CELLUGEL® is indicated for use during surgery in the anterior segment of the eye. CELLUGEL® is designed to create and maintain space, to protect the corneal endothelium and other intraocular tissues and to manipulate tissues during surgery. CELLUGEL® may also be used to coat intraocular lenses and instruments during cataract extraction and intraocular lens insertion.
Device Story
CELLUGEL® is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, viscoelastic solution containing 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in an isotonic buffer. Used during anterior segment surgery (e.g., cataract extraction, IOL insertion) to maintain anterior chamber depth, protect corneal endothelium, and manipulate intraocular tissues. Operated by ophthalmic surgeons in clinical settings. The device is injected into the eye to create space; it is removed via irrigation/aspiration at the end of surgery to prevent transient postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. Benefits include tissue protection and improved surgical visualization/manipulation. Clinical evidence demonstrates equivalence to marketed sodium hyaluronate OVDs in endothelial protection and IOP profiles.
Clinical Evidence
Two prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical studies (C-96-48, N=396; C-98-22, N=296) compared CELLUGEL to a marketed sodium hyaluronate OVD. Primary endpoints: endothelial cell density (6 months) and postoperative IOP. Results: CELLUGEL showed non-inferiority in endothelial protection (mean loss 3.6% vs 3.8% control) and IOP management. No significant differences in adverse events. Preclinical battery (ISO 10993) confirmed non-cytotoxic, non-hemolytic, and non-irritating properties.
Indicated for patients undergoing anterior segment eye surgery, including cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. No specific age or gender restrictions; contraindicated only by general surgical risks.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An intraocular fluid is a device consisting of a nongaseous fluid intended to be introduced into the eye to aid performance of surgery, such as to maintain anterior chamber depth, preserve tissue integrity, protect tissue from surgical trauma, or function as a tamponade during retinal reattachment.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
# SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
## I. General Information
A. Device Generic Name: Intraocular Fluid (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)
B. Device Trade Name: CELLUGEL®
Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device
C. Applicant's Name/Address: ALCON LABORATORIES, INC.
6201 South Freeway
Fort Worth, Texas 76134
D. Premarket Approval (PMA) Application Number: P990023
E. Date of Panel Recommendation: N/A
F. Dates of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Inspection: 07/02/1999
Manufacturing Site: Alcon-Couvreur SA
Rijksweg 14
B-2870 Puurs, Belgium
G. Date of Notice of Approval to the Applicant: FEB 24 2000
## II. Indications for Use
CELLUGEL® is indicated for use during surgery in the anterior segment of the eye.
CELLUGEL® is designed to create and maintain space, to protect the corneal endothelium and other intraocular tissues and to manipulate tissues during surgery.
CELLUGEL® may also be used to coat intraocular lenses and instruments during cataract extraction and intraocular lens insertion.
## III. Contraindications
At present, there are no known contraindications to the use of CELLUGEL® ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) when used as recommended.
{1}
Page 2 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
## IV. Precautions
Precautions are limited to those normally associated with the surgical procedure being performed. As with all ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, a transient rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) in the early postoperative period has been reported in some cases. It is therefore recommended that CELLUGEL® be removed by the anterior chamber by thorough irrigation and/or aspiration at the end of surgery to minimize post-operative IOP increases. IOP should be monitored postsurgically and appropriate therapy instituted if significant increases occur. In addition to the above, the following precautions should be observed:
- Do not reuse cannulas.
- Use only if material is clear.
- Avoid trapping air bubbles within CELLUGEL® before injection.
- This product contains dry natural rubber.
## V. Device Description
CELLUGEL® Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, noninflammatory viscoelastic solution of highly purified non-proteinaceous 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) with an average molecular weight of 300,000 daltons dissolved in an isotonic, physiological buffer.
Each milliliter of CELLUGEL® contains 2% HPMC, 0.525% sodium chloride, 0.075% potassium chloride, 0.048% calcium chloride, 0.03% magnesium chloride, 0.39% sodium acetate, 0.17% sodium citrate, and water for injection q.s.
