclude that it is not adequate. Your firm provided a validation report for the IBBHS (Annex 12, September 20, 2018, response). However, the validation does not include all the finished device components such as IntrablockTwin Stem, Multicup, Locking Pressfit Cup, Multicup Locking Screw, Multicup PE Inlay, and Multicup Threaded Plug. The response indicated the clinical evaluation is based on equivalent products. Your firm has not provided justification why products that does not include all the components of the finished device are representative or equivalent. Your firm’s September 20, 2018 response included the user requirement specification form for the IBBHS system that contains reference to clinical evaluation reports and usability evaluation reports. However, the referenced reports are not submitted for review. In the absence of these reports the adequacy of the design validation cannot be evaluated.
Your firm retrospectively reviewed design files for OsteoBridge system (IDSF and IKA) and bioresorbable implants and submitted a summary of items that were reviewed. While the response did not provide documentation to support that the validation for other devices are adequate, we acknowledge that your firm implemented corrective actions based on the retrospective review to ensure that the design validation was adequately established for other devices.
b. Your firm’s gamma sterilization validation,
(b)(4)
, conducted in 2015 covering all devices that require gamma sterilization is deficient in that:
i. There is no evaluation regarding how the maximum dose could impact the final device;
ii. There is no justification for including three different product family types in the same gamma radiation cycle which differ in manufacturing location and bioburden. Furthermore, there is no evaluation of the effects of dose to devices of different densities; and
iii. There are no instructions for how the finished devices are presented for sterilization.
The adequacy of your firm’s response for item 2(b)(i) cannot be determined at this time. The limits for the sterilization dose are 25-45 kGy. In general, metal is compatible to radiation. The mechanical properties of the Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) component were assessed after gamma sterilization and aging; however, it is unclear if UHMWPE component exposed to maximum sterilization dose was utilized in the testing. Your firm proposed additional studies (
(b)(4)
) to evaluate the effect of maximum sterilization dose on UHMWPE component stability. In the absence of test results, the adequacy of the UHMWPE component stability cannot be determined.
We reviewed your firm’s response and conclude that the response for item 2(b)(ii) is not adequate. The criteria for establishing product families are identified in your firm’s procedure, “Product families and representatives,”
(b)(4)
. Manufacturing environment and feedstocks are some of the chosen criteria. However, the product families chosen do not appear to follow the established criteria. For instance, family three (3) includes externally manufactured products from different companies,
(b)(4)
. Since different companies have different manufacturing locations, the rationale for grouping these products in one family is not appropriate. The response indicated the environmental bioburden acceptance level is the same for the
(b)(4)
. Your firm’s environmental monitoring may not provide a complete reflection of the product bioburden. Moreover, both the number and the type of bioburden are important considerations for radiation sterilization. Similarly, the product family one (1) includes products manufactured
from different raw material such as
(b)(4)
products and is represented by
(b)(4)
. Typically, different raw materials have different manufacturing processes, that can contribute to different number and type of bioburden. The dose setting for radiation sterilization should be based upon specific preliminary natural product bioburden (number and types of microorganism present on or in the product) information as described in FDA-recognized consensus standards such as the ISO 11137 series. All methods that are bioburden-based (such as those in the ISO 11137-series), are founded upon the concept that microbial resistance to radiation is a critical determinant of processes effectiveness. A comprehensive comparison, including an assessment and evaluation of each consideration identified in Section 4.2 of ISO 11137-2, to successfully support the assertion that the master products constitute greater challenges to radiation sterilization than the other product family members should be submitted for our review.
Your firm’s response for item 2(b)(iii) appears to be adequate.
c. Your firm’s packaging validation,
(b)(4)
, for the IBBHS packaging material did not include evaluation of package integrity. Additionally, your firm did not have documentation of the justification for the sample size used to perform the seal integrity testing (2 runs of 15 each), and equipment parameter of time used for operational qualification.
We reviewed your firm’s response and conclude that the response for item 2(c) is not adequate. Your firm’s Packaging Validation,
(b)(4)
, previously lacked seam strength and ink test evaluations. Your firm’s response includes package integrity and seal strength evaluation for
(b)(4)
samples each for products from different batches and different manufacturing dates. However, the finished product testing alone does not overcome the need for conducting the process validation. The validation studies do not include evaluation of package quality endpoints included in the package validation protocol
(b)(4)
. The packaging qualification study should be completed as per your firm’s protocol with an adequate justification for the sample size utilized for testing.
