What Your Saliva Reveals About You: Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests

by | Dec 17, 2018 | Genetics, Medical Devices

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) tests, such as those marketed by 23andMe, are changing the classic paradigm of health professionals ordering and interpreting genetic testing for a patient. In this article, we provide an overview of the DTC landscape and the regulatory pathways.

Not all direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In general, low-risk tests such as ones for general wellness, entertainment, and ancestry exploration are not reviewed by FDA. Tests that have a higher risk, such as those that can indicate a predisposition for a serious disease are reviewed by FDA.

While DTC tests entered the market in an ambiguous regulatory environment, FDA is attempting to streamline the process for consumers to access their personal genetic information while weighing the risks of such tests. Today, DTCs are reviewed by FDA for accuracy, reliability, and consumer comprehension of the limitations of the test.

In 2015, the first DTC test granted FDA marketing authorization, a carrier screening for Bloom Syndrome, was evaluated via the De Novo Classification Request (“De Novo”) pathway. The De Novo process is a way to classify novel medical devices that do not have a marketed predicate device but are not sufficiently complex or of a high enough risk to warrant a Class III classification. When devices are classified into Class I or Class II through a De Novo process, they may be used as predicate devices for future 510(k) submissions.

The following are recent regulations created for DTC tests through the De Novo process:

21 CFR 866.5940 – Autosomal recessive carrier screening gene mutation detection system

21 CFR 866.5950 – Genetic health risk assessment system

21 CFR 862.3364 – Pharmacogenetic test

21 CFR 866.6090 – Cancer predisposition test

 

As genetic analyses become more affordable, DTC tests are set to become more prevalent. The regulatory framework for these tests have changed remarkably in the past decade, and will continue to evolve as technology improves, more genetic data becomes available for use, and more competitors enter the market.

 

Do you need assistance in preparing a De Novo Classification Request or do you want to know more about the regulatory pathway for direct-to-consumer tests? Please contact us at (248) 987-4497 or info@emmainternational.com.

Additional Information:

FDA In Vitro Diagnostics: Direct-to-Consumer Tests

Song Seto, Ph.D.

Song Seto, Ph.D.

More Resources

Change Management And Control

Change Management And Control

One of the biggest and most important aspects of quality management is a system to monitor changes and how they impact the product. Change management is an approach for changing processes or products in a way which adheres to regulatory standards by ensuring stability and consistency throughout processes. It applies across all changes within a process and throughout an entire products life cycle.
Aseptic Technique and Gowning

Aseptic Technique and Gowning

One of the most common techniques to prevent contamination of products and reduce quality impacts in the pharmaceutical industry is called aseptic gowning. Humans are the biggest sources of microbial contamination in cleanroom environments and therefore proper gowning procedures are essential to ensuring product quality. Proper training, education, hygiene, qualification, and authorization must be put in place and be required for entry to all clean room environments...
Importance of Pharmaceutical GMP

Importance of Pharmaceutical GMP

Having high quality standards is vital to any organization but is even more essential in the pharmaceutical industry. Practices that are governed by these standards are commonly called Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ensure consistent and controlled production of products. These practices govern all aspects and procedures within production and provide documented proof that procedures are consistently followed during the manufacturing processes every time products are made. They are designed to minimize risks throughout the manufacturing process that are not able to be eliminated in final product testing so that pharmaceuticals are safe for use...

Ready to learn more about working with us?

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This