Role of the ACMD
The Advisory Committee on Medical Devices (ACMD) is a statutory advisory committee established under the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990. The committee provides independent expert advice on specific scientific and technical matters to support the TGA's decision-making and regulatory processes.
While the advice provided by the ACMD is an important component of the TGA's regulatory functions, it is only part of the information considered by delegates when making decisions under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
It is important to note that while the TGA gives appropriate consideration to ACMD advice, it is not obliged to follow the committee's recommendations. Additionally, information about the advice provided by the committee may not become publicly available.
The purpose of this meeting statement is to outline, in general terms, the matters considered by the committee at each meeting. The statement is made publicly available as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant meeting.
Update on matters where the committee previously provided advice and a TGA decision has been made
- A blood purification device has been withdrawn.
- Most devices within a shoulder replacement system were approved with some withdrawn.
- An endovascular stent has been approved.
- Two knee prosthesis have been approved.
- A hemi shoulder joint replacement has been approved.
- A knee replacement system has been withdrawn.
No other decisions have been made recently for items previously considered by the committee.
Overview of the medical devices referred for advice
At the 85th ACMD meeting, the committee considered the following devices:
- a software device for in vitro diagnostics
- a heart valve replacement system
- a radiological image processing application
The committee assessed whether the benefits outweighed the risks for these devices and whether sufficient evidence had been provided to demonstrate their safety and performance, in accordance with the Essential Principles.
The committee also provided their views regarding Clinical Treatment of Mitral Regurgitation in Australia.
Conflict of Interest Management
Declarations of actual or potential conflicts of interest by committee members are managed by the Chair, committee members, and the Department, both prior to and during meetings, as appropriate.
For meeting #85, one committee member declared that they have a consulting agreement with a sponsor who manufactures heart valves. This represented a real or perceived conflict for this member and the member was excluded from the discussion on that item.
More Information
Meeting statements are made publicly available after each meeting.
For more information see Advisory Committee on Medical Devices (ACMD) or contact the ACMD Secretariat by email TGAMedicalDevices@health.gov.au.