The osmolarity of CELLUGEL® is 315 ± 35 mOsM/kg, the pH 7.2 ± 0.4, and the viscosity 30,000 ± 10,000 cps (at 0.2 sec⁻¹, 25°C).
## VI. Alternate Practices and Procedures
Prior to ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, air, gases, or irrigating solutions were utilized as anterior chamber maintainers and surgical aids. Numerous other ophthalmic viscosurgical devices exist today and have been on the market since 1983.
## VII. Marketing History
CELLUGEL® has been marketed and sold internationally between the years 1991-1996 by Vision Biology, Inc., (VBI) in countries whose Ministries of Health have approved the sale. Alcon Laboratories, Inc. purchased the device from VBI in 1996.
CELLUGEL® has been CE Marked by Alcon Laboratories, Inc., under the Medical Device Directive in February 1999. Product has been marketed in the EU bearing the CE Mark beginning in May 1999. More than 130,000 syringes have been marketed since
{2}
Page 3 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
1991. CELLUGEL® has not been removed from the market in any countries for reasons related to safety or effectiveness.
Table 1
VBI Approvals to Market CELLUGEL
| COUNTRY | APPROVAL DATE |
| --- | --- |
| Sweden | 8/26/88 |
| Hong Kong | 8/26/88 |
| The Netherlands | 8/26/88 |
| Chile | 8/26/88 |
| Switzerland | 8/26/88 |
| Portugal | 8/26/88 |
| Peru | 9/22/88 |
| Denmark | 1989 |
| Andorra | 1989 |
## VIII. Potential Adverse Effects of the Device on Health
In Clinical Studies C-96-48 and C-98-22, adverse events were reported in patients receiving CELLUGEL® and in patients receiving the control substance (a commercially available sodium hyaluronate viscoelastic that has been on the market for at least five years). In the two clinical studies, a total of 348 patients received CELLUGEL® and a total of 344 patients received the control OVD. Adverse events occurring at a frequency ≥ 1% are presented in Table 2. Adverse events occurring at a rate of < 1% are listed in the text following Table 2.
No patients were discontinued from C-98-22 and no patients were discontinued from C-96-48 due to a device-related adverse event.
{3}
Page 4 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
Table 2
Ophthalmological Adverse Events Occurring at a Rate ≥ 1%
| Observation | OVD | C-96-48^{a} | | C-98-22^{b} | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | N | % | N | % |
| External Slit-lamp Observations^{c} | Cellugel | 110 | 55.3 | 3 | 2.0 |
| | Control | 87 | 44.2 | 1 | 0.7 |
| Posterior Capsule Haze | Cellugel | 94 | 47.2 | 13 | 8.7 |
| | Control | 87 | 44.2 | 13 | 8.8 |
| Intraocular Slit-lamp Observations^{d} | Cellugel | 70 | 35.2 | | |
| | Control | 80 | 40.8 | | |
| Macular Degeneration | Cellugel | 34 | 17.1 | 17 | 11.4 |
| | Control | 34 | 17.3 | 20 | 13.6 |
| Lid Observations^{e} | Cellugel | 34 | 17.1 | 2 | 1.3 |
| | Control | 35 | 17.9 | 1 | 0.7 |
| Posterior Segment Observations^{f} | Cellugel | 26 | 13.1 | 2 | 1.3 |
| | Control | 24 | 12.2 | 4 | 2.7 |
| Nd: YAG Posterior Capsulotomy | Cellugel | 20 | 10.1 | | |
| | Control | 11 | 5.6 | | |