3. Failure to establish and maintain procedures to ensure that the design requirements relating to a device are appropriate and address the intended use of the device, including the needs of the user and patient, as required by 21 CFR 820.30(c). For example:
a. Design inputs for the device specific instruments (head impactor, extractor sleeve, trial standard adapter, etc.) were not documented.
We reviewed your firm’s response and conclude that the response for item 3(a) is not adequate. Your firm developed a specification document for the IBBHS system that includes design input for the instruments. However, a complete documentation of the design input is lacking. For instance, the design input does not state ‘biocompatible,’ the design verification states biological evaluation per ISO 10993-1. Similarly, design verification activities such as handling test and mechanical durability test is conducted, but no clear design input has been provided to support these verification activities.
b. Shelf life requirements and transportation conditions were not defined.
We reviewed your firm’s response and conclude that the response for item 3(b) is not adequate. Your firm provided its design specification document that includes shelf life specification of
(b)(4)
. However, additional specification with respect to packaging, sterile barrier is not included in the response. The following specifications may be considered:
• Microbial properties of packaging material;
• Maintenance of package integrity through distribution and storage for the shelf life and thereby presentation of product in an aseptic manner;
• Biocompatibility of Packaging materials;
• Labeling clarity; and
• Protection to package components during shipping and storage.
4. Failure to establish and maintain procedures for verifying the device design to confirm that the design output meets the design input requirements, as required by 21 CFR 820.30(f). For example:
a. Adequate stability studies (real-time or accelerated) were not conducted or completed prior to the U.S. commercialization of the IBBHS in June 2013.
Your firm’s response for item 4(a) appears to be adequate.
b. Your firm did not perform design verification activities for device specific instruments to confirm mechanical properties.
The adequacy of your firm’s response for item 4(b) cannot be determined at this time. Your firm conducted design verification testing, which included handling test and mechanical durability test. However, the design input requirements are not adequately established, see deficiencies discussed under 21 CFR 820.30(c). Additionally, your firm did not provide engineering drawings for the instruments to show that the design inputs are adequately documented. Without these documentation in hand, FDA cannot make an assessment with respect to adequacy.
5. Failure to maintain complaint files and establish and maintain procedures for receiving, reviewing, and evaluating complaints by a formally designated unit, as required by 21 CFR 820.198(a). For example, complaint records were incomplete for 3 of
(b)(4)
complaint received in 2018 to include:
a. Complaint
(b)(4)
related to the lamp screw of the OsteoBridge loosening and wandering out, opened in February 2018, was not investigated;
b. Complaint
(b)(4)
relating to the Rigidtack epiphysis staple being deformed during the annual routine observation which led to the removal of the implant, opened in January 2018, did not include an investigation; and
c. Complaint
(b)(4)
, related to sterilization tray deformation, opened in February 2018, did not include a complaint description, details of investigation, and Medical Device Reporting (MDR) determination.
The adequacy of your firm’s response cannot be determined at this time. The response included investigation report for the cited complaints. According to your firm, complaint
(b)(4)
was associated with a custom-made device. Your firm submitted complaint record which identifies the complaint at severity level 3. Since your firm referenced a separate report for MDR determination, it is unclear whether your firm evaluated this compliant for MDR reportability. Your firm identified the special ‘custom’ design as the possible cause for the complaint. The conclusion of
(b)(4)
complaint investigation states the user was informed of this in the manufacturer’s declaration and in the document
(b)(4)
. Your firm did not provide these documents for review; therefore, it is unclear if the risk associated with this custom device is effectively communicated to the user.
Regarding complaint
(b)(4)
, your firm attributed the damaged sterilization tray issue to repeated steam sterilization (more than 100 times). As a corrective action, the affected customers were given a replacement steel tray and the damaged instrument parts were replaced. However, the response did not indicate whether the sterilization process was revalidated using the steel tray. It is unclear if sterilization validation was conducted prior to tray replacement. Additionally, the response did not indicate whether an evaluation was done to determine if labeling updates such as instruction on use-life for instruments are necessary to prevent future recurrence of complaints.
Our inspection also revealed that your firm’s Intrablock Bioball Hip System are misbranded under section 502(t)(2) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 352(t)(2), in that your firm failed or refused to furnish material or information respecting the device that is required by or under section 519 of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360i, and 21 CFR Part 803 - Medical Device Reporting. Significant violations include, but are not limited to, the following:
6. Failure to submit a report to FDA no later than 30 calendar days after the day that the firm received or otherwise became aware of information, from any source, that reasonably suggests that a device that the firm markets may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury, as required by 21 CFR 803.50(a)(1). For example, the information included for Complaint Nos.
