BLASTASSIST WITHOUT PHENOL RED, MODEL REF 1215, BLASTASSIST WITH PHENOL RED, MODEL REF 1216
Applicant
Medicult A/S
Product Code
MQL · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Decision Date
Dec 18, 2008
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 884.6180
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
BlastAssist® and BlastAssist® with Phenol Red are used for culture of embryos from the 4-8 cell stage through to blastocyst stage. Can also be used for transfer,
Device Story
BlastAssist® and BlastAssist® with Phenol Red are sterile culture media used by assisted reproduction professionals in clinical settings. The media supports embryo development from the 4-8 cell stage to the blastocyst stage and facilitates embryo transfer. The formulation consists of a physiological salt solution supplemented with Synthetic Serum Replacement (SSR), human serum albumin (HSA), ethanolamine, amino acids, vitamins, and a stable form of L-glutamine. The device is supplied in 10 ml polyethylene vials. It is used as a chemical environment for ex vivo embryo maintenance, allowing clinicians to monitor and support development before implantation. The product is intended to provide a stable, nutrient-rich environment to improve embryo viability, potentially increasing the success rate of assisted reproductive procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Human study conducted to evaluate safety and effectiveness. No complaints or adverse events reported during the study. Product testing controls include batch testing for sterility, osmolality, pH, endotoxin, and Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA) per Ph. Eur. and USP standards.
Technological Characteristics
Physiological salt solution base; contains SSR, HSA, ethanolamine, amino acids, stable L-glutamine, vitamins, and antibiotics. Supplied in 10 ml polyethylene vials with screw top closures. Batch testing per Ph. Eur. and USP standards for sterility, osmolality, pH, endotoxin, and MEA.
Indications for Use
Indicated for culture of embryos from 4-8 cell stage to blastocyst stage and for embryo transfer in patients undergoing assisted reproduction.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Reproductive media and supplement are products that are used for assisted reproduction procedures. Media include liquid and powder versions of various substances that come in direct physical contact with human gametes or embryos (including water, acid solutions used to treat gametes or embryos, rinsing solutions, sperm separation media, supplements, or oil used to cover the media) for the purposes of preparation, maintenance, transfer or storage. Supplements are specific reagents added to media to enhance specific properties of the media (e.g., proteins, sera, antibiotics, etc.).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls) (mouse embryo assay information, endotoxin testing, sterilization validation, design specifications, labeling requirements, biocompatibility testing, and clinical testing). The device, when it is phosphate-buffered saline used for washing, and short-term handling and manipulation of gametes and embryos; culture oil used as an overlay for culture media containing gametes and embryos; and water for assisted reproduction applications, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 884.9.
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K080172
pg. 1 of 2
DEC 1 8 2008
## 510(K) SUMMARY Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information Supporting a Substantially Equivalent Determination
| Submitted by: | MediCult a/s<br>Møllehaven 12<br>4040 Jyllinge<br>Denmark<br>Telephone: + 45 46 79 02 00<br>Fax: + 45 46 79 03 00 |
|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact person: | Ronald G. Leonardi, Ph.D. |
#### Device Identification
Trade name: BlastAssist® and BlastAssist® with Phenol Red Common name: BlastAssist® and BlastAsist® with Phenol Red Classification name: Reproductive media and supplements (21 CFR 884.6180, Product Code MQL)
Date Submitted: January 23, 2008
### Predicate device:
BlastAssist System (K003156) from MediCult.
## Description
BlastAssist® and BlastAssist® with Phenol Red are defined sterile media, used by assisted reproduction professionals and intended for culture of embryos from the 4-8 cell stage to blastocyst stage and for embryo transfer.
The design of BlastAssist® and BlastAssist® with Phenol Red is based on BlastAssist® System Medium 2 ( K003156). The BlastAssist® medium is a salt solution added SSR (Synthetic Serum Replacement), HSA, ethanolamine, amino acids, a stable form of L-glutamine, vitamins and antibiotics.
BlastAssist® is supplied in 10 ml polyethylene plastic vials with screw top closures
## Intended use
BlastAssist® and BlastAssist® with Phenol Red are used for culture of embryos from the 4-8 cell stage through to blastocyst stage. Can also be used for transfer,
## Technological Characteristics
The technological characteristics of BlastAssist® are essentially similar to those of the predicate device as they have the same intended use and are based on a physiological salt solution with SSR and amino acids. However, BlastAssist® differs in the composition in containing vitamins and ethanolamine. This change does not affect the safety or effectiveness of the device. To prolong the stability of the product a stable form of glutamine has been added.
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Image /page/1/Picture/0 description: The image shows handwritten text that appears to be a combination of letters and numbers. The first line reads 'KOXO172', and the second line reads 'pg. 2 of 2'. The handwriting is somewhat stylized, with distinct strokes and varying line thickness.
### Performance data
BlastAssist® has been tested in a human study. The results showed that the product is effective and safe for its intended use. During our study no complaints and no adverse events has been registered in connection with the intended use.
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#### Product Testing Controls
Each batch of BlastAssist® is tested according to Ph. Eur. and USP for sterility, osmolality, pH, endotoxin and Mouse embryo Assay (MEA). Stability studies have been performed.
#### Conclusion
It is concluded that the safety and the effectiveness of the product for its intended use is shown in the present submission and that the product is substantial equivalence to the predicated device MediCult's BlastAssist® System (K003156).
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Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services USA. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract image of an eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
## DEC 1 8 2008
Medicult a/s % Ronald G. Leonardi, Ph.D. President R & R Registrations 9915 Caminto Chirimolla SAN DIEGO CA 92131
Re: K080172
> Trade/Device Name: BlastAssist® Regulation Number: 21 CFR §884.6180 Regulation Name: Assisted Reproductive Media and Supplements Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MQL Dated: December 1, 2008 Received: December 2, 2008
Dear Dr. Leonardi:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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## Page 2
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Office of Compliance at one of the following numbers, based on the regulation number at the top of this letter:
| 21 CFR 876.xxx | (Gastroenterology/Renal/Urology) | 240-276-0115 |
|----------------|----------------------------------|--------------|
| 21 CFR 884.xxx | (Obstetrics/Gynecology) | 240-276-0115 |
| 21 CFR 894.xxx | (Radiology) | 240-276-0120 |
| Other | | 240-276-0100 |
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding postmarket surveillance, please contact CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics' (OSB's) Division of Postmarket Surveillance at 240-276-3474. For questions regarding the reporting of device adverse events (Medical Device Reporting (MDR)), please contact the Division of Surveillance Systems at 240-276-3464. You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
logu M. Whang
Joyce M. Whang, Ph.D. Acting Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):
K080/72
Device Name:
BlastAssist®
Indications For Use:
BlastAssist® is for culture from the 4-8 cell stage through to blastocyst stage. Can also be used for embryo transfer.
Prescription Use x AND/OR Over-The-Counter Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Page 1 of 1
Helen Thomas
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, and Radiological Devices 510(k) Number_
{5}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):
(KNOWN).
Device Name:
BlastAssist® with Phenol Red
Indications For Use:
BlastAssist® with Phenol Red is for culture from the 4-8 cell stage through to blastocyst stage. Can also be used for embryo transfer.
1080172
Prescription Use _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AND/OR Over-The-Counter Use_ (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Page 1 of
Herbert Reimer
(Division Sign-Off) (Division Sign-On)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Division of Radiological Devices 510(k) Number.
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1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
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You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
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Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
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Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
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Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
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Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
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Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
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A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
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The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.