| Dry Eye^{g} | Cellugel | 11 | 5.5 | 5 | 3.4 |
| | Control | 8 | 4.1 | 2 | 1.4 |
| Iris Atrophy | Cellugel | 10 | 5.0 | | |
| | Control | 6 | 3.1 | | |
| Macular Edema | Cellugel | 9 | 4.5 | 1 | 0.7 |
| | Control | 8 | 4.1 | 3 | 2.0 |
| Secondary Glaucoma | Cellugel | 6 | 3.0 | | |
| | Control | 5 | 2.6 | | |
| Hyphema | Cellugel | 5 | 2.5 | | |
| | Control | 2 | 1.0 | | |
| IOL Repositioning or Exchange | Cellugel | 4 | 2.0 | | |
| | Control | 2 | 1.0 | | |
| IOP > 40 mmHg | Cellugel | 3 | 1.5 | 6 | 4.0 |
| | Control | 2 | 1.0 | 8 | 5.4 |
| Vitreous in the Anterior Chamber | Cellugel | 2 | 1.0 | 1 | 0.7 |
| | Control | 4 | 2.0 | | |
| Endothelial Damage | Cellugel | 2 | 1.0 | 3 | 2.0 |
| | Control | | | 3 | 2.0 |
| Cells (AC Cells ≥ grade 3) | Cellugel | | | 2 | 1.3 |
| | Control | | | | |
{4}
Page 5 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
| Corneal Edema (≥ grade 3) | Cellugel | | | 1 | 0.7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Control | | | 2 | 1.4 |
| Nd: YAG Anterior Synechiolysis | Cellugel | 2 | 1.0 | | |
| | Control | 1 | 0.5 | | |
| Retina Procedure | Cellugel | 2 | 1.0 | | |
| | Control | 4 | 2.0 | | |
| Lid Procedure | Cellugel | 2 | 1.0 | | |
| | Control | 3 | 1.5 | | |
| Conjunctival Cyst/Filament Removal | Cellugel | 2 | 1.0 | | |
| | Control | | | | |
| Subjective Complaints^{b} | Cellugel | | | 6 | 4.0 |
| | Control | | | 7 | 4.8 |
* Clinical Study C-96-48 - Cellugel (N = 199); Control (N = 196 with one patient not returning for follow-up).
* Clinical Study C-98-22 - Cellugel (N = 149); Control (N = 147).
* Includes conjunctival injection, conjunctival hemorrhage, superficial punctate, keratitis, ecchymosis, arcus senilus, conjunctival chemosis, pinguecula, subconjunctival hemorrhage, hyperemia, conjunctival gape and corneal abrasion.
* Includes corneal folds, Descemets folds, endothelial folds, striae, guttata, trace endothelial changes, cortical remnants, endothelial pigment, endothelial debris and microcystic corneal edema.
* Includes blepharitis, dermatochalasis, lid edema, ptosis, collarettes, and chalazion.
* Includes posterior capsular folds/wrinkling, retinal pigment epithelial changes and posterior vitreous detachment.
* Includes poor tear film.
* Includes foreign body sensation, ocular pain and diplopia.
Other ophthalmic adverse events considered unrelated to the use of the OVD and occurring among patients at a rate of <1% included: eye discomfort, IOL membrane, puritus, retinal hemorrhage, blurred vision, IOL repositioning with vitrectomy, removal of residual lens cortex and foreign body removal.
## IX. Summary of Preclinical Studies
An extensive battery of toxicity studies have been performed with CELLUGEL Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device to evaluate the safety of this material as an adjunctive device for use during intraocular surgery.
Toxicology testing was conducted in accordance with ISO 10993 and the draft ISO Viscoelastic standard (ISO/WD 15798.2). All tests were conducted in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (21 CFR 58) regulations.