(b)(4)
, and
(b)(4)
reasonably suggests that patients experienced serious injuries (e.g. infection) following the implantation of your firm’s hip replacement device that necessitated device explant. Without additional information, we consider the explant procedure as medical or surgical intervention necessitated to preclude permanent impairment of a body function or permanent damage to a body structure. During the inspection, your firm acknowledged the observation and noted that it submitted an MDR for each corresponding complaint beyond the required 30 calendar day timeframe.
Please note that a copy of the MDRs submitted for each corresponding complaint could not be retrieved from FDA’s database.
The adequacy of your firm’s response cannot be determined at this time. Your firm stated it completed its retrospective review of complaints from 2016 to 2018, subsequently identified reportable complaints, and submitted MDRs for the respective reportable events to the FDA. However, your firm did not provide documentation or evidence of its completed corrective actions, including a list of each MDR submitted for each reportable event. Without this documentation in hand, FDA cannot make an assessment with respect to adequacy.
7. Your firm failed to adequately develop, maintain and implement written MDR procedures as required by 21 CFR 803.17(a). For example, after reviewing your firm’s MDR procedure titled “Standard Operating Procedure/ Complaints Review”; Document ID:
(b)(4)
, the following deficiencies were noted:
a. The procedure does not establish internal systems that provide for timely and effective identification, communication, and evaluation of events that may be subject to MDR requirements, as required by 21 CFR 803.17(a)(1). For example, your procedure omits definitions of the terms "become aware," "caused or contributed," “malfunction,” and “MDR reportable event” from 21 CFR 803.3, and the definition for the term "reasonably suggests," found in 803.20(c)(1). The exclusion of the definitions for these terms from your procedure may lead your firm to make an incorrect reportability decision when evaluating a complaint that may meet the criteria for reporting under 21 CFR 803.50(a).
b. The procedure does not establish internal systems that provide for timely transmission of complete medical device reports, as required by 21 CFR 803.17(a)(3). Specifically, it does not address the circumstances under which your firm must submit supplemental or follow-up reports and the requirements for such reports.
Your firm’s response for items 7(a) and 7(b) appears to be adequate. If your firm wishes to discuss the MDR related issues noted above, please contact the Reportability Review Team by email at ReportabilityReviewTeam@fda.hhs.gov.
U.S. federal agencies may be advised of the issuance of Warning Letters about devices so that they may take this information into account when considering the award of contracts. Additionally, premarket approval applications for Class III devices to which the Quality System regulation deviations are reasonably related will not be approved until the violations have been corrected.
Please notify this office, in writing within fifteen business days from the date you receive this letter, of the specific steps your firm has taken to correct the noted violations, including an explanation of how your firm plans to prevent these violations, or similar violations, from occurring again. Include documentation of the corrections and/or corrective action (which must address systemic problems) that your firm has taken. If your firm’s planned corrections and/or corrective actions will occur over time, please include a timetable for implementation of those activities. If corrections and/or corrective actions cannot be completed within fifteen business days, state the reason for the delay and the time within which these activities will be completed. Please provide a translation of documentation not in English to facilitate our review. We will notify you regarding the adequacy of your firm’s response and the need to re-inspect your firm’s facility to verify that the appropriate corrections and/or corrective actions have been made.
Your firm’s response should be sent to: Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Office of Compliance, Field Inspections Support Branch, White Oak Building 66, Rm 3540, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993.
Refer to CMS case # 571091 when replying
. If you have any questions about the contents of this letter, please contact: Vesa Vuniqi, Acting Branch Chief, Joint and Fixation Devices Branch 2 at 301-796-5773.
Finally, you should know that this letter is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the violations at your firm’s facility. It is your firm’s responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations administered by FDA. The specific violations noted in this letter and in the Inspectional Observations, FDA 483, issued at the close of the inspection may be symptomatic of serious problems in your firm’s manufacturing and quality management systems. Your firm should investigate and determine the causes of the violations, and take prompt actions to correct the violations and bring the products into compliance.
Sincerely,
/S/
CAPT Raquel Peat, PhD, MPH, USPHS
Director
Division of Premarket and Labeling Compliance
Office of Compliance
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
CC:
Alexia Anapliotis
Merete Medical, Inc.
4 Crotty lane, Ste 118
New York International Plaza
New Windsor, NY 12553
Content current as of:
02/12/2019
Regulated Product(s)
Medical Devices