{5}
Page 6 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
No evidence of cytotoxicity, hemolysis, sensitization, mutagenic potential, or ocular irritation was found in any test performed on CELLUGEL. The results of these studies are summarized:
Table 3
Toxicological Studies
| Study Type | Study Title | Species | Dose | # Animals Per Dose | Outcome |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cytotoxicity | In vitro Cytotoxicity Study (Agar Overlay Method) in the L929 Mouse Fibroblast Cell Line | L929 Mouse Fibroblast Cell | 0.1 mL | N/A | Noncytotoxic |
| | In vitro Cytotoxicity Study (MEM Elution) in the L929 Mouse Fibroblast Cell Line | L929 Mouse Fibroblast Cell | 25% Test solution | N/A | Noncytotoxic |
| Mutagenicity | Ames Mutagenicity | Salmonella typhimurium | 0.1 mL | N/A | No mutagenic effects |
| | E. coli Plate Incorporation Mutagenicity Assay | E. coli | 100 mg/mL | N/A | No mutagenic effects |
| Single Dose Toxicity | Acute Intraperito-neal Toxicity in Mice | Mouse (non-Swiss Albino CFI derived) | 6 mL/kg | 10 | 6 ml/kg, not a toxic dose |
| | Acute Oral Toxicity in the Rat | Rat (Sprague Dawley) | 5 g/kg | 10 | 5 g/kg, not a toxic dose |
| Immuno-genicity | Dermal Sensitization Study (Maximization Method) in Guinea Pig | Guinea pig | Induction 0.1 ml intra-dermal Induction | 10 | No immuno-genic effects |
{6}
Page 7 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
| Study Type | Study Title | Species | Dose | # Animals Per Dose | Outcome |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | and challenge 0.3 mL topical | | |
| | Systemic Antigenicity in the Guinea Pig | Guinea pig | 10 mL/kg of a 25% test solution | 6 | No immunogenic effects |
| Hemolysis | In vitro Hemolysis Study (direct contact) | N/A | 0.2 mL blood added to a 20% test solution | N/A | Nonhemolytic |
14
{7}
Page 8 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
| Study Type | Study Title | Species | Dose | # Animals Per Dose | Outcome |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Local Tolerance | Primary Skin Irritation Test in the rabbit | Rabbits (NZW) | 0.5 mL | 6 | Nonirritating |
| | Intraocular Irritation Study In the Rabbit (with Tonometry and Specular Photography) | Rabbits (NZW) | 0.15 mL anterior chamber | 6 | Nonirritating |
| | Intraocular Irritation Evaluation of CELLUGEL in rabbits | Rabbits (NZW) | 0.1 mL anterior chamber injection | 8 | Nonirritating |
| | Intraocular Irritation Evaluation of CELLUGEL in Primates | Cynomo-logous monkey | 0.1 mL anterior chamber injection | 4 | Nonirritating |
| | Intraocular Irritation Evaluation of CELLUGEL in Rabbits | Rabbits (NZW) | 0.1 mL posterior chamber injection | 8 | Nonirritating |
| | IOP and Ocular Irritation Evaluation | Rabbits (NZW) | 0.1 mL anterior chamber injection | 16 eyes | Nonirritating; No IOP raising potential |
## X. Summary of Clinical Studies
### A. Overview of Clinical Investigations
A total of five clinical studies were conducted using CELLUGEL® during the period of 1989 to 1999. Of these, two studies are presented in key support of safety and efficacy (C-98-22 and C-96-48). The remaining three studies were conducted outside the United States by Vision Biology (VBI) and are supportive of a safe and effective product (C-99-23, C-99-24, C-99-25).
The two key studies presented in support of safety and efficacy are Protocol C-96-48, conducted by Vision Biology, Inc., and Protocol C-98-22, conducted by
{8}
Page 9 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Clinical Protocol C-96-48 was a controlled, randomized, multicenter study among 396 patients which was designed to demonstrate that CELLUGEL® was: 1) equally effective to the control in its ability to protect corneal endothelial cells and maintain the anterior chamber during surgery and 2) equivalent to the control in its effects on postoperative IOP. Based on the results from this study, Clinical Protocol C-98-22 was designed to specifically address IOP elevation during the expected peak period, 6 hours postsurgery, since this data had not been collected during the previous C-96-48 clinical trial.
In order to obtain a more accurate representation of CELLUGEL®'s effect on IOP during the early postoperative period, no prophylactic medications were administered to patients in the C-98-22 study prior to the 6-hour IOP measurement.
The following table gives an overview of the two clinical studies that were considered key to support safety and effectiveness. These two studies compared CELLUGEL® to a marketed sodium hyaluronate viscosurgical device.
Table 4
CELLUGEL Clinical Studies
| Protocol Number | Countries | No. of Sites | Study Duration | Patient Follow-up | CELLUGEL Subjects | Control Subjects |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| C-96-48 | United States | 9 | 1/93-6/95 | 6 Months | 199 | 197 |
| C-98-22 | United States, Canada | 9 | 7/98-2/99 | 21 Days | 149 | 147 |
| TOTAL Key Studies^{a} | - | 18 | 1/93-2/99 | - | 348 | 344 |
## B. Patient Population and Accountability
### 1. Demographics
#### a. Clinical Study C-98-22
No statistically significant differences between CELLUGEL® and the control were found for gender, race, age category and iris color. The treatment groups were similar for mean age for all patients enrolled.
{9}
Page 10 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
b. Clinical Study C-96-48
No statistically significant differences between CELLUGEL® and the control were found for gender, age category and mean age among all patients enrolled. Information on patient race was not collected in this study. However, all patients who were eligible for the study were included.
Table 5
Key Studies C-98-22/C-96-48 Patient Demographics
| Key Studies | Treatment | Enrolled | Male | Female | Mean Age |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| C-98-22 | CELLUGEL | 149 | 53 | 96 | 71.7 |
| | Control | 147 | 51 | 96 | 73.5 |
| | Total | 296 | 104 | 192 | 72.6 |
| C-96-48 | CELLUGEL | 199 | 87 | 112 | 70.8 |
| | Control | 197 | 80 | 117 | 72.1 |
| | Total | 396 | 167 | 229 | 71.4 |
| TOTAL | | 692 | 271 | 421 | 71.9 |
2. Inclusion Criteria
Clinical Studies C-98-22 and C-96-48
The total study population included 692 patients (male or female), of any race, who were scheduled for the removal of a cataract with the implantation of an intraocular lens. In addition, Clinical Study C-96-48 allowed the inclusion of aphakic patients requiring secondary IOL implantation (1 patient).
3. Exclusion Criteria
a. Clinical Study C-98-22
Patients were excluded from this study if they had other planned surgical procedures or the planned use of an investigational intraocular lens. They were also excluded if they had glaucoma in either eye or ocular hypertension (IOP > 21 mmHg) in the operative eye. Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus were excluded from this study, as well as patients with any abnormality
{10}
Page 11 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
that prevented reliable Goldmann applanation tonometry. In addition, patients with lens pseudoexfoliation syndrome, previous ocular trauma to the operative eye, a history of chronic or recurrent inflammatory eye disease or a congenital ocular abnormality were excluded. Patients were also excluded if they had iris atrophy, significant endothelial guttata or corneal dystrophy.
b. Clinical Study C-96-48
Patients were excluded from participation if they had acute ocular infection or inflammation, chronic uveitis, iritis, iridocyclitis or rubeosis iritis, uncontrolled glaucoma, aniridia, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, iris atrophy, or systemic disease with ocular manifestations.
4. Patient Accountability
All patients who received the randomly assigned study device were evaluable for safety (Intent to Treat data set). A subset of the entire population was also used for some key analyses; this is the Per Protocol data set. The Per Protocol data set included those patients who met inclusion/exclusion criteria and complied with the protocol. In keeping with current standards for the analysis of clinical data, where a patient's fellow eye was enrolled into the study, the patient's second eye was removed from the Per Protocol data set (but remained in the Intent to Treat data set). In addition, a few patients experiencing significant vitreous loss during surgery were excluded from the Per Protocol data set (prior to revealing the treatment codes) as vitreous in the anterior chamber can elevate intraocular pressure and may confound the data. After breaking treatment code, it was observed that an equal number of patients in the CELLUGEL® and the control groups had been excluded.
In general for equivalence hypotheses, the Per Protocol analysis is a more conservative approach. Therefore, primarily Per Protocol analyses have been presented, where equivalence arguments have been made. However, in both studies, the Intent to Treat and Per Protocol data sets support the same conclusions.
{11}
Page 12 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
Table 6
Key Studies C-98-22/C-96-48 Patient Accountability
| Key Studies | Treatment | All Patients (Intent to Treat) | Per Protocol Patients | Patients who did not complete the study |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| C-98-22 | CELLUGEL | 149 | 140 | 0 |
| | Control | 147 | 140 | 0 |
| | Subtotal | 296 | 280 | 0 |
| C-96-48 | CELLUGEL | 199 | 169 | 20 |
| | Control | 197 | 164 | 25 |
| | Subtotal | 396 | 333 | 45 |
| TOTAL | | 692 | 613 | 45 |
a. Patients who did not complete the Study
1) Clinical Study C-98-22
All patients completed this 3-week study.
2) Clinical Study C-96-48
Forty-five patients did not complete the course of this 6-month study for the following reasons (Table 7). This attrition rate is not unusual for a study of this size and duration. The numbers of patients who did not complete the study were similar for both CELLUGEL® and the control groups. Although intercurrent illnesses, including those leading to death, occurred in this study, adverse events were not collected for these patients.
{12}
Page 13 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
Table 7
Reasons for Not Completing the Study (C-96-48)
| Reason | CELLUGEL | | Control | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | No. of Patients | Percent | No. of Patients | Percent |
| Lost to follow-up | 11 | 5.5% | 4 | 2.0% |
| Noncompliant with protocol | 7 | 3.5% | 10 | 5.0% |
| Patient requested withdrawal | 0 | 0% | 6 | 3.0% |
| Illness | 1 | 0.5% | 0 | 0% |
| Died | 1 | 0.5% | 5 | 2.5% |
| Total Patients in Study (N) | 199 | 10.0% | 197 | 12.5% |
C. Efficacy Results
1. Endothelial Cell Density
a. Clinical Study C-98-22
No endothelial cell density data were captured in this 21-day IOP study.
b. Clinical Study C-96-48
CELLUGEL® was similar to the control in its ability to protect corneal endothelial cells during cataract/IOL surgery.
Endothelial cell densities were measured by specular microscopy prior to and, again, 6 months following surgery in the C-96-48 study. Endothelial cell density losses were similar for both CELLUGEL® and the control in both the Per Protocol and Intent to Treat analyses. The mean percent change in cell density from baseline to 6 months was not statistically different between groups.
{13}
Page 14 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data

Figure 1
Change in Endothelial Cell Density (cells/mm²) at 6 Months (Per Protocol)
In the Per Protocol analyses, mean endothelial cell losses, measured at 6 months, were 3.6% and 3.8%, respectively when CELLUGEL (n=138) and control (n=130) were used to maintain anterior and posterior chamber spaces during surgery. At 6 months, CELLUGEL patients lost an average of 119 cells/mm², while control patients had lost an average of 135 cells/mm².
In the Intent to Treat analyses, endothelial cell loss was slightly higher in both groups although, again, the difference between groups was not statistically significantly different (CELLUGEL, 4.1%, n=152; control, 4.4%, n=146). At 6 months, CELLUGEL patients, on average, had lost an average of 127 cells/mm², while control patients had lost an average of 151 cells/mm².
The calculation of mean cell density change from baseline was based upon patient eyes that had a density measurement at both the preoperative baseline visit and the six-month postoperative visit. Patients who discontinued from the study and patients who were missing either a baseline or a 6-month endothelial cell density measurement were therefore excluded from analysis of the mean change from baseline.
{14}
Page 15 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
## 2. Anterior Chamber Maintenance
Efficacy was also evaluated by the viscoelastic's ability to maintain a deep anterior chamber depth during surgery. CELLUGEL® was equal to or better than the control in maintaining the anterior chamber depth during surgery as reported by the investigators.
### a. Clinical Study C-98-22
The viscoelastic's ability to maintain anterior chamber depth was a subjective evaluation, which was reported by the surgeon. In the Per Protocol data set, CELLUGEL® maintained the anterior chamber depth in a statistically significantly larger proportion of patients than did the control (p < 0.001). During anterior capsulotomy, CELLUGEL® maintained the anterior chamber depth in 97.9% of patients compared to 78.6% of the control patients. Thirty (21.4%) shallow anterior chamber depths were reported in the control patients compared to 3 (2.1%) CELLUGEL® patients.
During phacoemulsification, CELLUGEL® maintained the anterior chamber depth in a statistically significantly larger proportion of patients than did the control (p=0.005). The anterior chamber was maintained in 99% of the CELLUGEL® patients compared to 92% of the control patients.
During IOL insertion, CELLUGEL® and the control performed similarly (97.1 % Cellugel vs. 92.1 % Control) at maintaining the anterior chamber depth (p=0.109).
### b. Clinical Study C-96-48
In the Per Protocol data set, the viscoelastic maintained a normal anterior chamber depth in 99.4% of patient eyes in both CELLUGEL® and the control. Only one patient in each group was reported to develop a shallow anterior chamber depth during surgery.
{15}
Page 16 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
## D. Safety Results
### 1. Intraocular Pressure
#### a. Mean Intraocular Pressure
##### 1. Clinical Study C-98-22
Clinical Study C-98-22 was designed to evaluate the postoperative IOP profile of CELLUGEL® compared to the control. Patients received either CELLUGEL® or the control during cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. No prophylactic IOP-reducing medications were administered at surgery. Immediately following the 6-hour IOP measurement, physicians were allowed to administer IOP-reducing therapy if the IOP was ≥ 30 mmHg. At all subsequent visits, investigators were allowed to prescribe IOP-reducing therapy as needed. IOP-reducing therapies were administered to a similar number of patients in the CELLUGEL® (n = 24) and the control (n = 22) groups. With the exception of one control patient, all IOP-reducing therapies were discontinued the day following surgery.
CELLUGEL® and the control were statistically equivalent in their effects on postoperative intraocular pressure. This conclusion was based on a statistical test of noninferiority. At each visit, the upper 95% confidence limit for the mean difference in IOP between CELLUGEL® and the control was less than 3.5 mmHg for both the Per Protocol and Intent-to-Treat data sets. Table 8 presents the mean IOPs at each visit for the Per Protocol data set.
{16}
Page 17 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
Table 8
Mean IOP (mmHg) and Mean IOP Change From Baseline (mmHg) by Visit for Per Protocol (C-98-22)
| Treatment | | Visit | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | Baseline | 6 Hour | 24 Hour | Day 7 | Day 21 |
| CELLUGEL | Mean | 15.80 | 22.99 | 19.29 | 15.54 | 15.52 |
| | Std | 2.57 | 8.35 | 4.91 | 3.34 | 3.09 |
| | N | 140 | 139 | 140 | 140 | 140 |
| | Min | 9 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 8 |
| | Max | 21 | 54 | 36 | 24 | 24 |
| | Mean Chg. | - | 7.22 | 3.49 | -0.26 | -0.28 |
| Control | Mean | 15.94 | 21.63 | 19.58 | 15.38 | 14.96 |
| | Std | 2.65 | 7.91 | 5.93 | 3.11 | 3.14 |
| | N | 140 | 139 | 140 | 138 | 140 |
| | Min | 10 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 8 |
| | Max | 21 | 50 | 40 | 24 | 28 |
| | Mean Chg. | - | 5.71 | 3.64 | -0.60 | -0.98 |
| Difference (CELLUGEL-Control)^{b} | | -0.14 | 1.36 | -0.29 | 0.16 | 0.56 |
| Upper 95% Confidence Limit^{a,b} | | 0.47 | 2.43 | 0.77 | 1.23 | 1.62 |
a A one-sided 95% confidence interval was constructed. CELLUGEL® is noninferior to the control if the upper 95% confidence limit is less than 3.5 mmHg.
b Based upon the difference in Least Squares (LS) Means. The LSMeans may differ slightly from the Arithmetic Means.
2) Clinical Study C-96-48
The postoperative mean IOP results from Study C-98-22 are supported by the mean IOP data from a subpopulation in the C-96-48 study that was similar to the population of C-98-22 (non-glaucoma patients without prophylactic IOP therapy at surgery). There were no statistical differences between the mean IOPs at all visits for these patients (Table 9). [T-test of the largest difference (0.6 mmHg at Day 90) yields p > 0.05.]
{17}
Page 18 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
Table 9
Mean IOP (mmHg) in Nonglaucoma Patients Without Prophylactic IOP Therapy for Per Protocol (C-96-48)
| Treatment | | Visit | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | Baseline | 24 Hour | Day 7 | Day 30 | Day 90 | Day 180 |
| CELLUGEL | Mean | 15.8 | 19.0 | 14.7 | 14.7 | 13.9 | 14.4 |
| | Std | 2.4 | 6.5 | 2.7 | 2.8 | 2.5 | 2.9 |
| | N | 63 | 62 | 61 | 62 | 49 | 59 |
| | Min | 10 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| | Max | 21 | 38 | 19 | 23 | 18 | 24 |
| Control | Mean | 16.0 | 18.7 | 14.6 | 15.0 | 14.5 | 14.2 |
| | Std | 2.9 | 6.6 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.3 |
| | N | 70 | 70 | 69 | 65 | 56 | 60 |
| | Min | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 |
| | Max | 28 | 40 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 19 |
b. Frequency of IOPs ≥ 30 mmHg
1) Clinical Study C-98-22
With this study design, where prophylactic medications are prohibited, it can be useful to evaluate the frequency of patients presenting in the early postoperative period with IOPs ≥ 30 mmHg.
Table 10
Frequency of Patients With IOP ≥ 30 mm Hg for Per Protocol (C-98-22)
| | Treatment | | Visit | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | Baseline | 6 Hour | 24 Hour | Day 7 | Day 21 |
| IOP ≥ 30 mmHg | CELLUGEL | % | 0.0 | 15.8% | 4.3% | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| | | N | 0 | 22 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| | | Total | 140 | 139 | 140 | 140 | 140 |
| | Control | % | 0.0 | 12.2% | 8.6% | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| | | N | 0 | 17 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| | | Total | 140 | 139 | 140 | 138 | 140 |
The incidence of IOPs greater than or equal to 30 mmHg were evaluated in the C-98-22 IOP study. At 6 hours following surgery, 15.8% of the CELLUGEL® patients (n = 22) and 12.2% of the control patients
{18}
Page 19 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
(n = 17) had an IOP ≥ 30 mmHg. By 24 hours, a smaller percentage of CELLUGEL® patients had IOP ≥ 30 mmHg than the control; 4.3% of the CELLUGEL® (n = 6) and 8.6% of the control (n = 12) patients had an IOP ≥ 30 mmHg. These differences are not statistically significant (Fisher's Exact Test yields: p=0.49 at 6 hours and p=0.22 at 24 hours). By the Day 7 examination, there were no IOP elevations ≥ 30 mmHg.
2) Clinical Study C-96-48
In the C-96-48 Per Protocol group, the incidences of early IOP elevations ≥ 30 mmHg were similar to C-98-22. At 24 hours, 11 CELLUGEL® patients (6.5%) and 11 control patients (6.7%) had an IOP ≥ 30 mmHg. In the subgroup of Per Protocol patients without glaucoma who did not receive prophylactic IOP-reducing medication at surgery, the incidences of IOPs ≥ 30 mmHg were 9.7% in CELLUGEL® patients (n = 6) and 8.6% in the control patients (n = 6) at 24 hours.
2. Device Failures
There were no device failures or replacements reported during these clinical trials using CELLUGEL®.
XI. Conclusions Drawn from Studies
Results from these clinical studies support the following conclusions:
- CELLUGEL® is clinically equivalent to a marketed control OVD in protecting corneal endothelium cells and maintaining the anterior chamber depth during cataract surgery and IOL insertion.
- CELLUGEL® is clinically equivalent to a marketed control OVD in its effects on postoperative intraocular pressure.
- CELLUGEL® is reasonably safe and effective among patients undergoing cataract surgery and IOL implantation.
XII. Panel Recommendation
In accordance with the provisions of section 515(c)(2) of the act as amended by the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, this PMA was not referred to the Ophthalmic Devices Panel, an FDA advisory committee, for review and recommendation because the information in the PMA substantially duplicates information previously reviewed by this panel.
{19}
Page 20 - P990023
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
## XIII.CDRH Decision
FDA issued an approval order on **FEB 24 2000**. The applicant’s manufacturing facility was inspected on July 2, 1999 and was found to be in compliance with the device Good Manufacturing Practice regulations.
27
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
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.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
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.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
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.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
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.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
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.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
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.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
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.